After questioning the Walnut Street Theatre on Facebook, Philly performing artist Jenna Pinchbeck received a cease and desist letter on behalf of the Walnut and its artistic director, Bernar…
Last summer, BSR committed to keeping our coverage all-digital or all-outdoors until we saw a significant reduction in Covid-19 risk. Now we're ready for an update. Alaina Johns explains.
Lightning Rod Special launches a new series of audio works with 'Nosejob,' a story that connects a 9th-century nunnery to modern college kids, asking what really makes up our fantasies. Alai…
Some folks are worried about a day or two of vaccine side effects. Others handle symptoms like pain and fatigue for their whole lives. Alaina Johns considers how the vaccination line lets us…
The January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol traumatized many Americans, whether we were shocked by it, or we were seeing what we already knew to be true. Editor Alaina Johns affirms what ou…
If you've been curious about why BSR is describing as well as captioning the images we run, or if you want to understand why this is important, Alaina Johns has an update.
2020 has a lot to look back on, but we prefer to ask what about this agonizing, illuminating, terrifying year we're carrying into the future. Kyle V. Hiller and Alaina Johns consider.
Another COVID lockdown grips Philadelphia through the end of the year. Many arts organizations were already on a precipice. BSR seconds a campaign from the Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and…
Commentators across the country all have the same long list of examples proving that Philly takes no prisoners, but these viral round-ups are missing our artistic soul. Alaina Johns consider…
Lightning Rod Special's 'SUPERHOST' imagines an Airbnb that isn't as wonderful as it appears, in a recording for distanced theatergoers in search of something creepy. Alaina Johns reviews.
If we don't comment on the current White House, what can we comment on? Plenty, as it turns out"and focusing our energy away from the president is the perfect comment in itself. Alaina Johns…
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died on Friday night. On Monday, Alaina Johns contacted her senators (again). Does it even matter? Yes. Here's why.
Originally destined for live performances in a hotel, Die-Cast's 'Temporary Occupancy' is now an online experience that brings its travelers to our screen. Alaina Johns reviews.
'Disability Visibility,' a new first-person story collection that arrived along with the 30th anniversary of the ADA, is not about overcoming disability. It's a platform where diverse disabl…
BSR is taking its first-ever break, and will be dark from August 2 through 16. Editors Kyle V. Hiller and Alaina Johns explain why.
Four months into the pandemic, here's an update from editor Alaina Johns about BSR's approach to a reopening Philadelphia.
Arts journalists in the pandemic"just like all of us, really"are doing a job we never thought we'd have to do. Can we handle our new responsibilities? Alaina Johns considers.
Arts journalists in the pandemic"just like all of us, really"are doing a job we never thought we'd have to do. Can we handle our new responsibilities? Alaina Johns considers.
Last week, the Wilma made a splash with plans for a post-COVID stage, but the local community raised concerns about safety and accessibility. Alaina Johns asks if the pandemic can drive new …
Alaina Johns knows what it's like to live with chronic illness, and how it can make you feel like you have nothing left over when others need you. Can we reframe this experience to promote a…
Especially when our city is in crisis, BSR is a team. This is not the beginning of the work for editors Alaina and Kyle. And it's far from the end.
What was so bad about camping, anyway? After two and a half months of stay-at-home in South Philly, Alaina Johns tries to remember.
Our #FlattenTheCurve quarantine was hard enough when solidarity abounded and we stayed home together. But how does it feel when others decide to start venturing out? Alaina Johns is anxious.
Last week Mayor Jim Kenney released a proposed 2021 budget, revised for life during and after the pandemic. It would eliminate the city's arts office.
Some people are exclaiming about the benefits of canceled meetings"but if that means even more emails than before, Alaina Johns isn't ready.