Performing Arts
There is a performer in everyone.
On stage, backstage and on the world stage.
Penn Charter performing arts students study a wide variety of musical styles and genres in the classroom, perform on stage and learn technical theater backstage. They explore and discover their creative selves, putting on shows that encourage collaboration, hard work and self-expression.
Upcoming Performances
-
Kurtz Center for the Performing Arts
-
Kurtz Center for the Performing Arts
-
Kurtz
Kurtz
Performing Arts 2026 Season
Upper School Fall Play
A Day of Dreaming by Claudia Haas
Friday, November 6, 2026, 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 7, 2026, 2 p.m.
This dream play features a variety of stories about love and loss. We meet young people with powerful dreams that they write in a Dream Journal, hoping that if they write them down, they will come to fruition. The stories run the gamut from forging new connections to tough goodbyes. Tying the stories together is the love story of Charlie and Dancie whose love lasts to the great beyond. The play will take you on a magical mystery tour filled with intrigue, tenderness, and sweetness sprinkled with spice.
Running time: 65-75 minutes.
Lower School
Through joyful musical expression, the performing arts at Penn Charter cultivate friendships among students and create community. Our goal as music educators is not only to teach but also to provide opportunities for students to be seen through diverse musical opportunities.
Brad ford, director of Upper school bands
Many ways to explore
Students in every grade have the opportunity to explore music, rhythm, movement and dance.
Collaboration is key
Younger students collaborate with older students in the Upper School Band and a capella groups, participating in all-school musicals and showcasing their talents in the winter and spring concerts.
Choir and bells for grades 4 and 5
In 4th and 5th grade, students can elect to participate in Lower School Bells as part of after-school enrichment.
Middle School
Cross-divisional interaction makes the PC performing arts feel unique and cohesive. The theater arts leadership team cares deeply about each student and has created a safe place for all to try it out for the first time or to take things to a higher level.Soozung Rankin P '26
Band and Choir for Grade 6
All sixth graders perform in band and chorus as a way of developing core musical skills, and learn in small groups during instrument lessons.
Bring On the Ensembles
Middle schoolers can participate in ensembles such as Band, Jazz Band, String Ensemble, the Naturals and the Penn Singers.
Middle School Play and Musical
Each spring, there is a Middle School play or musical, and every four years, performers from all three school divisions collaborate on the All-School Musical.
Upper School
My favorite thing about the performing arts at Penn Charter is that I get to truly be myself and express myself through the arts. It’s a positive outlet and environment with amazing and supportive teachers.
AJ Bouie
Class of 2027
Many choices of ensembles
More than 30% of upper schoolers participate in at least one of more than a dozen music ensembles.
Annual play and musical
Every year a large number of students participate in the fall play or the spring musical.
Cozy venue for creatives
At the student-led showcase, an intimate performance venue, students share their creative work with peers through the Drama Club.
Electives galore
Upper School students can hone their acting, directing, writing, public speaking and producing skills through our catalog of theater and filmmaking electives.
Student Ensembles
All School
- Instrumental
- Choral
Lower School
- Penn Pals
- Handbell Choir
Middle School
- Penn Singers
- Naturals
- Band
- Jazz Band
- String Ensemble
Upper School
- Pit Orchestra
- Brass Ensemble
- Percussion Ensemble
- Jazz Quartet/Quintet
- Guitar Ensemble
- Charter Singers
- Quakers Dozen
- Girls a Cappella
- Boys a Cappella
- Symphonic Band
- Jazz Band
- String Ensemble
This community gave me the discipline and collaborative spirit that I needed to be a good student and the leadership and communication skills that I needed on athletic teams. Louella Whitaker
OPC '25
Performing Arts @ Penn Charter