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Our greatest actors transport us through the magic of fiction, one short story at a time. Sometimes funny. Always moving. Selected Shorts connects you to the world with a rich diversity of voices from literature, film, theater, and comedy. Hosted by Meg Wolitzer.

Selected Shorts

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Every week listeners hear stories about race and identity that expand their minds, and learn practical ways to make their lives better. It's lifelong learning that ranges from the big picture to tiny details and everything in between.
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Codeswitch / Life Kit

Every week listeners hear stories about race and identity that expand their minds, and learn practical ways to make their lives better. It's lifelong learning that ranges from the big picture to tiny details and everything in between.

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Arts & Entertainment

In a large open classroom at Philadelphia Ballet, many ballet dancers are rehearsing.
Dance
Philadelphia

Philadelphia Ballet completes new building on North Broad

A black box theater and event space make the ballet’s new headquarters accessible by the public.

3 days ago

Listen 1:23
Lily Allen performing
Things To Do
Community Events
Delaware
New Jersey
Philadelphia

Labor Day in Philly: Pickleball outside City Hall, Lily Allen at the Mann and First Friday gallery hopping in this week’s ‘Things to Do’

Sept. 3–6: From soul to pop, a strong concert lineup proves that Philly-area fans enjoy diverse genres of music.

4 days ago

Listen 5:31
the Academy of Natural Sciences exterior
Business
Philadelphia
Visual Arts

Philadelphia’s Academy of Natural Sciences museum is closing

The Academy will continue scientific research and public education, but its museum will go the way of the dinosaur.

5 days ago

Listen 1:00
Artists pose for a picture
History
Philadelphia
Visual Arts

Philadelphia City Hall art gallery remembers a federal act that put artists to work in the 1970s

The federal CETA program employed tens of thousands of artists with a 1973 jobs-training law. Its impact has been largely overlooked.

6 days ago

Listen 2:10
Blondshell performing
Music
Philadelphia

XPoNential Music Festival returns to Camden Sept. 18–20. Here’s who’s performing

For its 33rd iteration, XPNFest will set up shop at Wiggins Park on the Camden Waterfront with multiple acts, including Dawes and Little Feat.

1 week ago

Listen 0:46
Tim Curry, 1978
Performing Arts
Philadelphia
Billy Penn

These Philly burlesque performers put on a Tim Curry tribute weeks before his death

On August 2, Dr. Frank N. Furter, Wadsworth, Pennywise and more put on a special one-night show.

1 week ago

Emily Wilson, professor of classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania
Books
History
Philadelphia

A Penn professor’s ‘Odyssey’ became a cultural flashpoint. Now, she’s retranslating the whole thing

Emily Wilson's 2017 translation of “The Odyssey” is a million-seller. It's also not the end of the story.

1 week ago

Cooper DeJean smiles
Things To Do
Community Events
Delaware
New Jersey
Philadelphia

Philadelphia Cycling Classic returns, Chris Stapleton and a Cooper DeJean lookalike contest in this week’s ‘Things to Do’

Aug. 27–30: Lady A in Delaware, a drone show in Delco and a satirical take on Sherlock Holmes take center stage.

2 weeks ago

Listen 5:12
John Coltrane
Music
Performing Arts
Philadelphia
Billy Penn

Philly celebrates John Coltrane’s 100th birthday with $27,000 in grant funding for artists

Artists with a “soul-tie” to Coltrane’s music have the opportunity to showcase new ideas with Coltrane 100 Philly.

2 weeks ago

Dolly Parton waving to fans during a parade from a carriage, surrounded by pink and white flowers.
Music
Performing Arts
Philadelphia
Billy Penn

How Dolly Parton made her mark on Philadelphia

A look at some of the late country star’s most notable Philly appearances.

2 weeks ago

The Landmark Ritz Five movie theater
Business
Movies
Philadelphia
Visual Arts
Billy Penn

The Ritz Five movie theater in Old City is closed indefinitely

The city says the theater has violated Philadelphia’s fire code and needs to make appropriate changes before it can reopen.

2 weeks ago

Dolly Parton performs live for fans at Vector Arena on Feb. 7, 2014 in Auckland, New Zealand.
NPR
Music

Dolly Parton lived her motto: ‘More is more’

"I've always believed that a part of my magic, if there was any, was the fact that I look so artificial — but I am so totally real," Parton said in 2001.

2 weeks ago

Philly Art Map
Philadelphia
Visual Arts
Billy Penn

Can Philly Art Map replace Instagram for your latest local art news?

The new social media app shows you where to explore creative spaces around the city.

2 weeks ago

Dolly Parton holds up a children's book
Music
Performing Arts

Dolly Parton, music star, actor and beloved figure who spanned generations has died at 80

The beloved music and film star known for her vibrant personality and poignant songwriting has died at 80.

2 weeks ago

Performing Arts
Philadelphia
Billy Penn

How to Fringe: Your guide to Philly’s massive Fringe Festival

With more than 300 shows on the calendar, Fringe Festival has something for everyone. Here’s how to discover what’s up your alley.

2 weeks ago

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