Princeton Playhouse Ensembles
Source: https://arts.princeton.edu/academics/theater/princeton-playhouse-ensembles/ Parent: https://arts.princeton.edu/academics/theater/
Theater & Music Theater
Show Menu ×
Princeton Playhouse Ensembles ---
Princeton Playhouse Choir
The Princeton Playhouse Choir is an ensemble housed jointly with the Lewis Center’s Program in Theater & Music Theater and the Music Department, focusing on repertoire beginning in a broad range of theatrical traditions and expanding into a realm of experimental and innovative music-making. The core of the group’s repertoire is music connected to theater and reimagined for creative ensemble configurations through new arrangements and interdisciplinary collaborations. Playhouse incorporates large and small ensemble singing, a cappella and accompanied singing, vocal solos, dance, spoken word, new music commissions, and collaborative projects with artists across departments to facilitate a vibrant and inclusive rehearsal environment.
Playhouse has performed at historic venues ranging from McCarter Theatre Center, Symphony Space, and the Princeton University’s Lewis Arts complex to Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater. Collaborations are at the center of the Playhouse experience. Recent workshop and performance collaborators range from Michael McElroy, Becca Stevens, Shariffa Ali, and the ensemble Third Reprise, to Nathan Schram, Aaron Landsman, Andrew Barth Feldman, Kenyon Duncan, and so many more. Stay tuned for an upcoming EP release of all original music this spring!
Members of the Playhouse Choir have access to subsidized voice lessons through the Department of Music, free Broadway/local show tickets, workshop and collaboration opportunities with guest professional artists, unique student leadership opportunities, a community of Playhouse alumni, and, most importantly, new friendships and memories to last a lifetime!
The Playhouse Choir is directed by Solon Snider Sway. Find out more information about choirs at Princeton.
The Playhouse Choir meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in McAlpin Hall at the basement level of the Woolworth Music Building.
Princeton Playhouse Orchestra
The Princeton Playhouse Orchestra is an instrumental chamber ensemble specializing in the performance of new music commissions, music theater repertoire, popular song, and film music. The group rehearses a handful of times each semester leading up to performances, sometimes with the Playhouse Choir, and sometimes on its own. To receive more information on participation in the Playhouse Orchestra, email Solon Snider Sway at solon.snider@princeton.edu.
The Playhouse Orchestra meets on select evenings, pending member availability.
How to Participate
2025-26 Auditions
Auditions are held in September. Email Solon Snider Sway at solon.snider@princeton.edu with questions.
Playhouse Events 25-26
- New Member Canoe Trip: Fall 2025
- Guest Artist Workshop
- Guest Performance at Trenton Arts at Princeton: October 2025
- Holiday Concert in the Lewis Arts Complex Forum: December 2025
- Playhouse Concert at McCarter Theatre Center’s Berlind Stage: February 21, 2026, at 7 PM (ft. special guests TBA)
- Spring Field Trip
- Playhouse New Works Festival at the Lewis Arts complex Wallace Theater: May 1-2, 2026
- Guest Performance at The Public Theater’s Joe’s Pub: Spring 2026 (ft. collaborations with the Young People’s Chorus of NYC, composer Julian Hornik, Broadway guests, and more TBA!)
- EP Release TBA
Playhouse Ensembles Featured Performances
Watch the world premiere of “In the Wind,” commissioned for the 2022-23 Playhouse Choir with lyrics by members of the group and music/additional lyrics by Kenyon Duncan. Featuring Playhouse Chamber Orchestra and spoken word by Destine Harrison-Williams ’26.
- March 1, 2025 — The Playhouse Ensembles, joined by Broadway performer and songwriter Becca Stevens, Grammy-winning violist and composer Nathan Schram, and others, present Foibles and Fables: Songs of Magic and Memory!
- December 12, 2024 — The Playhouse Choir Holiday Jam included original works, music theater classics, new arrangements, and small group holiday-themed performances.
- April 2024 — The Playhouse Ensembles performed in Princeton Arts Fellow Kamara Thomas’ new musical Xulgaria in the Lewis Arts complex Forum and recorded a cast album demo in Lee Music Room
- February 2024 — The Playhouse Ensembles, joined by Broadway stars Andrew Barth Feldman, Mykal Kilgore, and Kuhoo Verma alongside guest ensemble Third Reprise, presented a musical revue, From Wind to Wonder!, in the Berlind Theatre at McCarter Theatre Center. View the From Wind to Wonder! program
- November 2023 — The Playhouse Choir appeared in the Lewis Center for the Arts Public Works production of The Winter’s Tale at McCarter Theatre Center’s Berlind Theatre on Nov 10, 11-12, 2023.
- May 2023 — Story Time spring ensembles concert on May 6, 2023. View the Story Time program
- Winter 2022 — The Playhouse Choir & Chamber Orchestra joined Trenton Arts at Princeton for a special collaborative appearance in their Winter Showcase Performance on December 3, 2022.
- Fall 2022 — A Playhouse Panoply: Beloved Stories, Reimagined on Nov. 20, 2022
- Spring 2022 — The spring concert on April 30 explored songs from both commonly performed and under appreciated musical theater repertoire. View the spring 2022 concert program
- Fall 2021 — Princeton Playhouse Choir performed selections from the world premiere of Georgia Stitt’s new oratorio, The Circling Universe, through collaboration with the Princeton Atelier
Playhouse Ensembles Special Events, Workshops, Trips and Collaborations
- April 2024 — The Playhouse Choir hosted Broadway’s Samantha Williams for a performance workshop in rehearsal.
- March 2024 — The Playhouse Ensembles took a field trip to see Wicked on Broadway!
- October 2023 — The Playhouse Choir held a songwriting workshop with legendary songwriter Becca Stevens during rehearsal
- March 2023 — The Playhouse Choir hosted Broadway legend Michael McElroy for a solo performance masterclass and workshop rehearsal
- March 2023 — The Playhouse Choir traveled to NYC to see Parade on Broadway!
- February 2023 —The Playhouse Choir hosted composer Kenyon Duncan for a collaborative composition workshop
- November 2022 —The Playhouse Choir hosted conductor and composer Jim Papoulis for a collaborative composition and rhythm workshop
Playhouse Ensembles Sample Repertoire
- “A Playhouse Farewell” (1930s Musical Medley) — Sammy Fain/Irving Kahal, George/Ira Gershwin, and Herman Hupfeld, arr. Solon Snider Sway
- “As” by Stevie Wonder, arr. Becca Stevens and Nathan Schram
- “Beautiful City” from Godspell — Stephen Schwartz, arr. Farrah Rothman
- “Breathe” from In the Heights – Lin Manuel-Miranda, arr. Matt Cline ’27
- “Caution to the Wind” from Striking 12 — Val Vigoda ‘87, arr. Halle Mitchell ’23\ “Defying Gravity” from Wicked – Stephen Schwartz, arr. Michael McElroy and orch. Isaac Harlan
- “Fine and Dandy” from Fine and Dandy — Kay Swift and Paul James, arr. Solon Snider Sway
- “Hadestown Medley” from Hadestown — Anaïs Mitchell, arr. Farrah Rothman
- “Ice Cream Sunday” — Original Instrumental Piece by Matt Cline ’27
- “I Know a Place/Somewhere” — mashup of “I Know a Place” by the band MUNA and “Somewhere” from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, arr. Daniel Rudin
- “I Remember” from Evening Primrose — Stephen Sondheim, arr. Matt Cline ’27
- “In the Wind” — Commissioned for the 2022-2023 Playhouse Choir with lyrics by members of the group and music/additional lyrics by Kenyon Duncan
- “It’s Possible” from Seussical the Musical — Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, arr. Matt Cline ’27
- “Kaze” (A Studio Ghibli Medley) — Joe Hisaishi, arr. Gia Gan, orch. Griffin Strout
- “Love Will Find a Way” from Shuffle Along — Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle, arr. Kenyon Duncan
- “Magic to Do” from Pippin — Stephen Schwartz, arr. Matt Cline ’27
- “More/If It’s Magic/That’s the Way of the World”” – songs by Lawrence, Earth, Wind, & Fire, and Stevie Wonder, arr. Kenyon Duncan
- “My Story” — Commissioned for the 2022-2023 Playhouse Choir with lyrics by members of the group and music by Jim Papoulis
- “No One is Alone” from Into the Woods — Stephen Sondheim, arr. Daniel Rudin
- “O Pity, Oh the Shame” — Commissioned for the 2024-2025 Playhouse Ensembles with music and lyrics by Becca Stevens, arr. Nathan Schram
- “Opening Up” from Waitress — Sara Bareilles
- “Our Time” from Merrily We Roll Along — Stephen Sondheim, arr. Mac Huff
- “Overture” — Original Piece by Matt Cline ’27
- “Princess and the Frog Medley” from Princess and the Frog — Randy Newman, arr. Jerome Walker
- “Someone in the Crowd” from La La Land — Justin Hurwitz, arr. Marvel Jem ’28
- “Soon As I Get Home” from The Wiz — Charlie Smalls, arr. Kenyon Duncan
- “Sunday” from Sunday in the Park with George — Stephen Sondheim
- “Sweeney Todd Medley” from Sweeney Todd — Stephen Sondheim, orch. Farrah Rothman
- “The Circling Universe” — Selections from a 2021 oratorio composed by Georgia Stitt in collaboration with the Princeton Atelier
- “The Smallest World” — Commissioned for the 2023-2024 Playhouse Ensembles with music and lyrics by Kyle Brenn
- “The Song of Purple Summer” from Spring Awakening — Duncan Sheik
- “The Quest” — Instrumental Medley from Man of La Mancha by Mitch Leigh, orch. Griffin Strout
- “The Winter’s Tale” — Selections from Todd Almond’s score (premiered at the Public Theater in 2010) for a community-engaged production in Princeton University’s Berlind Theatre (2023)
- “They Say It’s Wonderful” from Annie Get Your Gun — Irving Berlin, arr. Halle Mitchell ’23
- “What’s Inside” from Waitress — Sara Bareilles
- “Why We Tell the Story” from Once on this Island – Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
- “Xulgaria” — 2024 original musical composed for the group by Princeton Arts Fellow Kamara Thomas, arr. Jimmy Waltman ’23
Student Leadership
Ava is a Senior from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, studying English, Theater, and Dance. After two wonderful years as a member and choreographer, she is beyond thrilled to help lead this spectacular group! Off stage, she can be found coaching Trenton Youth Theater, college advising with Matriculate, and advocating for more sustainable art-making with Princeton Green Creatives.
Destine is thrilled (and occasionally surprised) to be serving as Co-President of the Playhouse Choir in 2025. A lover of all things music, theater, and anything funny, he believes that every rehearsal deserves at least one laugh, one wrong note, and one goosebump moment. When he’s not singing with the choir, you can probably find him writing plays, cracking jokes mid-scale warm-up, or convincing people that… yes, a dramatic exit is a valid form of stage presence. He is honored to help shape a choir community that is joyful, welcoming, and a little bit silly—because why sing together if you can’t also laugh together?
Angela is a senior from Los Angeles, California, majoring in physics with minors in computer science and musical theater. Aside from Playhouse, she is involved in Roaring 20 A Cappella, Triple 8 Dance Company, and Triangle Club. She hopes to make the most out of her Princeton career by embracing the arts and having a vibrant, performance-filled year!
Matt Cline ’27: Student Conductor
Matt Cline ‘27 is a junior from Shanghai, China, majoring in SPIA with a minor in Music (Conducting) and a certificate in History and the Practice of Diplomacy. At Princeton, Matt can be found playing trumpet in the Princeton University Orchestra and Jazz ensembles, singing Baritone with the Princeton Nassoons, and playing first base and outfield for the Club Baseball team. Matt is beyond excited to conduct and arrange for Playhouse Ensembles for the 2025-2026 school year!
Marvel Roth ’28: Student Conductor
Marvel Jem Roth ‘28 is a sophomore from Los Angeles, California, pursuing a major in Economics with minors in Music (composition) and Finance. Outside of Playhouse, she is in the Undergraduate Student Government, DJ’s for Athletics events, composes for various groups on and off campus, and performs as a collaborative pianist. Marvel is thrilled to compose, conduct, and arrange for the Playhouse Ensembles this year.
Kelly Billman ’28: Social Media Manager
Kelly is a sophomore in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Gonzales, California, who adores insects, dogs, and the beach. Her favorite hobby is painting, so if you’re looking for her on campus, she’s probably in an art room somewhere. If not, you’ll find her out for a long walk, in the library, or fulfilling her duties as captain of Princeton Club Softball. She is super excited to spend her sophomore year with Playhouse!
Jenna Mullin ’27: Community Engagement Officer
Jenna Mullin is a junior from Galloway, New Jersey, studying Computer Science, Cognitive Science, and Theater. Outside of Playhouse, she can be found lighting designing for shows all over campus, building a BB-8 droid with the Princeton University Robotics club, and acting at the LCA. Jenna is so excited to spend another year singing and performing with playhouse!
Evan Cantwell ’27: Social Chair
Evan is a junior from Fairfax, Virginia, majoring in ORFE and possibly minoring in COS and Classics. He loves Playhouse Choir’s awesome repertoire and singing the highest tenor notes the rep has to offer. Evan also sings in Glee Club, plays golf on the Club Golf Team, and proudly represents the B.S.E. Ballers for every Intramural Sport. He can’t wait for another awesome year with Playhouse, singing new epic pieces and welcoming new singers to the community!
Drew Comstock ’26: Social Chair and Emeritus President
Drew is from Aberdeen, South Dakota, and he’s excited to serve Playhouse Choir in whatever capacities are needed for the 2025-2026 school year. He is a Senior in the Math department pursuing minors in Classics and Linguistics. At Princeton, he has been in several theater productions and sings in Kindred Spirit A Cappella. He is also involved in PCF, and he wants you to join Playhouse Choir.
Foibles and Fables: Songs of Magic and Memory 2025 Concert
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Princeton Playhouse Ensembles perform during their spring 2025 concert. Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
- Prev
- Next
From Wind to Wonder! Berlind Theatre Concert 2024 Premiere
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Photo by Frank Wojciechowski
- Prev
- Next
Playhouse Highlights 2021-24
In February 2024, Princeton Playhouse is joined by several Broadway performers and musicians, including the viral, genre-bending Broadway ensemble Third Reprise and guest soloists Mykal Kilgore, Andrew Barth Feldman, and Kuhoo Verma. Photo credit: Jason Haberman photo
Melat Bekele ’24 sings a solo during the Playhouse "From Wind to Wonder!" concert at Berlind Theatre in February 2024. Photo credit: Jason Haberman photo
Tenor and bass voices of the Playhouse Choir perform during the "From Wind to Wonder!" concert at Berlind Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center, in February 2024. Photo credit: Jason Haberman photo.
Members of the Playhouse Choir perform a song and tap dance number during the "From Wind to Wonder!" concert at Berlind Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center, in February 2024. Photo credit: Jason Haberman photo
The Playhouse Choir sings the finale of "From Wind to Wonder!" at McCarter Theatre Center in Feburary 2024. Photo credit: Jason Haberman photo
Playhouse cast members sing "Breathe" from the musical In The Heights during the "From Wind to Wonder!" concert at Berlind Theatre in February 2024. Photo credit: Jason Haberman photo
The Playhouse Choir performs during the "From Wind to Wonder!" concert at Berlind Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center, in February 2024. Photo credit: Jason Haberman photo
The Playhouse Choir appears in the Lewis Center's production of the Public Works version of Shakespeare's The Winter’s Tale at McCarter Theatre Center in November 2023. Photo by Larry Levanti
Members of the 2022-23 Playhouse Ensembles perform during the spring 2023 concert held in the Wallace Theater at the Lewis Arts complex. Photo by Resonance Vision
2022-23 Playhouse Choir members hold "tree pose" during the spring 2023 concert held in the Wallace Theater at the Lewis Arts complex. Photo by Resonance Vision
2022-23 Playhouse Choir members perform a duet during the spring 2023 Playhouse concert held in the Wallace Theater at the Lewis Arts complex. Photo by Resonance Vision
2022-23 Playhouse Orchestra members perform during the spring 2023 Playhouse concert held in the Wallace Theater at the Lewis Arts complex. Photo by Resonance Vision
2022-23 Playhouse Choir members perform solos from the “Princess and the Frog Medley” from Princess and the Frog during the spring 2023 Playhouse concert held in the Wallace Theater at the Lewis Arts complex. Photo by Resonance Vision
Senior members of the 2022-23 Playhouse Choir members perform during the spring 2023 Playhouse concert held in the Wallace Theater at the Lewis Arts complex. Photo by Resonance Vision
Members of the 2022-23 Playhouse Choir took part in a solo performance masterclass and workshop rehearsal with Broadway legend Michael McElroy in March 2023. Photo by Resonance Vision
Broadway legend Michael McElroy works with Carrington Johnson '24 in a solo performance masterclass in March 2023. Photo by Resonance Vision
Members of the 2022-23 Playhouse Ensembles traveled to NYC to see “Parade” on Broadway in March 2023. Photo courtesy Solon Snider Sway
2022-23 Playhouse Ensembles perform during the fall 2022 Playhouse concert held in Lee Music Performance & Rehearsal Room at the Lewis Arts complex. Photo by Resonance Vision
2022-23 Playhouse Orchestra members perform during the fall 2022 Playhouse concert held in Lee Music Performance & Rehearsal Room at the Lewis Arts complex. Photo by Resonance Vision
2022-23 Playhouse Choir members perform a group solo during the fall 2022 Playhouse concert held in Lee Music Performance & Rehearsal Room at the Lewis Arts complex. Photo by Resonance Vision
2021-22 Princeton Playhouse Choir members Jamie Feder '23 and Neyci Gutierrez Valencia '23 perform "Soon As I Get Home" from The Wiz during the spring 2022 concert in the Forum. Photo by Resonance Vision
Musicians accompany the choir during the spring 2022 concert in the Forum. Photo by Resonance Vision
2021-22 Princeton Playhouse Choir members perform song selections during the spring concert in the Forum on April 30, 2022. Photo by Resonance Vision
Carrington Johnson '24 performs "Soon As I Get Home" from The Wiz during the Princeton Playhouse spring concert on April 30, 2022 in the Forum. Photo by Resonance Vision
2021-22 Princeton Playhouse Choir members perform song selections before an audience in the Forum. Photo by Resonance Vision
Solon Snider Sway conducts the Princeton Playhouse Choir's spring concert in the Forum on April 30, 2022. Photo by Resonance Vision
Juliana Wojtenko '23 and Aaron Ventresca '24 (center) perform "Fine and Dandy" from the musical Fine and Dandy. Photo by Resonance Vision
Led by Solon Snider Sway, the 2021-22 Princeton Playhouse Choir performs the song "Love Will Find a Way" from the musical Shuffle Along. Photo by Resonance Vision
Students of The Circling Universe (ATL 498) Atelier course perform their final class presentation with the Princeton Playhouse Choir featuring music from visiting lecturer Georgia Stitt and original student work at the Wallace Theater on Dec. 1, 2021. Photo by Jonathan Sweeney
Students of The Circling Universe (ATL 498) Atelier course perform their final class presentation with the Princeton Playhouse Choir featuring music from visiting lecturer Georgia Stitt and original student work at the Wallace Theater on Dec. 1, 2021. Photo by Jonathan Sweeney
Students of The Circling Universe (ATL 498) Atelier course perform their final class presentation with the Princeton Playhouse Choir featuring music from visiting lecturer Georgia Stitt and original student work at the Wallace Theater on Dec. 1, 2021. Photo by Jonathan Sweeney
Visiting lecturer Georgia Stitt plays piano as Solon Snider conducts the final class presentation of Circling Universe (ATL 498) Atelier course at the Wallace Theater on Dec. 1, 2021. Photo by Jonathan Sweeney
Students of The Circling Universe (ATL 498) Atelier course perform their final class presentation with the Princeton Playhouse Choir featuring music from visiting lecturer Georgia Stitt and original student work at the Wallace Theater on Dec. 1, 2021. Photo by Jonathan Sweeney
2021-22 Playhouse Choir members show off their new logo shirts. Photo courtesy Solon Snider
2021-22 Playhouse Choir members during rehearsal in McAlpin. Photo courtesy Solon Snider
2021-22 Playhouse Choir members socialize on a Tacoria night. Photo courtesy Solon Snider
- Prev
- Next