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Welcome to Artist Alley,
Washington County Arts Council's electronic newsletter. We hope this publication will engage you with the arts in your community.
WCAC welcomes your ideas and support as it continues to take the lead in bringing together the community's art organizations to strengthen our region's arts culture.
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Call for Artists
Annual Community Art Show:
The Best Local Art of 2020
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The Washington County Arts Council, Inc. invites local artists working in any medium to submit their best new works for WCACâs âAnnual Community Art Show: The Best Local Art of 2020.â The juried community art exhibit will be on display virtually and in the gallery from December 3, 2020 through January 5, 2021.
Submission Deadline: October 24, 2020
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Congratulations to the Washington Goes Purple
People's Choice Winner - Beck Metzbower
for her piece "The Classic Nude in Purples"!
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Four Retired âRebels Without A Causeâ Exhibit with artists Lee Weaver, Don Viar, Tom Renner, & Jeff Shoaf is now open in the Galleries with social distancing & masks and will be available to view âvirtuallyâ on the WCAC web page at https://www.washingtoncountyarts.com/ on October 3, 2020. |
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Four Retired âRebels without a Causeâ:
Lee Weaver, Don Viar, Tom Renner, and Jeff Shoaf
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In Pursuit of Happiness by papercut artist Rosa Leff opens in the WCAC galleries on November 5, 2020 and continues through December 1, 2020. Social distancing and wearing masks are required for all visitors. In Pursuit of Happiness will be available virtually on the Arts Councilâs website (www.washingtoncountyarts.com) on November 7, 2020.
All of Ms. Leffâs papercut work is hand cut from a single sheet of paper using an Xató knife. Ms. Leff is best known for her obsession with powerlines and urban landscapes. The artist now serves on the board of The Guild of American Papercutters.
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The Arts Action Fund Political Action Committee (PAC) is pleased to provide you a copy of our 2020 Congressional Arts Report Card, analyzing and scoring the arts support (or lack thereof) of incumbent candidates looking to get re-elected to Congress. The Arts Action Fund PAC relies on this report to choose which pro-arts Congressional incumbents to support financially.
This Congressional Arts Report Card is also your one-stop guide to learn if members of your Congressional delegation support (or not support) the arts and arts education. The Americans for the Arts is pleased to say that the majority of House members (252) received a passing pro-arts letter grade and a majority of Senators (54) received a "Thumbs Up" in our Report Card.
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BISFA 21-22 APPLICATION PROCESS OPEN
The Barbara Ingram School for the Arts application process has begun for the school year 2021-2022
If you are interested in finding out more about the school and how to become part of the excitement
Check out these resources:
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The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in Hagerstown, MD is now accepting artwork entries for the 2021 Cumberland Valley Artists and Photographers Exhibitions. Entry deadline is Friday, November 20. Cash prizes include Best of Show, $1,000; Two Jurorâs Awards, $500; Three Jurorâs Awards, $250 for each exhibition. Any artist may enter. Both exhibitions will be on view January 31 â April 4, 2021. Visit our website for the full prospectus, information about the jurors, and how to enter. http://wcmfa.org/call-for-entries/
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
401 Museum Drive
Hagerstown, MD 21741
301-739-5727
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CUMBERLAND VALLEY SCHOOL OF MUSIC
presents
31st Annual Gala Showcase Concert
Virtual Event
October 25, 2020 at 3:00 pm
CVSM's annual event will be held LIVE online this year.
You will receive an email link for the concert closer to the time of the event.
Prices are per household.
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Washington County Free Library to Host Young Adult Author
Lamar Giles for Virtual Conversation
Washington County Free Library is thrilled to invite you to attend a virtual conversation with Lamar Giles, author of several critically acclaimed and award-winning young adult novels. This conversation is hosted by the WCFL Teen Library Council via YouTube livestream on Wednesday, October 28 at 6 PM.
Lamar Giles writes for teens and adults across multiple genres, with work appearing on numerous Best Of lists each and every year. He is the author of the acclaimed novels Fake ID, Endangered, Overturned, Spin, The Last Last-Day-of-Summer, Not So Pure and Simple, and The Last Mirror on the Left as well as numerous pieces of short fiction. He is a founding member of We Need Diverse Books and The Brown Bookshelf and resides in Virginia with his wife.
During the livestreamed conversation, Giles will share his personal author story, how he crafts diverse characters and YA mysteries, the mission of We Need Diverse Books, and the importance of diverse representation in literature.
Contact Information: Ann Shilling and Jay Trovato, Young Adult Department.
Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Library--Washington County Free Library
301-739-3250 ext. 270
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MSAC Upcoming Virtual Professional Development |
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Coffee with Ken!
Hereâs your chance to get the ear of the Director! Join MSACâs Executive Director Ken Skrzesz and your fellow colleagues across the state on Tuesday mornings with your favorite coffee drink (or tea, if youâre like Ken!) for a topic-specific dialogue about the arts in Maryland.
Coffee with Ken: Open Discussion
Tuesday, October 27, 9-10 a.m.
Coffee with Ken: Arts in Education Updates with Special Guests: MSDE Fine Arts Office Coordinator Alysia Lee, Arts Education in Maryland Schools Executive Director Quanice Floyd, and MSAC Arts in Education program team Precious Blake and Catherine Frost
Tuesday, November 10, 9-10 a.m.
Coffee with Ken: Open Discussion
Tuesday, November 17, 9-10 a.m.
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Planning for Uncertainty: Financial Forecasting and Budgeting in the COVID era
Wednesday, October 28, 2-3 p.m.
Budgeting and cash flow management can feel impossible in these uncertain times, but it doesn't have to be! In this session, Melanie Hopkins, non-profit finance specialist, will provide clear, actionable advice for how to structure your FY21 financial plan as well as how to communicate that plan to your team.
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Public Art Informational Webinar: Coppin State & UMES
Thursday, October 29, 7-8 p.m.
The webinar will review public art project opportunities at two Maryland HBCU campuses: Coppin State University and the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. The webinar will discuss each project site and how to apply on SmartSimple. Please review the Request for Qualifications in advance. Webinars will be recorded and posted on the MSAC website.
Panel: Marketing in the COVID era
Thursday, November 12, 2-3 p.m.
Join MSAC and a panel of marketing experts as they provide options for best marketing practices, both for virtual programming and in-person re-opening, during this extraordinary time. To submit questions for the panel beforehand, please complete this form. Stick around for a tutorial in social media best practices by Amelia Evans, MSACâs Marketing and Communications Manager from 3-3:30 p.m.!
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Creative Conversations
Based on feedback from organizations across the state, MSAC will be hosting a new series of virtual Creative Conversations throughout the fall and early winter. These small group gatherings are based on discipline and/or budget/staff size, with the goal of providing a space for similar organizations to gather, collaborate, and share ideas with one another. If youâre interested in joining a Creative Conversation, please contact Emily Sollenberger (emily.sollenberger@maryland.gov) or Laura Weiss (laura.weiss@maryland.gov) to join the session that best fits your organization.
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Feedback
Do you have a request for a virtual professional development offering that MSAC can provide? If so, please contact Dana Parsons, Director of Grants and Professional Development (dana.parsons@maryland.gov).
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The Maryland State Arts Council is accessible to all patrons.
Guests with accessibility questions or who require additional assistance
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#mcreds are Back from the Maryland State Department of Education Fine Arts Office
Level 2 #mcred courses are now open for registration for all arts educators and teaching artists! Even if you have not yet taken the Learning Through the Creative Process, you may still participate in Supporting LGBTQ+ Students and Families and Creative Aging Courses. For full credit and certification, the Creative Process course will need to be completed by December 31, 2021. Don't miss out! Registration is open and space is limited!
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Arts Education Symposium on Anti-Racism
Join Arts Education in Maryland Schools (AEMS) exciting, insightful, and compelling experiences to deepen your understanding of anti-racism and abolitionist teaching in arts education. In addition to a keynote by award-winning author Dr. Bettina Love, the symposium will include breakouts that can help you apply these abolitionist principles to your discipline and your classroom.
The Symposium will take place on Saturday, November 21, 2020. Visit the link below to learn more about ticketing and the schedule of events!
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Technology for Sharing and Reflection for Arts Educators & Teaching Artists
Runs September 30th - November 11th, 2020
Beginner, Intermediate and Exploratory Levels are available! Upcoming sessions:
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES THROUGH CREATIVE COMPILATION VIDEO PERFORMANCES
Showcase your studentâs artistic work on a virtual stage by creating compilation performance videos that can be shared with your online community!
DANCE FOR THE CAMERA
In using the concept of a camera as an alternative stage space, this interactive course will explore dance & camera composition, choreographic choice-making, and the three stages of production with video editing techniques.
CREATING AND USING VIRTUAL PERFORMANCES IN YOUR MUSIC INSTRUCTION
This course covers the techniques for making, and the pedagogy behind successfully creating and using a virtual performance in instruction. Advanced audio and video editing with industry-standard applications will be covered, as well as practical ways to include the process in instruction.
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Maryland Arts Institute of Racial Justice Lunchtime Book Club
Select Tuesdays at Noon
Connect with members of Marylandâs arts sector to build shared language and understandings about racial justice through guided discussions and sharing.
Monthly Academy
Each Month, Commit to Two Connected Sessions
In a community with members of Marylandâs arts sector, we will build a brave space for courageous conversations about race and other social identities. Participants will increase their understanding and capacity for racial equity through guided reflection and discussions.
For dates, times, and registration for both, visit the link below.
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Joshua Johnson: Portraitist of Antebellum Maryland
Fridays, October 23-November 20, 2020
3â4p.m.
Instructor: Daniel Fulco, Ph.D., Agnita M. Stine Schreiber Curator
Location: Via Zoom for the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Hagerstown, MD
Format: Lecture & discussion
This 5-week course is offered in conjunction with Shepherd Universityâs Lifelong Learning Program.
WCMFA patrons can register below or by calling the Museum; Shepherd University students must register here with Karen Rice, Shepherd University Lifelong Learning Program; fee- $60; enrollment limited to 30.
About the class
Often considered the first professional African-American artist, Joshua Johnson (ca. 1763-1824) achieved a remarkable degree of success as a portraitist in his lifetime by painting affluent patrons in his native Baltimore. Johnsonâs subjects consisted of politicians, lawyers, doctors, clergymen, merchants, and sea captains. Given his background and the era in which he lived, Johnson was impelled to overcome many racial and social hurdles in pursuing his profession, and the fact that we study his work today is a testament to his perseverance.
Leading up to the WCMFAâs forthcoming special exhibition Joshua Johnson: Portraitist of Early American Baltimore (AprilâNovember 2021), this course provides an overview of Johnsonâs work and career with a focus on portraits from the collections of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and other museums. This course uses these works of art to investigate meaning and aesthetic considerations in Johnsonâs work while placing him in his broad cultural and historical contexts. In addition, this class examines how Johnsonâs work engages with key developments in Marylandâs artistic heritage from approximately 1760â1840. Issues related to politics, slavery, abolitionism, race, and society in antebellum Maryland also will be explored.
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This course has been generously supported by an NEH CARES Cultural Organizations Arts & Humanities Programming & Virtual Access Grant. |
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Tickets are NOW ON SALE for all of our popular holiday productions! Seating is limited, so get your seats today!
The Golden Girls 3: The Curse of Jessica Fletcher
(New ticket purchases only. No exchanged tickets or Season Tickets may be used)
November 12 - 22, 2020
Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol
December 4 - 20, 2020
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
January 29 - February 21, 2021
The Velveteen Rabbit - Theatre for Young Audiences
November 21 - December 19, 2020
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It's
DINNER & SHOW
at
The Playhouse!
Now in our 35th year!
- Tickets now on sale online!
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Telephone box office hours resume Tuesday, November 10th.
The Washington County Playhouse
44 North Potomac Street, Rear
Hagerstown, Md 21740
301-739-7469
SEE YOU AT THE PLAYHOUSE!
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Authentic Community Theatre announces
updated dates and times for Footloose
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Tickets for Authentic Community Theatreâs performance of Footloose ae now on sale! Make sure you get yours before they're gone!
October 22nd: 7:30pm (100 Live Tickets)
October 23rd: 7:30pm (100 Live Tickets, Unlimited Live Stream)
October 24th: 11am (100 Live Tickets) 6pm (100 Live Tickets, Unlimited Live Stream) 9pm (100 Live Tickets)
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Authentic Community Theatre Inc. Welcomes Broadway Star
Major Attaway
Master Class tickets are available now!
The Major Attaway Master Class tickets for October 25, 2020
are available now!
Authentic Community Theatre in Hagerstown is super excited to be offering this chance of a lifetime to you in our community!
Observe Major working with individuals on technique and one on one direction and meet the CURRENT Broadway Genie!
ACT NOW and buy your ticket while they are still available!
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Drive Through Trick-Or-Treat at Fairgrounds Park
The City of Hagerstown is partnering with Manning Media this Halloween for a Drive Through Trick-or-Treat at Fairgrounds Park on Thursday, October 29th (5pm-9pm) and would welcome non-profits to participate with them!
In lieu of a fee we just ask you to provide at least 1,500 pre-packaged treats and giveaways for the event. There are only 15 spots available (first come, first serve) so grab your spot soon by filling out an application which is available by contacting Cassie Hershberger at CHershberger@hagerstownmd.org.
âA safe, fun trick or treat event! Grab the family and take a drive through Fairgrounds Park in Hagerstown and visit our vendors who will be handing out treats to the kids. RAIN OR SHINE. Just $5 per carload (must be legally belted in the car). Proceeds from the event will be donated to the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life of Washington County. Gates open at 4:30pm. Please note: there are no restroom facilities available. Only 700 tickets will be sold.
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It's BACK!
Don't miss The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the
historic Maryland Theatre!
Friday, October 30, 2020 and Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 6pm
Tickets on sale to the general public Friday, September 18, 2020 at 11am
Tickets available via Ticketmaster, online only.
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Let's do the Time Warp Again! Join us for this "fabulously freaky" cult classic on Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31! Doors open one hour prior to showtime. Additional showtimes may be added based on demand.
Tickets are $35 and include a Prop Bag and (1) beer or wine.
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21 S. Potomac St.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Box Office 301-790-2000
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County Arts Development (CAD) Grant
Call for Panelists
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Art in August Pop-Up Exhibition by artist Will Watson courtesy of the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts |
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MSAC relies on a diverse array of experts from across the state of Maryland to do the important work of evaluating applications. MSAC selects County Arts Development (CAD) panelists with a focus on diversity of experiences, diversity of location, and expertise in arts agencies of all disciplines in all of Marylandâs diverse communities. Panelists must be Maryland residents.
Selected CAD panelists serve a six-month term, which may be renewed in the future.
Panelists receive compensation of $450-500 for their services, based on the number of assignments.
What does a panelist do?
Selected panelists:
Attend one in-person or virtual training session in January 2021.
Review and evaluate 8 applications on MSACâs online grants management system SmartSimple from February - March 2021.
Schedule and implement in-depth conversations with 1 or 2 assigned agencies.
Attend one panel meeting held in Spring 2021.
Panelists must have access to a computer with an internet connection to complete reviews.
How do I apply to be a panelist?
Submit your application via MSACâs online grants management system SmartSimple.
Click the Apply Here button below to log in or create a free account in SmartSimple.
Under Funding Opportunities, select "Public Call."
Select "Panelist" from the dropdown options and click "Save Draft" to populate the application.
Select âCounty Arts Developmentâ as the Grant Program.
Deadline: November 1, 2020 at 5pm
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Successful panelists enthusiastically embrace organizational and analytical skills, preparedness, timeliness, communication, collaboration, and their role as an advocate for the arts. Please do not complete this application if this list does not align with your practice. |
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Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
401 Museum Drive
Hagerstown, MD 21741
301-739-5727
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The Maryland Symphony Orchestra to celebrate the
250th birthday of Beethoven.
Support the concerts and education programs of the MSO
Multiple ticket options are available.
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Early Childhood Music Classes with Frauke Higgins
Fridays, October 23 - November 20, 2020
Virtual Event ⢠Registration Required (See Below)
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Shepherd Universityâs Community Music division announces virtual Early Childhood Music classes with Frauke Higgins. The next session will begin Friday, October 23, and will run for five weeks through November 20. Classes will meet on Friday mornings. Tuition for either class is $62.
Musical Discoveries for ages 18 months-3 years will run from 10-10:30 a.m. and Music for Preschoolers age 3-5 will run from 10:45-11:15 a.m. Both classes will take place virtually over the Zoom platform. Participants must have a good internet connection.
Children and parents will learn together, from the comfort of their home. Higgins has extensive experience teaching young children music. Children will begin to learn about rhythm, tempo, and pitch, and they will sing songs, play rhythmic games, and use their own instruments at home. Parents will learn music activities that they can review with their child throughout the week. These classes are fun and educational for children, as they begin their music instruction.
For more information and to register, email Sherry Sykes, Community Music coordinator, at ssykes@shepherd.edu.
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Meet the cast and staff of Authentic Community Theatreâs production of ELF the Musical!
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The Nutcracker
presented by The Western Maryland City Ballet Company and
The City Ballet School
A Journey through The Nutcracker Live Performance Times
· Thursday, December 10, 2020
5:30 pm, 6 pm, 6:30 pm, 7 pm, 7:30 pm, 8 pm, 8:30 pm
· Friday, December 11, 2020
5:30 pm, 6 pm, 6:30 pm, 7 pm, 7:30 pm, 8 pm, 8:30 pm
· Saturday, December 12, 2020
12 pm, 12:30 pm, 1 pm, 1:30 pm, 2pm & 5:30 pm, 6 pm, 6:30 pm,
7 pm, 7:30 pm, 8 pm, 8:30 pm
Sunday, December 13, 2020
2 pm, 2:30 pm, 3 pm, 3:30 pm, 4 pm, 4:30 pm, 5 pm, 5:30 pm
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A Journey through The Nutcracker Virtual Ticket Cast A |
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A Journey through The Nutcracker Virtual Ticket Cast B |
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(All virtual tickets are available to purchase until
Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 5pm. No exceptions!)
All tickets on sale to the general public Fri., October 16, 2020 at 11am
Experience the magic of ballet this holiday season as you join Clara on her enchanted journey to the Land of Sweets! Set to Tchaikovsky's stunning score, this magical ballet is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with your family.
The Western Maryland City Ballet Company and The City Ballet School bring you this beloved holiday favorite in a promenade theatre format to accommodate safe and socially distanced live performance. Patrons will walk through The Maryland Theatre Performing Arts Center to experience The Nutcracker staged as three separate scenes throughout the facility.
Your Nutcracker experience will begin with the festivities of The Stahlbaum's Christmas party staged on the Grand Staircase and viewed from the Cocktail Lounge above. Clara's dream comes to life on the stage in the Historic Auditorium as her Nutcracker rallies the toy soldiers to defeat the Rat Queen. Clara's nightmare ends as the Nutcracker transforms into a prince to take her to meet the dancing snowflakes in the magical snow forest. The final act of this performance will immerse you into the stunning Land of Sweets staged in The Manger Ballroom. Sweet treats are available for purchase and photo opportunities with characters from the Nutcracker are complimentary.
A total of 40 tickets are available for each Nutcracker experience. Ticket prices are $37 for adults and $26 for children 18 and under.
Every patron must purchase a ticket to enter.
Private performance exclusively for your family or party (up to 40 people) is available for $1,800. Please call the box office (301-790-2000) to book your private performance.
For those patrons that want to experience the magic of The Nutcracker from the comfort of their own home, a virtual ticket is available!
Virtual tickets are available to purchase until Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 5 pm. Ticketholders will receive information and the link on Friday, December 11. The link will be available for viewing until Sunday, December 13. Virtual tickets are $37.
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The Maryland Theatre Box Office Hours
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 11 am-4:30 pm
301-790-2000
21 S. Potomac St.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Box Office 301-790-2000
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Meet the Artists of Washington County Arts Councilâs
âThe Gallery Shopâ
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Revisit past exhibits hosted at the Washington County Arts Council |
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Grammy Award-Winning Singer, Dwight Yoakam, has officially postponed his performance at The Maryland Theatre from Monday, November 9, 2020, at 8 PM to Sunday, October 3, 2021, at 8 PM.
Tickets originally dated (May 2, 2020) are transferable and will be valid in the same form you have them in currently for the new date & showtime in 2021.
Options if ticket holders are unable to attend the new date:
- Share your tickets with a friend or family member
- Re-sell them online at Ticketmaster.com or otherwise or
- Consider the ticket value a donation to the performance entity
If you have a question for our box office staff, please call 301-790-3500 and leave a message. While a response may not immediate- staff continues to check voicemails and e-mails often. Please continue to check the website www.mdtheatre.org for the most up-to-date information about hours of operations. The Maryland Theatre thanks everyone their continued support of The Maryland Theatre during this unpredicted time.
The Maryland Theatre
21 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
(301) 790-3500
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Call for Stories: Women in the Arts
Deadline: Ongoing
The MSAC is seeking stories about women in the arts and making efforts to highlight these stories throughout the year. When sending your ideas, include "Year of the Woman" in the subject line. For more information, click here.
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Call for Stories:
Entrepreneurship in the Arts
Deadline: Ongoing

The MSAC is seeking stories about entrepreneurship in the arts and making efforts to highlight these stories throughout the year. When sending your ideas, include "Entrepreneurship in the Arts" in the subject line. For more information, click here.
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To stay connected, please join the
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The Washington County Arts Council, Inc. is funded by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), an agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development.
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The Washington County Arts Council is a proud member of
County Arts Agencies of Maryland,
Maryland Citizens for the Arts, and Americans for the Arts
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The WCAC facility is wheelchair accessible! |
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Thank you for providing your email address to the
Washington County Arts Council. Your information was obtained from
at least one of the following methods: signing our guest book,
becoming a member, donating, entering a contest, or exhibiting with us.
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You may text WCAC to 22828 on your mobile device
to join our mailing list or
click the button below - Thank you!
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