News and Updates
Middle Eastern Dance
Middle Eastern Dance at Pennsic War 52
The Cultural Affairs Division exists to assist attendees with various educational and cultural experiences during Pennsic. The Deputy Mayor of Cultural Affairs is directly responsible for managing the division and reports directly to the Mayor. In addition to the deputy mayor, Cultural Affairs contains departments necessary to facilitate these functions each of which is overseen by a department head. The Departments in Cultural Affairs most commonly facilitate functions and provide resources for attendees to conduct classes, displays, events, and other cultural activities. Unless otherwise noted, Cultural Affairs staff are not responsible for the content of those classes, displays, events, or other cultural activities.
Cultural Affairs Departments
Pennsic University
Pennsic University provides resources and limited logistical support to allow various classes to be conducted by Pennsic attendees. Pennsic University is not responsible for the content of classes nor is it responsible for changes or cancellations in classes during the event. Pennsic University provides multiple locations, tents, and facilities as part of official Pennsic infrastructure to facilitate classes. In general, tents and facilities are grouped in the Pennsic University blocks near the Great Hall or within “Bog U” located on the northeast section of the lake. Pennsic University Point is physically located at the corner of St. Lawrence Way and Chandler’s Road. Pennsic University Point checks in teachers, passes out teacher tokens, and provides general information for attendees about classes and schedules.
European Dance
The European Dance department provides logistical support for attendees who wish to learn or performing dancing events, including scheduling and physical facilities. These physical facilities include a large tent with dance floor and performing space as well as an amplification system for playing music appropriate to activities within the tent. European Dance also handles scheduling of all classes and events in the tent, but the content and conduct of these classes and events is the responsibility of attendees. European Dance is not responsible for events or classes related to this topic held outside of the official facilities provided by Pennsic. Any classes or events which are not managed through European Dance are considered private attendee events and are not entitled to use of Pennsic facilities or support.
Middle Eastern Dance
The Middle Eastern Dance department provides logistical support for attendees who wish to learn or performing dancing events, including scheduling and physical facilities. These physical facilities include a tent with dance floors. Middle Eastern Dance also handles scheduling of all classes and events in the tent, but the content and conduct of these classes and events is the responsibility of attendees. Middle Eastern Dance is not responsible for events or classes related to this topic held outside of the official facilities provided by Pennsic. Any classes or events which are not managed through Middle Eastern Dance are considered private attendee events and are not entitled to use of Pennsic facilities or support.
Performing Arts
The Performing Arts department provides facilities and limited support for groups wishing to conduct live performance events at Pennsic (e.g. plays, choral performances, musical performances, etc.). Performing Arts provides rehearsal tents (locations vary and scheduling is strictly first come, first served), a large tent with stage, and an amphitheater. Scheduling of any events on the stages is provided by Performing Arts. Groups wishing to use the stages are required to be trained on use of lighting by Performing Arts and are required to provide mandatory volunteer hours in support of the department.
Medieval Games
The Medieval Games department provides a tent and limited game boards and pieces associated with some games which existed prior to the modern era. The tent is for use for historical games only and is staffed by volunteers who can assist attendees in learning the games provided. Modern games are not allowed in the medieval games tent as a separate space is provided elsewhere on site for this use. Staff may also assist attendees in scheduling of gaming tournaments or other events. Classes held in the Medieval Games tent are scheduled through Pennsic University.
Family Point
Family Point exists to allow the conduct of various organized youth activities. Family Point tents are divided based on age groups and each tent is staffed by volunteers who have a valid background check confirmed by Family Point department staff. Family Point is generally opened each day from 9AM until noon and again from 1PM until 4PM. Additional teen and “tween” activities may be scheduled in the evening on an ad hoc basis. All activities conducted in Family Point tents are scheduled through the department. Family point does not function in any sense as a babysitting service and Family Point staff cannot be used to fulfill the requirement for an accountable adult/teenager as defined in the Pennsic site rules.
Staff
