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
The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents Workshop of the World: Arts and Crafts in Philadelphia
When handmade confronted the machine age
For almost 200 years, Philly was the workshop of the world. A new exhibition at the PMA explores the response of 19th and 20th-century artists who challenged the norms of this era. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.
Reviews
6 minute read
The Philly Bookstore Crawl is back for its fourth year on August 22
Explore Philly’s thriving indie bookstore scene at this citywide event
Back for a fourth year, the Philly Bookstore Crawl continues to grow, with participating stores in every corner of the city and throughout the Philly suburbs. The 2026 crawl is on Saturday, August 22. Elijah Fischer previews.
Previews
3 minute read
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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
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
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
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
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
Through the lens of young artists with LensBright Initiative
Education in artmaking
LensBright Initiative from UPenn grads empowers students through storytelling and professional mentorship. Dara McBride profiles.
Profiles
2 minute read
Ted Linden and Chromatic Films present 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
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
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
The Brandywine Museum of Art presents By Design: The Worlds of Betsy James Wyeth
The woman behind the Wyeth world
The Brandywine Museum of Art celebrates the woman who was behind so much of the Wyeths’ vision and legacy, and who was an artist in her own right, with By Design: The Worlds of Betsy James Wyeth. Gail Obenreder reviews.
Reviews
5 minute read
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Also on BSR
Shakespeare in Clark Park presents Hamlet, adapted by Tai Verley and Cassandra Alexander
When everyone is Hamlet
For its 21st anniversary production, Shakespeare in Clark Park tackles Hamlet for the first time in a stirring and creative adaptation that turns Hamlet into a literal everyman. Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer reviews.
Reviews
5 minute read
Your August guide to 250th Anniversary events in the Philadelphia area
Highlights for lovers of art, science, history, and a historically good time
If you thought the Philly 250 calendar would quiet down in August, you were wrong. The region is bursting with special exhibitions, events, and festivals continuing to celebrate America’s big birthday. Walt Maguire rounds up.
Previews
12 minute read
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
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
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
The BSR August 2026 repertory movie roundup
The Big Lebowski, Repo Man, Dekalog, Splatterfest, and more
Classic films decorate the area, including a 10-part epic and an annual showing of The Big Lebowski. Stephen Silver previews.
Previews
5 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
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
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