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Student Talent Shines with Comedy, Drama, Music, and Dance
Bucks County Community College invites the public to a variety of student performances — ranging from comedy and drama to music and dance — from November 3 to December 8 that highlight the talents nurtured by the School of Arts and Communication.
“Through these performances, our students share with the community the results of their hard work and artistic growth — showcasing how a quality education in the arts can inspire, connect, and enliven,” said Dean Carolina Blatt, Ph.D. “I invite the community to campus to enjoy these performances and experience the tremendous musicianship and other talents of our students and faculty.”
Comedy and drama take center stage
The series opens and closes with the Bucks Student Comedy Improv Show at 7 p.m. Monday November 3, and again at 7 p.m. Monday, December 8, in the Zlock Performing Arts Center. Communication faculty member Jason Scott Quinn, a New York City-based actor and improvisor, has taught Introduction to Improvisational Performance at Bucks for eight years. Each show, which is free and open the public, features 12 students taking the course with Quinn this fall.
“The November show will be a shortform improv show, performing scenes and games inspired by your suggestions in the style of TV's ‘Whose Line is it Anyway,’” Quinn explained. “December is a longform improv show, during which each group of performers will act out an entirely improvised comedy based on a single suggestion.”
Next, the student-run Bucks Drama Club stages Louisa May Alcott’s classic “Little Women” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 19, Thursday, November 20, and Friday, November 21, in the Zlock Performing Arts Center.
Directed by Bucks Drama Club President Shane Laverty and Vice President Liam Sullivan, the play features Jane Gonzalez as Meg, Briahnna Fein as Jo, Zoe Mongeillo as Beth, and Emma Kohler as Amy, as well as an additional 14 cast members and a long list of crew members. Tickets for “Little Women” are $12 and can be purchased online.
A week of free music, song and dance in December
When the calendar turns to December, the spotlight turns to music and dance. The following free performances get underway at 7 p.m. in the Zlock Performing Arts Center, and tickets can be reserved online.
On Monday, December 1, the Bucks Percussion Ensemble performs on various pitched and non-pitched percussion instruments, covering music of varied historical, cultural, and stylistic backgrounds and genres. The eight students are under the direction of Professor Mark Pultorak, who has been teaching at Bucks for 27 years and has been a professional drummer for four decades.
That’s followed by the Bucks Cover Band Ensemble on Tuesday, December 2. Directed by professional guitarist and longtime professor John Sheridan, 14 students from different majors will perform multi-genre pop music.
On Wednesday, December 3, the BCCC Concert Choir and Madrigal Singers join forces for a holiday concert. Featuring Gabriel Fauré’s “Cantique de Jean Racine” as a centerpiece, the combined ensembles will sing holiday favorites, folk songs, patriotic pieces, and a medley of rock songs by artists who passed away in 2016.
The 35 singers are led by Professor Rochelle Reed, a 20-year faculty member and professional vocalist, and accompanied by Timothy Harrell, the organist and choirmaster at Trinity Episcopal Church in Solebury, Pa. Reed also directs the BCCC Concert Choir’s annual appearances performing The National Anthem at Citizen’s Bank Park before Philadelphia Phillies games.
The music ensembles are part of the highly acclaimed music curriculum in the School of Arts and Communication, which is designated as an All-Steinway School by the legendary piano maker.
Finally, the Fall Dance Showcase on Friday, December 5, promises an evening of diverse movement, expression, and innovation in dance.
“The showcase reflects the dedication, artistry, and growth demonstrated by the students throughout the semester,” noted Tia Kern, the dance program coordinator now in her sixth year at the College. “The program highlights both individual expression and collaborative effort, showcasing the dynamic energy of the department as a whole.”
This year’s program features performances from 20 student dancers, the debut of original works by the department’s composition students, pieces choreographed by faculty, and a special performance by the College’s dance team.
Bucks County Community College is an accredited institutional member of both the National Association of Schools of Music and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, a distinction held by very few community colleges in the nation.
All performances take place in the Zlock Performing Arts Center on the College’s Newtown Campus, located at 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, Pa., where there’s ample free parking.
Get a Taste of Your Future at Culinary Arts Open House October 29
Tour state-of-the-art culinary facilities, watch cooking demonstrations, sample foods prepared by culinary students, and meet chef instructors from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Bucks County Community College, which has been launching careers for more than 60 years, invites prospective students to a Culinary Arts Open House from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 29, in Founders Hall on the Newtown Campus.
Attendees will learn about associate degrees and certificates in the Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry Arts programs. Each program of study prepares graduates for various culinary positions in restaurants, bakeries, catering, institutional food service, the hospitality industry, and more.
Professor and chef John Angeline, coordinator of the culinary and hospitality programs in the College’s School of Business, Innovation and Legal Studies, says the industry’s job outlook is strong.
“Employment in the culinary industry is projected to grow about 7–to-8 percent through 2033 – faster than the average for all occupations — as the restaurant sector continues to expand and add hundreds of thousands of new jobs nationwide,” said Angeline.
What’s more, Bucks County Community College’s culinary programs help students get immediate experience, Angeline noted.
“Our programs stand out for their immersive, hands-on learning experiences, mentorship from industry professionals, and strong career connections that prepare students for success from day one,” Angeline added.
During the open house, attendees can also tour the state-of-the-art culinary facilities, meet chef-instructors as they hold demonstrations in the kitchen, sample cuisine prepared by Bucks culinary arts students, and talk to current culinary students and alumni. Representatives from the admissions office will also be on hand to provide information about how to apply.
Bucks County Community College is located at 275 Swamp Rd., Newtown, Pa., where there is ample free parking. For a campus map and directions, visit our Newtown Campus web page.
For further information, contact the School of Business, Innovation and Legal Studies at business@bucks.edu or call 215-968-8227.
Celebrate the Spooky Season with ‘Transylvania Thunder’ and ‘Monster Rally’
Get ready for a frightfully fun time at Bucks County Community College this Halloween season with a live concert and spooky silver screen classics.
First, “Transylvania Thunder” rolls in at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 25. This spine-tingling spectacle combines live rock music, eerie storytelling, dancers, lighting, and narration in a Halloween-themed rock opera that will leave you howling for more.
“‘Transylvania Thunder’ is a fully immersive experience for the whole family that brings something bold, new, and unforgettable to the Halloween season,” said Pete Chiovarou, director of community programming and college events. “It fuses the energy of a concert with the magic of Broadway and the nostalgic spirit of fall. And beware of the ghosts and ghouls lurking in the ‘graveyard’ lobby when you enter the theater!”
Tickets for “Transylvania Thunder” are $39 each, and free for BCCC students with current ID.
The chills continue with “Monster Rally” October 28, 29 and 30, a creature-feature film series that resurrects Hollywood’s most famous monsters from Universal Studios:
7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28: “Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein” and “Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman”
7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29: “House of Dracula” and “House of Frankenstein”
12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30: “House on Haunted Hill”
Tickets for “Monster Rally” are $7 for each date, and free for BCCC students with current ID.
All performances take place in the Zlock Performing Arts Center on Bucks’ Newtown Campus, located at 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, Pa., where there’s ample free parking. Tickets are available on the website.
“Transylvania Thunder” and “Monster Rally” are part of the Bucks Live! series of innovative programs that entertain, inspire, and enrich Bucks County’s cultural landscape. For a full schedule of Bucks Live! performances this season, visit the Zlock Performing Arts Center web page.
Wordsmiths Reading Series Welcomes Lynn Fanok
Bucks County Community College invites the public to hear poet Lynn Fanok read from her works at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, October 23, as part of its Wordsmiths Reading Series.
The free event, in room 142 of Tyler Hall on the Newtown Campus, will be followed by a book signing and reception.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Fanok has written two poetry collections that focus on aspects of her formative years. Her first book, “Bread and Fumes,” describes her late father who survived a WWII Nazi labor camp, and explores her Ukrainian heritage and culture. Her latest book, “The Weeds,” focuses on childhood friendships and loss, natural disasters, and restoration. Both are published by Kelsay Books. Fanok’s work has also appeared in Painted Bride Quarterly, Schuylkill Valley Journal, Red Wolf Press, Tiny Seed Journal, Gossamer Arts Literary Journal, and the poetry anthology “Carry Us to the Next Well.”
Fanok lives with her husband in Bucks County, where she has hosted a monthly poetry series at the Newtown Bookshop since 2016. She holds degrees in English from Pennsylvania State University and Arcadia University.
Professor Ethel Rackin, Ph.D., the program’s director, says the Wordsmiths Reading Series offers the community at large the opportunity to gather for an enriching, collective experience.
“We select authors who have vital new work that engages with issues of particular interest to students and the community alike,” said Rackin, who is also the author of four poetry books and a textbook on creative writing. “We pair local authors with visiting ones, and emerging authors with those of national acclaim.“
The event is part of a long tradition begun by Bucks County Community College 60 years ago to connect the community with the region’s vibrant literary heritage. Over the years, the College has hosted several literary greats, including poet Allen Ginsberg and many award-winning authors.
Funded by the College’s Cultural Affairs Committee, the Wordsmiths Reading Series continues at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 15, featuring the inaugural reading of the soon-to-be-named 2025 Bucks County Poet Laureate. The 49th laureate will be joined by preliminary judge, poet Nicole Greaves, outgoing laureate Lake Angela, and runners-up in the annual contest. To learn more, visit the Wordsmiths Reading Series web page or contact the School of Language & Literature at langandlit@bucks.edu or 215-968-8150.
Bucks County Community College is located at 275 Swamp Rd., Newtown, Pa., 18940, where there is ample free parking. For a campus map and directions, visit the Newtown Campus web page.
Discover Your Future at Bucks County Community College’s Open House
Tour campus, meet professors, and learn how to save 26%-72% on your bachelor’s degree from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, October 18 Ready to take the next step toward your future? Bucks County Community College invites you to the Fall Open House from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, October 18, at the Newtown Campus.
At Bucks, you will find high-quality education, real-world experience, and job-ready training — all in an engaged, supportive community that’s dedicated to preparing you for success. Whether you want to launch your career, transfer to a four-year university, or just explore your options, Bucks is the place to start.
“Every student at Bucks can launch their future, whether that means attending a top university to pursue your bachelor’s degree or jumping into a great career,” said Yolonda Udvardy, Ed.D., interim vice president for enrollment management. “The Open House is a hands-on, engaging event open to all students and families.”
Bucks County Community College is consistently ranked among the top in the state and nation. SmartAsset, a consumer-focused financial website committed to helping people make smart financial decisions, recently ranked Bucks No. 2 in Pennsylvania, while Niche, a popular college search site, placed the College third in the commonwealth. Nationally, SmartAsset ranked Bucks among the top 10% of all two-year colleges.
At the Open House, you can:
Tour the scenic Newtown Campus and picture yourself here.
Chat with professors who will get to know you by your name, not by number.
Explore more than 90 programs of study in technology, healthcare, business, arts, and more.
Learn how to save 26%–72% on the cost of a bachelor’s degree through our 2+2 Dual Admission Transfer Plan.
The event is free and open to everyone — future students, parents, friends, and anyone curious about what Bucks has to offer. Check in at the Linksz Pavilion, located on the campus at 275 Swamp Rd., Newtown, Pa., where there is ample free parking. For directions and a campus map, visit our Newtown Campus web page.
To register for the free open house, visit our Open House web page. For questions, email admissions@bucks.edu or call 215-968-8100.
Bucks County Community College Library Marks 60th Anniversary
The celebration included a tribute to founding librarian Lester Minkel, whose family and friends were among the honored guests
The Bucks County Community College Library celebrated its 60th anniversary September 29 with a presentation on the life and legacy of Lester Minkel, the College’s first librarian. Minkel’s family members were in attendance while librarian Kelly Deeny presented an overview of Minkel’s significant contributions, including the purchase of reference books displayed at the 1964 World’s Fair by the American Library Association, and partnering with the Bucks County Free Library. Bucks County Community College opened its doors to students on September 29, 1965, part of a sweeping movement to increase access to higher education across the nation.
Librarian Kelly Deeny researched the life and legacy of Lester Minkel, the first librarian at Bucks County Community College, to commemorate the library’s 60th anniversary. Born in Iowa, Minkel broke from the family’s farming tradition to pursue an education, and established a reputation as a beloved educator, friend, and family man who loved to travel and cook. (CREDIT: Eric Parker, Bucks County Community College)
Archival photos are displayed at the Bucks County Community College Library in Newtown to commemorate its 60th anniversary. Community members and alumni are invited to help identify students and staff depicted through the years. The library and college opened its doors on September 29, 1965, part of the burgeoning community college movement in the United States that opened access to higher education for thousands. (CREDIT: Eric Parker, Bucks County Community College)
The Bucks County Community College Library celebrated its 60th anniversary with cake – of course! – on September 29. The event included a presentation about the life and legacy of Lester Minkel, the founding librarian.(CREDIT: Eric Parker, Bucks County Community College)
