Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts

I take my daughter here for art class. She loves it and the teacher seems very nice. There’s a coffee shop downstairs for the parents to go to while their kid is in class.

This review is for their theatre performance venue. I attend a variety of performances here throughout the year — music, voice, acting, symphony, opera, concerts, film.
This really is a gem for the Annapolis area and offers some great programs. Free outdoor jazz music performances in the summer on Wednesday nights. Workshops and jam sessions. World Artists of visiting international groups. Singers. Dancers. Acrobats. Plays. Concerts. Opera. Symphony. Films. They have everything here.
This is the old high school from the early 20^th century converted into an arts school. I love the fact that it was saved from demolition for something like this. The old high school auditorium has been converted into the performance hall and even added a balcony for a good theatre feel. And there really is not a bad seat in the house.
I am always amazed that there is not better attendance at some of the community programs, world artist (free) events. I would love to see attendance by a wider and younger crowd too. I don’t know why the lack of visible attendance by teens to 20 somethings unless it’s an awareness issue. Most of the events are priced very reasonably and some are even free.
I realize that many folks perceive free events as not worth their time. But, I have found the opposite is true. And the performers deserve more exposure. Maryland Hall really needs better PR to get some of their programs and events out there better. I think that they have so many segments under different directors that operate separately and independently instead of as a unit with an overall marketing and promotion vehicle.
However, I’ve noticed that they have gotten much better with their promotions – the email notices have become more consistent and include a wider variety of events. And they are doing more radio and print advertising to attract more awareness.
And their website to order tickets online has improved from what it used to be. You can order tickets online but you have to go through a registration process that is a bit cumbersome. Also if you are using an Apple IOS, you won’t see the seating chart to select your seats. In fact, you won’t even know that you can select your seats if you use an Apple IOS unless you happen to log in from a PC and notice that there is a big seating chart and it’s interactive.
There is an elevator for those in need of one; otherwise, you’ve got steps up and down to get around, and a long hallway. Yes, there is a café in the lower level. But it has odd hours and won’t open for the smaller events. It could actually become quite a cool little artsy hang out if it had consistent hours and more awareness. The location, proximity, neighborhood and parking all could contribute to this being a great meet up place.
Since most of the staff are volunteers, you have don’t have the cohesiveness that would make this a polished experience for those accustomed to The Met or The Kennedy Center. But, it’s a community theatre. Get over it and enjoy the performances. It’s fun.

I’m writing this as someone who just went to see Aimee Mann, not as someone who seeks to use the place in any other way then to see a concert.
There are no signs saying where the hall is. We went past kids being taught ballet, many other classes. Finally there was a desk with a guy with a radio. We asked him where the concert was. He pointed upstairs & thus we went upstairs.
Upstairs no signs. Using logic we went towards the middle of the floor, people were hanging around, and a small table selling CDs. Guess we were at the right spot.
Doors opened & my wife & I went in to find our seats. We were sat together in the middle. The assistant told my wife she should have used the other entrance as she was slightly to the right of center. I was left of center. If the place was huge I could see the problem, for the sake of one seat what was the problem?
Concert was great, but it would have been great anywhere!

The gem of this place is the coffee shop! Amazing service, good food, great selection. If you are there def swing my the coffee shop, the Bean I believe is the name.

Go here! I’ve never seen anything like this. It was a huge three floor hall with artists and/​or classes in every single room. Of course they had an open house for the Maryland Day celebrations this past Sunday so I’m sure it was an ideal time to visit. But even during non-​open house times, there are tons of classes that kids (main focus) and adults alike can sign up for… check out their website at
for more info. The class times don’t work for my schedule but I am a big big fan. I bought pottery for $ 5, watched sculptures & painters and opera singers & dancers. We need more art in school. Art. Art. Art.

Chickadee has attended a few classes here over the years, and I’ve been very pleased with the course offerings and instructors.
I thought that the Kindermusik program was wonderful. There are two classes: Our Time (birth to 18 months) and Village (18 months to 3 years). The class meets once a week for a full semester. The course fee includes at-​home materials (cd and books) as well as an instrument. Chickadee still listens to the cd from her first class. It’s a well thought-​out curriculum, and the teachers were great!
Chickadee also took the Yoga Bugs class (ages 2.5−5), and that was fun for her as well.
The Artstart courses (art and music combined) could easily substitute for or enhance the nursery school experience.
Other courses include sign language, dance, theater, voice, and piano. There are oodles of classes for adults as well.
There are changing tables in the women’s rooms on every level of the building (not sure about the men’s). My only gripe, and it’s minor, is that this is an old building, and the AC/​heat systems are seriously outdated – you will ROAST in some classrooms, so if you select a winter course, make sure to dress your little one in layers.

My students and I came here today to see a play based on a book they read in class (Mixed-​up Files of Basil E. Frankweiler). They offer a broad range of arts-​related programs for all ages. Some programs are free. Some performances charge a nominal $ 8.00 fee for large groups (field trips). Classes include art, dance, photography and yoga lessons for adults and children.
They are a great venue for small groups to attend. The auditorium is great. i wish I knew the history of this place. There is a great quote carved across the wall above the stage. The seats are comfortable and well kept. The staff (mostly volunteers) are very organized from the moment you drive up to the front door.
The art that adorns the wall is created by students is for sale. Some mediums include handmade paper. I’d like to come back without the kiddies and explore the halls even more.