by Walker Konkle, 2016-2017 PAC President

Over the years, it has become a prominent fact that arts education in K-12 schools can significantly increase test scores, creativity, motivation, and even language skills. Here is our question: If the arts can positively impact a teen’s life, then why not a college student? The answer is -- it can!

Studies indicate the performing arts can help students improve their grades in all academic subjects, and students who received a regular exposure to some form of art had a spike in brain activity, even at the smallest of levels. An additional benefit is better studying habits, because the performing arts teach students discipline, as those who practice the arts must set aside their own time to improve and rehearse their skills. These students need to learn from the regular feedback they receive and constantly develop new skills to become better at their craft. Further, the performing arts teach willpower. Students involved in the arts never giving up, even when they fail or feel like they aren’t improving at their craft.
 
Above all else, the performing arts are almost entirely about being creative and allowing yourself the freedom of expression.  Without this voice, a society is prone to become dead inside and most likely to become oppressive rather than using these sources for good. Although it may seem biased, the emergence of creativity is one of the most vital steps in human development, and it is proven that a human society cannot move forward without its existence.
 
If given the time, I could go on and on about the benefits of the arts and why they are so important to us. But in the end, the skills acquired while learning performing arts do not disappear when these students leave the stage or the studio. They are skills that stay with you for life.

With UPUA elections today, we spoke with each of the candidates for student body president to learn more about their experience with the arts and what they plan to do for arts organizations if elected.

What do you foresee as the largest issues for arts organizations on campus?What impact have the arts had on your personal, academic, and professional life?

Geisinger: Throughout my entire life, prior to coming to Penn State, I was known to most as being a dancer. When applying to college I had full intentions of double-majoring in Biology and Psychology and minoring in Dance. Unfortunately, my first semester took me by surprise and I had not realized the extent to which my studies and involvements with other organizations would take up my time. At Penn State, if you want to be a part of the Dance Program, you must apply and try-out all within your first semester here and most dance organizations hold practices at the late hours of the night- during which I dedicate my time to student government involvements.

Dance is very much the activity that has always been my peace of mind. Throughout my entire life I have had a passion for the arts in all walks- dance, musical, bands, orchestra, etc. Although I am unable to participate in these activities myself at the moment, I plan to re-involve myself post-graduation when I have more time to myself.

Jordan: For me personally, something I have always admired about Penn State is its talent. Whether that be talent in the classroom, talent on the playing field or talent within the arts. After being someone who's been involved in musical groups in high school, I was excited when I got to Penn State to see that the arts were held to a high standard. Being able to be at virtually any event on campus whether it be convocation or a night of remembrance for our lost students, music is always present in the Penn State community. Having this access makes me extremely thankful and has heightened my appreciate ion for the arts, especially at Penn State. And Alex completely agrees with this! For him as a former marching and concert band member, he was astounded at how the arts at Penn State are incorporated into daily life. 

What do you foresee as the largest issues for arts organizations on campus?

Geisinger: In my opinion, and the opinion of many representatives on my ticket, the biggest issue facing the arts organizations at Penn State is that the the communities seem to be extremely cut off from the rest of our student organizations.

What I have learned from my involvement in Penn State Lion Ambassadors is that there are immense ways for our arts organizations on campus to be showcased at other organization events. I think that a majority of our students do not recognize the extent to which we have developed organizations, programs and classes for the arts. Not only do we need to make the entire Penn State community aware of these entities, but we also need to make sure they appreciate them.

Jordan: Based on comments heard from performing groups, I noticed that one of the issues groups face is space for practicing. For example, I know many offices for preforming organizations are in the HUB, but when it comes to performing this may not be the best place where members feel comfortable. Furthermore, we know traveling to perform can be costly. Students should always have the opportunity to travel with their organization if they would like to show their talents, and Alex and I want to work with ASA in the future to make sure organizations have the resources to do so. 

During your term with UPUA, how do you plan to strengthen the arts at Penn State?

Geisinger: Something that we have already begun discussing as a team is ways in which we can help organizations, specifically the arts organizations, get in stronger contact and build closer relationships with one another. In preliminary endorsement meetings, we had the opportunity to ask specific questions to performance organizations about what they would like to see their relationship look like with UPUA in the future. One thing that we talked about was the development of a system that would work alongside what is currently in place with ASA, so that students are not fronting their own money for materials being used by the organization.

It is also important to remember that arts can not be arts without an audience. In order for the programs we have here to be as successful as they possibly can, we must ensure that students are interested in being that audience. In my opinion, it is UPUA’s responsibility to ensure that each student organization is reaching the highest level of success as possible. For the art’s organization this means helping them get the word out about events, helping spread the message of importance about the arts and our arts organizations, and developing a solid working relationship in the future.

Jordan: One ideal I am most passionate about in this world is collaboration. Collaboration is the key to success, and I can see performing organizations playing an essential role in reaching this goal. I plan to incorporate organizations in the conversation more. What better way to promote outreach than to have preforming organizations involved. Further, we mentioned working with ASA to ensure that all organizations have access to their funding. We know that it can be difficult for performing arts student organizations when they have to front their personal money to travel. 

It’s hard to believe that we are already starting our sixth week of school, but many of the theatre clubs here on campus have been prepping for their fall shows since the end of last year. The world of theatre is always moving, changing, and evolving, and the theatre community at Penn State is no different. This semester, all of the theatre groups on campus are working to create innovative pieces to impact and shape the Penn State community as a whole.

At this Tuesday's Theatre Preview, you'll have the opportunity to see pieces of these works in the HUB Flex Theater at 8PM. Tickets are $2 and will be sold Monday and Tuesday in the HUB and also at the door.

PAC is so excited to be partnering with the School of Theatre, the Penn State Thespians, No Refund Theatre, Wonderlust Theatre Company, and Full Ammo Improv Troupe to give you a full evening of entertainment.

You’ll see pieces from the opening show of the Penn State Thespians’ 120th season, Rock of Ages, which takes audiences back to the '80s through its songs and storytelling. PAC’s newest affiliate organization, Full Ammo Improv, will taking the stage to do an improv set entitled “Long Form Armando”.  No Refund Theatre will be presenting a scene from their upcoming production of The Odd Couple, which tells the story of friends Florence and Olive who are forced to live together and the shenanigans that come with their situation. Penn State’s newest theatre club, Wonderlust Theatre Company, will be performing a piece written by Vice President Kameron Villavicencio entitled The Feels, which made its debut in our last theatre preview. The School of Theatre will round out our evening with performances from their EVERY 28 HOURS project and songs from the first show of their season, Be More Chill.

Find out more about these projects and ways to get involved in the arts Tuesday night. We'll see you there!

Welcome from the 2016-2017 Executive Board of the Performing Arts Council! Thanks to former PAC President John Connolly and his amazing team, we are set up for what is going to be yet another incredible year.
 
In August, as we worked through our first meeting, we talked over numerous ideas about goals and core values that PAC holds close to its heart. After thorough contemplation, we narrowed down the mission of PAC into two words that work hand in hand with each other.
 
It is with great pleasure that we introduce to you the 2016-2017 theme for the Performing Arts Council: emPower And Create.
 
One of the most inspiring individuals of all time, Mr. Walt Disney, said, “You can design and create, and build the most wonderful thing or place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.”
 
We as artists have a unique ability because the performing arts are able unify and strengthen people in ways that nothing else can.
 
From one artist to another, I urge you to never stop creating. Never stop reaching for what is considered unattainable. Never stop fighting until you achieve your desired place. Never stop going towards what fulfills your heart.
 
As we begin this school year armed with a team of more than 25 members and 83 organizations, I am beyond excited to see how the performing arts serve as a catalyst to this university and beyond.
 
Sincerely,
 
Walker Konkle
PAC President