Editorials

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A smiling, sunny outdoor selfie of Alaina, a white woman, and Kyle, a Black man. They're both wearing sunglasses.

BSR Behind the Scenes: What does public relations have to do with arts journalism?

Going backstage at BSR: The PR connection
What does arts journalism have to do with PR? As arts writers and editors, we often work closely with PR people. How do we collaborate? And what are the boundaries between our roles? Alaina Johns explains in this BSR Behind the Scenes editorial.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 7 minute read
Backstage at a large theater: large white, red, and blue stage lights shine from the side through misty air.

As we close out 2023, BSR is taking you behind the scenes of our arts journalism

Going backstage at BSR
When we ask for your support, we want to be sure we’re stepping up to explain our work. But whether or not you can donate, if you’re a BSR reader, we bet you’ll enjoy this window on how our stories come to be.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 4 minute read
Montana on a yellow ladder, with no shirt and paint-splattered shorts, paints tree branches on the wall of the set.

A closer look at depictions of domestic violence in Gunnar Montana’s BLACK WOOD

What does it mean to empower survivors?
BLACK WOOD, the latest from Gunnar Montana Productions, is an immersive, creepy, atmospheric experience perfect for spooky season. But we shouldn’t view it without talking about the violence it depicts. Alaina Johns considers.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 6 minute read
Six diverse and colorful books laid in a row, partially overlapping.

Discover books by BSR writers

Is your favorite BSR writer an author, too? Find out here!
For the first time since BSR’s founding 18 years ago (wow, we know), we’re spotlighting books written by our contributors, who are some of the region’s top critics, essayists, and arts journalists. Dive in!
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 12 minute read
The museum’s boxy brick façade, with white trim. In front, a protestor holds a sign reading “this museum hosts facists”

“Meeting them where they are”: Museum of the American Revolution CEO on Moms for Liberty booking

Locals continue to rally against welcoming a “hate group”
Last week, the Museum of the American Revolution hosted a screening of Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia while protestors of an upcoming Moms for Liberty party at the museum gathered outside. Alaina Johns was there.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 5 minute read
The boxy, white-trimmed brick exterior and entry plaza at the museum on a sunny summer day.

Why are the Philly Marriott and Museum of the American Revolution opening their doors to Moms for Liberty?

Many in Philly say no to hosting “anti-government extremists”
The Philly Marriott and Museum of the American Revolution are drawing criticism for hosting the anti-government, anti-education, anti-LGBTQ+ nonprofit Moms for Liberty. It’s not just a difference of opinion. Alaina Johns considers.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 6 minute read
A multiracial group of 10 GPCA advocates hold signs supporting arts funding outside of Philly’s City Hall.

Arts advocates rally again to fight proposed cuts to the Philadelphia Cultural Fund

“Dare to imagine” what arts funding can do
In Fiscal Year 2023, the Philadelphia Cultural Fund received $5.5 million in city funding—a lifeline for 275 PCF grantees this year (including BSR). But the mayor’s 2024 budget proposes a $2 million cut. We speak with GPCA CEO Patricia Wilson Aden.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 6 minute read
Nézet-Séguin passionately conducts Trifonov on a gleaming grand piano, with orchestra members around them.

Are Philly arts-goers incapable of silencing their phones?

Even Yannick has had it.
At last week’s Philadelphia Orchestra concert, Yannick Nézet-Séguin was so frustrated by repeatedly ringing phones that he stopped the music. What’s behind the growing smartphone scourge? Alaina Johns considers.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 5 minute read
McAdams, with frosted feathery hair, stands by Fortson, with dark hair & a blue cardigan, looking uncomfy & embarrassed

Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret, the movie, joins a modern movement for lifelong sex ed

Reading is a human right
A fairly faithful adaptation of Judy Blume’s classic 1970 novel is hitting theaters. It expands the stories of three generations of women, reminding us that it’s not just tweens who are in transition. Alaina Johns considers.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 5 minute read
The moderators and 9 candidates, standing at individual black podiums in a slightly curved line on the Kimmel stage.

Will Philly’s next mayor fund arts and culture?

The Mayoral Forum on the Performing Arts and Cultural Economy
At this Kimmel Center debate, nine candidates for mayor took questions about how our cultural sector fits into their platform. Alaina Johns was there.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 6 minute read