Wilma Theater News

The Philadelphia chapter of the Live Events Coalition #WeMakeEvents is joining a nation-wide 'Red Alert' on September 1, when buildings, venues, and locations in Philadelphia and nationwide will light in red from 9PM to 12 midnight to raise public awareness that the Live Events Industry is on 'Red Alert' for its very survival.

The Wilma Theater's Portable Studio is seeking the public's assistance in creating a large-scale public art installation, '1,000 Cranes For Philly,' which will be safely installed using appropriate social distancing measures at Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission.

Like so many facets of our society brought to a halt by the coronavirus pandemic, the theatre industry currently finds itself at this terrifying impasse. Despite steep reservations and an unclear understanding of what constitutes risk for employees and audiences alike, many arts institutions have begun weighing their options when it comes to how and when to resume operations.

Instead of the annual production on the Common, CSC will present an online script-in-hand performance on Thursday, August 6 at 7:00PM, as a benefit to support CSC's 2021 production on the Boston Common, with the previously announced cast led by John Douglas Thompson* in the role of Prospero.

Two River Theater kicks off their exciting series of benefit play readings with 'Your Blues Ain't Sweet Like Mine' on Sunday, July 26 at 7:00pm EDT. The show originally premiered at Two River in 2015. This reading will feature an updated script by Tony-Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson. Broadwayworld had the pleasure of interviewing Merritt Janson about her career and the highly anticipated reading.

The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia  has announced their first ever full-length audio production, IS GOD IS, in collaboration with 2X2L Programme and Die Cast

The YouTube channel The Shows Must Go On! continues July 3 with the Celtic Tiger, starring famed Irish dancer-choreographer Michael Flatley.

The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia has put considerable thought into how they can bring their next season (beginning in late 2020 or early 2021) to audience members, all while ensuring that the health and safety of both patrons and artists remain a top priority.

The Stage Managers' Association has announced its annual Del Hughes Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Art of Stage Management.

The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia is pleased to announce the release of a new digital performance which takes its inspiration from absurdist theater (such as Beckett's NOT I) and the Wilma HotHouse Company's bold physical performance style, all recorded on iPhones.

Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation, the not-for-profit foundation of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, announced today that nominations for the Zelda Fichandler Award are now being accepted through July 10, 2020.

Studio Theatre, in collaboration with Studio Artist-in-Residence Psalmayene 24, is launching a three-part series of digital dance parties with conversation—Psalm's Salons at Studio—beginning June 25 at 5 p.m. The virtual salons are an online gathering space to highlight the work of Black creatives, signal boost local and Black-owned businesses, kick back to live music, and promote a sense of community. Salons will be hosted by Psalmayene 24 with original music from DJ Nick tha 1da, sampling from the Library of Congress's Citizen DJ tool, and a rotating panel of guests. Events in the series are free to view and will be streamed live on Studio Theatre's Facebook and YouTube pages.

To support the ongoing Justice for George Floyd and Black Lives Matter movements, The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia will stream their 2018 production of James Ijames' KILL MOVE PARADISE from today, June 8, 2020, to June 21, 2020, featuring members of the Wilma's HotHouse Company.

Works & Process, the performing arts series at the Guggenheim, presents a Virtual Works & Process: American Repertory Theater's Ocean Filibuster by PearlDamour on Monday, June 8, 2020 at 7:30pm. The event is free, but space is limited and RSVP is required at www.worksandprocess.org; a Zoom link and password will be emailed the day of the performance.

BalletX announces the cancellation of the company's annual Spring and Summer Series performances at The Wilma Theater, scheduled for July 1-25, due to public health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Wilma Theater and ComedySportz (CSz) Philadelphia, two cultural institutions who have individually provided audiences in Philadelphia with amazing theatrical and comedic experiences for over 20 years, have announced a one-time only virtual event.

Mabou Mines has  announced the expansion of the funding allowing the company to honor three artists with the 2020 RUTH MALECZECH AWARD. The awardees are JOHN KELLY, JENNIFER KIDWELL AND SHEILA TOUSEY.

The COVID-19 health pandemic has dramatically changed how arts organizations operate. The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia is no exception.

Today, Goodman Theatre makes available for online streaming its production of Jocelyn Bioh's School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play directed by Lili-Anne Brown, while performances are suspended to mitigate spread of COVID-19.

University of the Arts' Ira Brind School of Theater Arts has announced the lineup for the sixth annual Polyphone, a 'festival of the emerging musical.' The 5-day festival will take place in the Arts Bank and Wilma Theater on Broad Street in Philadelphia, April 7-11, 2020.