<p>I'm trying to decide between Wharton and Columbia to apply to ED, and so far Wharton is winning in terms of academics and location (I love the idea of Columbia's core, but I get the sense it doesn't work out perfectly in practice). However, the performing arts are a huge part of my life, and I'm concerned about the opportunities I'll have at Penn vs those at Columbia. Apart from a cappella groups, what sorts of opportunities would I have at Penn in vocal music, musical theatre, jazz, experimental theatre, and dance (tap and contemporary)? Are Penn's arts facilities good? Also, how supportive is the student body in terms of things like attending performances?</p>
<p>Penn’s performing arts community is incredibly vigorous, well organized, and well supported. To get an idea of that, you should check out the web site for the Performing Arts Council, which is comprised of 4 sub-councils: (1) A Cappella Council (currently consisting of 14 separate a cappella groups); (2) Singers, Musicians, and Comedians (currently consisting of 13 separate singing, musical theatre/operetta, instrumental, and comedy groups); (3) Dance Arts Council (currently consisting of 13 separate dance groups); and (4) Theatre Arts Council (currently consisting of 7 separate theatre groups):</p>
<p>Many of these groups are based in the Platt Student Performing Arts House, which houses office and rehearsal space (and was donated by Penn alums Marc Platt–Hollywood and Broadway producer of “Wicked” and “Legally Blonde”–and his wife). Additionally, there are at least 6 or 7 theatres and performing arts spaces for student groups on campus. Penn easily has one of the largest and most comprehensive student performing arts communities at a school without a large academic performing arts program (the academic Theatre Arts Program and major are fairly small, although that program ALSO provides performing opportunities for students who are not Theatre Arts majors).</p>
<p>And on top of that, the student performing arts community is VERY well organized and provisioned (e.g., the Performing Arts Council maintains its own full-scale scenery shop just off campus). Hundreds–if not thousands-- of Penn students participate in the performing arts on campus every year, and some even go on to careers in the arts as performers, directors, and Hollywood and Broadway producers and execs. It really is an amazing program and community.</p>
<p>To add to 45 Percenter’s comments and answer your last question: the student body is incredibly supportive in terms of going to see performances. Almost every performing arts group on campus sells out at least some of their shows (and some sell out many more). I see a consistent trend of going to support fellow classmates and, honestly, a love of the work that other students put in to their performances consistently.</p>