WHYY’s arts and culture reporter Peter Crimmins first became interested in radio in the fourth grade, when he smuggled a contraband crystal-diode radio into the Boy Scout summer camp. Subsequent radio projects were more successful.
Crimmins has been reporting on arts and culture for WHYY News since 2010, as well as filing award-winning radio and print stories locally and nationally. He started his career in the San Francisco Bay Area, cutting his teeth at community station KALX and producing syndicated radio programming for Ben Manilla Productions. He lives in Fishtown with his wife and two dogs.
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As fall theater season collapses, Opera Philadelphia pivots to film
Instead of producing opera for the stage, the company will turn operas into original films and release them on the company’s own online video channel.
5 years ago
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‘It’s the new normal’: Drive-in concertgoers embrace a new summer venue
Drive-ins are the socially distant live music venues of the summer of 2020. “I don’t ever want it to stop,” said one concertgoer at People’s Light in Malvern.
5 years ago
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Out of work for months, Philly event staff rally for more federal aid
“The live event industry was hit first, it was hit hardest, and will be the last to return,” said the head of the stagehands’ union.
5 years ago
Beer gardens pop up on the waterfront for Philly River Stroll
The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation brings back summertime food and drink, with COVID restrictions.
5 years ago
Drive-in concerts arrive in Philadelphia
Parking lots in the region are gearing up to host in-person, on-stage performances.
5 years ago
Listen 1:50
With the stage off limits, Wilma Theater tries something new: a radio play
The Wilma Theater will present its final production the 2019-20 season, the Afrofuturist work “Is God Is,” as a radio play — something it’s never done before.
5 years ago
Founding director of Philly theater group resigns after racism, harassment allegations
Facing allegations of racism and sexual harassment within his organization, PlayPenn’s founding director Paul Meshejian has resigned.
5 years ago
‘The Vaccinator vs. the Hug-Hater’: Writing contest offers kids’ views of the pandemic
A creative writing contest for 6- to 10-year-olds gave them an opportunity to reflect on their lives while sheltering in place. Here’s what they said.
5 years ago
Listen 5:07
Philly musicians pay homage to Elijah McClain and Mouhamed Cisse
Dozens of Philadelphia musicians gathered in Malcolm X Park to play in honor of Elijah McClain and Mouhamed Cisse.
5 years ago
Listen 3:35
Theater artists speak out against PlayPenn leadership
An organization that helps playwrights develop new work has come under fire with accusations of racism and sexual harassment.
6 years ago
Listen 1:37
Wax presidents, Black historical figures greet visitors at first Philly museum to reopen
The first Philadelphia museum to reopen premieres a touring show of Madame Tussauds wax figures.
6 years ago
Historic portraits of ‘outstanding’ Black Americans featured in new online exhibit
Pieces from a 1940s collection of portraits showcasing prominent Black Americans are back on virtual display in a new exhibition by the Pearl S. Buck House.
6 years ago
Listen 2:08