Enhance Your Experience
The Annenberg Center offers many exciting pre- and post-performance events to learn from artists and Penn professors, chat with fellow arts lovers and experience the arts firsthand. We hope you will join us!
2010/11 Events
Pre-show chat with Terence Blanchard
October 3 @ 6 PM
Join Terence Blanchard and former New Orleans Mayor Marc H. Morial for a pre-show chat beginning at 6:00 PM. This event is free for all ticket holders.
Pre-show chat with Hugh Masekela
October 8
Join Carol Muller, Professor of Ethnomusicology at Penn, for a pre-show chat with Hugh Masekela that will explore South African music and its influence on the evolution of world music.
Post-show talk back with the Paul Taylor Dance Company
October 22
Join the Paul Taylor Dance Company for a talkback after the show in the Zellerbach Theatre.
Stories of Coal from Grammy® Award Winning Singer, Kathy Mattea
October 30 @ 1:30 PM
A champion of Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth, Kathy Mattea travels the country speaking about the importance of fighting global warming and the environmental and physical devastation of coal mining. This program relates to the 2010-11 University-wide theme “Year of Water” through its focus on environmentalism with attention to the effect of the coal mining industry’s practice of mountain-top removal which poisons the waterways. Mapping the internal and external landscapes of her coal journey, Mattea will reflect on her process as an environmental and social justice advocate and musician, and suggest directions for the future. This event will take place in the lobby of the Montgomery Theatre at the Annenberg Center from 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM. This event is free but you must reserve your tickets in advance. Click here to obtain tickets.
Post-show fan chat with Kathy Mattea
October 30
Join Kathy Mattea after the performance for a fan chat in the lobby.
Post-show talk back with Kathy Mattea's band
October 30
Join Kathy Mattea's band members for a post-show talkback in the Zellerbach Theatre.
Moment Work Workshops with the Tectonic Theater Project
November 8 and 9
Penn students and the Philadelphia theatre community are welcome to join the Tectonic Theater Project for a six-hour session focusing on Moment Work on November 8 from 10 AM - 4 PM. Led by Tectonic Theater writer and actor, Kelli Simpkins, these workshops will provide an in-depth overview of the technique.
At the core of the Tectonic Theater’s teaching method is Moment Work. Using laboratory setting, the technique encourages the participants to create work that is uniquely theatrical. It pushes writers, actors, designers and directors to collaborate in the making of work that focuses on using all theatrical elements. The technique breaks apart the traditional roles of theatre artists, enfranchising artists of all disciplines to move out of their defined roles and become theatre-makers: true investigators of the possibilities of the medium.
Exploring the elements of the stage, this workshop is an intensive hands-on introduction to Moment Work. In this workshop, students actively engage with the elements of the stage – exploring lights, sound, costumes, movement, text, architecture and other elements – to discover their full theatrical potential and the poetry inherent in each element. This experiment in theatrical language and form encourages students to think theatrically, to unlock their theatrical imagination, and to discover the multitude of ways that the elements of the stage can communicate. Participants are taught to analyze and critique the work from a structuralist perspective.
The workshops cost $15 and include lunch and light refreshments. Participants are encouraged to read The Laramie Project in advance as these workshops will use examples and exercises based on the script. Participants in these workshops are asked to bring the following with them: a prop (it can be anything simple), a costume piece or piece of clothing, something that makes sound (think outside the box, not a cd but rather a box of matches, tic-tacs, etc) and anything that makes light (Christmas lights, a cell phone, etc). Space is limited and advance registration is required.
- Click here to register for the November 8 workshop (10 AM - 4 PM)
If this session fills up the company may be available to conduct a second workshop on Tuesday, November 9.
A Conceptual Overview of Moment Work with the Tectonic Theater Project
November 10
Penn Theatre Arts students and Student Performing Arts students are welcome to join Tectonic Theater Project member Greg Pierotti on November 10 from 4 PM - 6 PM for a free workshop focusing on providing participants with a conceptual overview of the work done by Tectonic and how it differs from more conventional play creation. Students will then participate in some experimental exercises in Moment Work. Following that, Pierotti will present a brief analysis of how the dramaturgy of The Laramie Project was informed by the techniques and theory that was presented.
Using laboratory setting, the technique encourages the participants to create work that is uniquely theatrical. It pushes writers, actors, designers and directors to collaborate in the making of work that focuses on using all theatrical elements. The technique breaks apart the traditional roles of theater artists, enfranchising artists of all disciplines to move out of their defined roles and become theatre-makers: true investigators of the possibilities of the medium.
Participants are encouraged to read The Laramie Project in advance as this workshop will use examples and exercised based on the script. Space is limited and advance registration is required.
- Click here to register for the November 10 workshop (4 PM - 6 PM)
The Laramie Project Revisited – the Role of Theatre in Political Discourse
November 10
Penn LGBTQ students, faculty, staff and friends are invited to join Tectonic Theater Project member Greg Pierotti on November 10 from 7 PM - 9 PM for a free workshop that will delve into the history of The Laramie Project, its development and resonances on both personal and political levels, and the meaning and impact of Matthew Shepard’s story within the conversation around gender and sexuality in the United States. Following this, Pierotti will lead the group in a discussion about the role of theatre in political discourse and the impact of the recent spate of suicides in the LGBTQ community, provoked by hate speech and other anti-gay baiting.
Participants are encouraged to read The Laramie Project in advance as this workshop will use examples based on the script. Space is limited and advance registration is required.
- Click here to register for the November 10 workshop (7 PM - 9 PM)
Implementation and Enforcement of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act
Pre-show talk by Matt Nosanchuk
November 11
Join us for a pre-show lecture on the Matthew Shepard, James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act by Matt Nosanchuk, Senior Counselor to the Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, and representative for the Obama Administration on LGBT Issues. This event begins at 6:30 PM and is free for all ticket holders.
Post-show talkback with The Laramie Project cast
November 11
Join members of the cast for a post-show talkback facilitated by Dr. Katherine Sender, Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies at the Annenberg School for Communication and Matt Nosanchuk, Senior Counselor to the Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, and representative for the Obama Administration on LGBT Issues. This event will take place in the Zellerbach Theatre.
The Tectonic Theater Project and the Making of the Two Laramie Project Plays
Pre-show lecture by Tectonic Theater Project member Greg Reiner
November 12
Join us for a pre-show lecture by Tectonic Theater Project member Greg Reiner beginning at 7 PM. This event is free for all ticket holders.
Post-show talkback with The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later cast
November 12
Join members of the cast for a post-show talkback facilitated by Dr. Cary Mazer, Associate Professor of Theatre Arts and English, and Dr. Ty Furman, Director of University Life Arts Initiatives. This event will take place in the Zellerbach Theatre.
Pre-show lecture by Dr. Anita L. Allen
November 13
Join us for a pre-show lecture by Dr. Anita L. Allen entitled No, it’s Not Legal. This event begins at 7 PM and is free for all ticket holders.
Post-show talkback with The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later cast
November 13
Join us for a post-show talkback with the cast facilitated by Christopher Mallios, JD, Adjunct Faculty Member of the School of Social Policy & Practice. This event will take place after the 8 PM performance in the Zellerbach Theatre.
Pre- and post-show tango demonstrations
November 16
Join us to learn from and enjoy a pre-show tango demonstration by a local dance studio. Stay after the show for a demonstration by members of the Luis Bravo's Forever Tango company. Both events will take place in the Annenberg Center lobby.
Talk by Fiach Mac Conghail, Director/CEO of the Abbey Theatre
November 17
Join Fiach Mac Conghail, Director/CEO of the Abbey Theatre, at 3:30 PM in the Montgomery Theatre for a talk regarding the Abbey Theatre’s 20th Century history and 21st Century trajectory. The Abbey Theatre's production of Terminus will be at the Annenberg Center February 16 – 20. Click here to learn more about the Abbey Theatre. Tickets for this event are free but should be reserved in advance. Click here to reserve your seats or call the Annenberg Center Box Office at 215.898.3900. This event is open to Penn students, faculty and staff and to the Philadelphia theatre community.
Pre- and post-show tango demonstrations
November 17
Join us to learn from and enjoy a pre-show tango demonstration by a local dance studio. Stay after the show for a demonstration by members of the Luis Bravo's Forever Tango company. These events will take place before and after the 2 PM performance and will be held in the Annenberg Center lobby.
Pre- and post-show tango demonstrations
November 17
Join us to learn from and enjoy a pre-show tango demonstration by a local dance studio. Stay after the show for a demonstration by members of the Luis Bravo's Forever Tango company. These events will take place before and after the 7:30 PM performance and will be held in the Annenberg Center lobby.
Pre- and post-show tango demonstrations
November 18
Join us to learn from and enjoy a pre-show tango demonstration by a local dance studio. Stay after the show for a demonstration by members of the Luis Bravo's Forever Tango company. Both events will take place in the Annenberg Center lobby.
Pre- and post-show tango demonstrations
November 19
Join us to learn from and enjoy a pre-show tango demonstration by a local dance studio. Stay after the show for a demonstration by members of the Luis Bravo's Forever Tango company. Both events will take place in the Annenberg Center lobby.
Pre- and post-show tango demonstrations
November 20
Join us to learn from and enjoy a pre-show tango demonstration by a local dance studio. Stay after the show for a demonstration by members of the Luis Bravo's Forever Tango company. These events will take place before and after the 2 PM performance and will be held in the Annenberg Center lobby.
Pre- and post-show tango demonstrations
November 20
Join us to learn from and enjoy a pre-show tango demonstration by a local dance studio. Stay after the show for a demonstration by members of the Luis Bravo's Forever Tango company. These events will take place before and after the 8 PM performance and will be held in the Annenberg Center lobby.
Post-show talk back with the Parsons Dance
December 3
Join Parsons Dance for a talkback after the show in the Zellerbach Theatre.
Pre-show chat with the Ben Jaffe, Director and tuba player for the Preservation Hall Jazz Band
December 10 @ 7 PM
Join us for a pre-show chat with Ben Jaffe, Director and tuba player for the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The chat will be facilitated by Dr. Guthrie Ramsey, Edmund J. and Louise W. Kahn Term Professor of Music at Penn.
Post-show talk back with Keigwin + Company
January 21
Join Keigwin + Company for a talkback after the show in the Zellerbach Theatre.
Post-show talk back with Monica Bill Barnes & Company and Kate Weare Company
February 11
Join Monica Bill Barnes & Company and the Kate Weare Company for a talkback after the show in the Zellerbach Theatre.
Post-show audience chat
February 16
Join fellow audience members after the performance for a discussion led by David Fox, Associate Director, College Houses and Academic Services.
Post-show talk back with the TERMINUS cast
February 17
Stay after the performance for a talk back with members of the TERMINUS cast led by Father David Cregan O.S.A., Ph.D., Associate Professor for Theatre and English at Villanova University.
Pre-show chat with Christian McBride
February 26 @ 7 PM
Join Christian McBride for a pre-show chat facilitated by Lolita Jackson, Annenberg Center Board Member, jazz singer and former member of the Penn Gospel Choir. The event begins at 7:00 PM and is free for all ticket holders.
Post-show chat with Pilobolus
March 5
Stay after the performance for a post-show chat with Pilobolus. This event will take place after the 2 PM matinee performance.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo pre-show chat
March 18 @ 7 PM
Join Ladysmith Black Mambazo member Albert Mazibuko and manager Mitch Goldstein for a pre-show chat facilitated by Carol Muller, Professor of Ethnomusicology at Penn. Mazibuko has been a member of Ladysmith since 1969. Goldstein has been the group’s manager for the past twenty years, as well as the co-producer on their most recent CD, Songs From A Zulu Farm. This chat will begin at 7 PM and is free for all ticket holders.
Post-show chat with Tina Fabrique
March 22
Join Tina Fabrique, star of Ella The Musical, for a post-show chat facilitated by Dr. Herman Beavers, Associate Professor of English at Penn.
Post-show chat with Nnenna Freelon
April 1
Join Nnenna Freelon for a post-show chat facilitated by WRTI’s Jazz Music Director and Host Maureen Malloy.
Post-show talk back and demonstration with Basil Twist
April 6
Stay after the performance for a post-show talk back and demonstration with Petrushka creator Basil Twist and several puppeteers. This talk back will be facilitated by Deirdre Loughridge, Ph.D. candidate in Music at Penn.
Take 6 pre-show chat
April 30 @ 7 PM
Join Claude V. McKnight III, founder and lead tenor of Take 6, and Glenn Bryan, assistant vice president of community relations in the Office of Government and Community Affairs at Penn, for a pre-show chat beginning at 7 PM.
Post-show talk back with Aszure Barton & Artists
May 6
Join Aszure Barton & Artists for a talkback after the show in the Zellerbach Theatre.
Post-show talk back with the cast
May 19
Join us for a post-show talk back with members of the cast and Tim Smith, the Druid’s general manager. This event will be hosted by Father David Cregan O.S.A., Ph.D., Associate Professor for
Theatre and English at
Villanova University.
Post-show talk back with the cast
May 20
Join us for a post-show talk back with members of the cast and Tim Smith, the Druid’s general manager. This event will be hosted by Dr. Roslyn Blyn-LaDrew, a lecturer in Irish Gaelic for the Penn Language Center in the School of Arts and Sciences.
