The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, August 2026
Picks for this year’s BlackStar Film Festival
BlackStar Film Festival returns with 91 films from more than 30 countries in its 15th year, in addition to conversations, performances, and community gatherings throughout the city. Kyle V. Hiller rounds up.
Previews
5 minute read
Saying goodbye to longtime BSR associate editor Kyle V. Hiller
Facing a new era at BSR
After more than seven years as an editor with BSR, Kyle is departing our team and heading into a new era. He has been instrumental at a time that was both formative and historic for us. Join Alaina Johns in appreciating him.
Editorials
6 minute read
Ted Linden and Chromatic Films presents You Are Here
A scary sight in your neighborhood mall
A local teenager made the Backrooms of Bucks County at the mostly abandoned Neshaminy Mall. Stephen Silver profiles.
Profiles
4 minute read
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A new museum about medicine opens at Pennsylvania Hospital
Explore the foundations of modern medicine at a historic Philly hospital
The new Pennsylvania Hospital Museum, a permanent exhibition now open in the historic Pine Building of Pennsylvania Hospital, explores the history of modern medicine in Philly. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.
Reviews
6 minute read
The Trump administration’s overhaul of the President’s House memorial reveals other lies
The fight continues over the tragic subversion of a Philly historic site
Under the cover of darkness, the federal government has dismantled an exhibit about slavery with displays that deny its legacy while promoting the president’s other obsessions and lies. Alaina Johns considers.
Editorials
7 minute read
The everlasting art of Anne Minich
Forever creative
Artist Anne Minich talks maintaining a daily routine centered around making art, the drive to keep going, and several decades of works. K.A. McFadden profiles.
Profiles
3 minute read
BSR Classical Interludes, August 2026
The magic and mystery of late summer music
A new Philly consortium works some magic, Organ Historical Society celebrates 70 years, and Longwood Gardens hosts an acoustically unique experience. Gail Obenreder previews.
Previews
3 minute read
Working the laughs with Yo Adrienne! Improv Festival
A weekend of shenanigans
Yo Adrienne Improv Festival celebrates Philadelphia’s vibrant improv scene with a weekend of nonstop shows, workshops, and jams. Kiran Pandey previews.
Previews
2 minute read
Rough Cuts builds new community as Philly’s only open mic for filmmakers
Philly’s emerging film artists find feedback and fellowship
Contrary to industry advice, emerging filmmakers don’t have to try to make movies by themselves. At Rough Cuts, Philly’s open mic screening club, they can get an honest, supportive take from their peers. Elijah Fischer visits.
Features
4 minute read
Woodmere presents Arc of Promise
The American experience, through the eyes of Philly artists from 1790 to today
Woodmere celebrates 250 through its own mission for showcasing Philly artists, marking America’s big birthday with works from 1790 to the present that reflect honestly on our history. Pamela Forsythe reviews.
Reviews
5 minute read
The BSR August 2026 repertory movie roundup
The Big Lebowski, Repo Man, Dekalog, Splatterfest and more
Classic films decorate the area, including a ten-part epic and an annual showing of The Big Lebowski. Stephen Silver previews.
Previews
5 minute read
Chris Davis and Lee Minora take us inside the Edinburgh Fringe
Go behind the scenes with two Fringe veterans, from bad reviews to performing abroad
Two veteran Philly Fringe artists, Chris Davis and Lee Minora, talk with Alaina Johns about what it takes to make the jump to Edinburgh, and why BSR coverage was key to the journey.
Features
7 minute read
The Month in Philly Dance for August and September 2026
Philly dance on a summer road trip
It’s the time of year where the Philadelphia dance companies hit the road and perform in the outskirts of the city and all the way up the turnpike in New York City. Camille Bacon-Smith previews.
Previews
3 minute read
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Also on BSR
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival presents Shakespeare’s Coriolanus
“Extreme Shakespeare” returns to Center Valley
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival presents Coriolanus in its Extreme Shakespeare style, staging the rarely performed tragedy to occasionally thrilling effect. Kiran Pandey reviews.
Reviews
3 minute read
Ensemble Arts Philly and the Shubert Organization present the national tour of The Notebook
We tell ourselves stories in order to live
The beloved romance of The Notebook makes an uneasy transition to the musical stage as the national tour stops at the Academy of Music through August 2, 2026. Cameron Kelsall reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, July 23-29, 2026
Summer theater out in the park
Outdoor theater performances in the Philly area, including the return of Shakespeare in Clark Park. Kyle V. Hiller rounds up.
Previews
3 minute read
BalletX presents Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince, adapted by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
A royal return
A sumptuous Little Prince, adapted from the classic story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry into a full-length ballet by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, returns better than ever in BalletX’s 2026 Summer Series. Melissa Strong reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, July 16-22, 2026
The art of tapestries, impactful films, and new plays
PlayPenn hosts its New Play Development Conference, two film festivals highlight marginalized voices, and a new exhibition opens at Fabric Workshop and Museum. Kyle V. Hiller rounds up.
Previews
3 minute read
The HELP US HELP YOU arts PR webinar is back for 2026!
Learn how to land coverage at BSR and beyond with our virtual class
Have you ever wondered how BSR stories are published, or how to get a BSR writer to come to your event? Join our July 22 Zoom session and find out.
Previews
2 minute read
Behind the Philly boom of pay-what-you-can theater tickets
Theaters are experimenting with ticket prices. What does this mean for artists and audiences?
As Philly theater festivals experiment with "pay-what-you-can" ticketing structures, how does this really affect companies, artists, and audiences? Gauri Mangala finds out.
Features
8 minute read
People’s Light and Arkansas Repertory Theatre present Fats Waller’s Ain’t Misbehavin’
The joint is jumpin’
A tribute to Fats Waller and his contemporaries, People’s Light’s Ain’t Misbehavin’ is a high-energy love letter to the Harlem Renaissance and Black joy. Mina Reinckens reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
Theatre Horizon and the Wilma Theater tap new artistic directors
Prolific Philly theater artists Amina Robinson and Lindsay Smiling step into new leadership roles
It’s rare for an artistic director job to come open at a Philly-area theater, but Theatre Horizon and the Wilma each had big news this spring. Cameron Kelsall speaks with newly minted leaders Amina Robinson and Lindsay Smiling.
Features
5 minute read
Indecorous Theatre presents Shakespeare’s As You Like It
Transforming Roxborough into the Forest of Arden
Indecorous Theatre lives up to its name by leading the audience of its new As You Like It into the woods, where Shakespeare competes with the crickets. Josh Herren reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read