Many may not know that early in its life, the Harold Prince Theater at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts was used for live television tapings. Recent installations of cameras signal not a return to roots, but a sign of the times as the Center prepares for a fall season unlike any in its history.
“There’s no way to perfectly recreate the feeling of a live performance,” says Executive & Artistic Director Christopher Gruits. “But fortunately, the technology of our times gives us an opportunity to create a new kind of experience for our audiences.”
With a generous gift from Annenberg Center Overseer Paul Wiggin, W’82, WG’88, the Annenberg Center has been able to procure recording equipment and secure a digital streaming platform that will bring its exceptional programming to an even wider audience than before.
“Playing trumpet in the Jazz Ensemble was one of many great experiences I had as an undergraduate at Penn,” Wiggin says. “One of the highlights was a chance to play ‘A Night in Tunisia’ with the legendary Dizzy Gillespie. The Center has always had a special place in my heart, and I am proud to support them at this critical time.”
Many things will be familiar in the Center’s fall 2020-21 programming, including performances by world-class jazz artists like vocalist Veronica Swift and innovative dance troupes, including mainstays like PHILADANCO and the Martha Graham Dance Company. All livestream performances will include interactive elements through the streaming platform, such as Q&As with the artists and opportunities for audience participation.
“Though we wish we could open our doors to live audiences this year, we are delighted that we can still give artists a platform to tell their stories,” says Gruits. “Our digital events will give audiences a chance to connect directly and be even more engaged with fantastic artists.”
https://youtu.be/ZUhSLwDZNE4
Another new addition comes in the form of the revitalization of film at the Annenberg Center. Maori Holmes, Artistic Director for the influential Black Star Film Festival, will take on the roles of Mediamaker-in-Residence at the Annenberg School for Communication and Curator-at-Large for Film at the Annenberg Center.
“Maori’s role underscores the Center’s unique ability to act as a bridge between performing arts and studies of social and cultural issues, media, and communications,” says Gruits. “We are excited to reintroduce film at the Annenberg Center and support further integration of the arts in Penn’s academic mission.”
Although students are not populating campus, the Center is committed to remaining a part of their Penn experience. All students will have free access to streaming programs, with the Center planning virtual watch parties to help retain a sense of community. The digital streaming platform will be available for the entire Penn community to access, with special discounts for faculty, staff, and alumni—who can find out more about discounted pricing this season on the Annenberg Center website.
“I think a positive outcome of our move to digital streaming is that Penn parents and students can enjoy this programming from wherever they are, together,” says Gruits.
Support through The Power of Penn Campaign has helped the Annenberg Center undertake capital improvements and create special funds to support student engagement. As the Center prepares for the digital fall season, there is excitement and optimism—and exceptional talent—in the air.
“This is something new for all of us,” says Gruits. “But the performing arts are daring and innovative, and that’s the mindset we have as we approach our fall season. We can’t wait to show the world what these artists have to offer.”
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