PennArts is a Pre-Orientation Program for incoming students sponsored by Platt Student Performing Arts House and the Undergraduate Assembly. During PennArts, students will have a variety of opportunities to learn more about the vast artistic offerings at Penn and throughout Philadelphia.
Participants will have the opportunities to do the following:
- Learn about academic offerings in the arts
- Discover Penn’s arts-focused centers
- Check out Philadelphia art institutions
- Get information about student clubs and leadership opportunities in the arts
- Meet new incoming students with a shared interest in the arts
- Learn about the Penn experience of upperclass student art leaders
- And more!
PennArts is not designed to build any particular skill or craft, but to be a fun way to explore all that Penn and Philadelphia have to offer.
PennArts is facilitated by upperclass students who have participated in and/or are leaders of arts organizations on campus. PennArts also introduces incoming students to faculty and staff in arts departments and centers at Penn.
Selection Process:
Participants will be selected based upon a careful review of the applications. Each application is reviewed and rated by student leaders of the program, and a consensus is reached. Those invited to participate will need to promptly complete registration forms and submit payment. Students may apply to other Pre-Orientation Programs as well. Students will only be able to participate in one Pre-Orientation Program.
After submitting your application, you should see a confirmation page. If you do not see a confirmation page, please contact Megan Edelman at edelmanm@upenn.edu to check and see if your application was received.
Cost of Program:
Each participant is required to pay $375. A scholarship is available for eligible students.
If you have questions, please contact Megan Edelman, Associate Director of Platt Student Performing Arts House, at edelmanm@upenn.edu.
Schedule:
The 2025 program will run from Saturday, August 16th through Wednesday, August 20st. The schedule below based on previous years will give a sense of some of the activities that will be planned. The 2025 schedule may differ.
Additional PennArts elements may be incorporated after New Student Orientation, including reunions, and more!
Day One:
- Fun and games the PennArts way at Platt Student Performing Arts House
- On-campus performance
- Quizzo
Day Two:
- Arts Classes
- Tour Campus Arts and Culture Centers
- Tie-Dyeing
- Leader Workshops
Day Three:
- Arts Classes
- Lunch at Reading Terminal and Philly Arts Tour
- Philadelphia live performance experience
Day Four:
- Arts Classes
- Tour Campus Arts and Culture Centers and Meet Arts Faculty
- Leader Workshops and Panel
- Balance and Wellness Session
Day Five:
- PennArts Showcase!
- New Student Orientation begins
The full 2025 PennArts schedule will be shared with participants by the start of the program. Participants are expected to attend all programs elements to the best of their ability.
For additional information, please contact Megan Edelman, Associate Director of Platt Student Performing Arts House, at edelmanm@upenn.edu or 215-898-215