Live performance is an exciting and essential part of the Theatre Arts Program's academic mission. Students are able to apply knowledge and techniques learned in the classroom to the rehearsal and production of a play or performance piece.

The Theatre Arts Program offers production opportunities every semester. Faculty-directed projects are taught as courses for credit, in which students can participate as actors or as part of the production team. Additionally, faculty-directed productions may also serve as a research laboratory for seniors undertaking honors theses projects in acting, dramaturgy, or design. On occasion, productions are mounted for individual majors who wish to pursue directing honors thesis projects. Auditions are open to all Penn undergraduates. 

One special opportunity offered by Theatre Arts is the “Edinburgh Project,” in which the program takes a small ensemble to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland and performs for a week in August. The Edinburgh Project is currently offered in alternating years. The piece is also performed on campus in the spring prior to travel.