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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.
For artist information, arts events, calls for art, and more visit WCAC's web page...
www.washingtoncountyarts.com.
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The Washington County Arts Council presents artists Nicole Troup and Beck Metzbower exhibiting in the galleries from July 13, 2023 through August 8, 2023. An online virtual exhibit will be available on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at https://www.washingtoncountyarts.com/. | |
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The Washington County Arts Council is proud to sponsor the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation
Summer Arts Academy!
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U.S. Navy Commodores to perform July 14, 2023 at HCC
The Hagerstown Community College Alumni Association will host the U.S. Navy Commodores as part of its annual Red, White and Blue Summer Concert Series, on Friday, July 14, 2023, at 6:15 p.m., in HCC’s Alumni Amphitheater.
The U.S. Navy Commodores feature 18 of the Navy’s premier jazz and big band musicians playing under the direction of MUC Jonathan Barnes, of Dundalk. Since the band’s founding in 1969, the Commodores have played with a variety of well-known jazz musicians including Ray Charles, Branford Marsalis, Clark Terry, Chris Potter, Eddie Daniels, James Moody, and many more. Known for its high energy performances, the Commodores fuse classic jazz and big band music with the popular music of today and frequently perform original compositions.
Sponsored by the HCC Alumni Association, this concert is free and open to the public. Concessions will be available for purchase. Please note that no outside food is permitted on the amphitheater grounds and concerts are subject to change by the U.S. Military. Personal lawn chairs are permitted for lawn seating.
For more information and weather updates, email lsstewart@hagerstowncc.edu or call 240-500-2346. To learn more about the U.S. Navy Commodores, visit https://www.navyband.navy.mil/ensembles/commodores.
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Culture & Cocktails:
Restoring the Ackerman-Pell Clock
Friday, July 14, 2023, 6:00 PM
Hear the case of the immense restoration effort to return a circa 1810 Federal tall case clock to its original glory.
On Friday, July 14, 2023, join Ray Snouffer, clock restoration specialist and noted local artist, to learn about his “sympathetic” approach to restoration.
The clock had been in a fire in 1835, stored in a damp barn until the 1980s, and then kept in a garage prior to Ray’s purchase in 2002. The restoration was begun in January 2022, taking over 750 hours to complete. The clock and restoration process is the subject of this talk and a forthcoming book.
This month’s drink is the Island Time Cocktail, both fruity and refreshing. Doors open at 5:30 PM, and light hors d’oeuvres will be served!
Culture & Cocktails 2023 has been made possible by the generous support of the James and Mary Schurz Foundation of Williamsport, MD.
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Washington County MD Historical Society
135 W. Washington St.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact 301-797-8782 or info@washcohistory.org
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CORRECTED DATES
July 15, 2023 and July 16, 2023
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The Potomac Playmakers announce the
2023 One-Act Play Festival!
Comprised of three original plays written by area playwrights, the festival will consist of the following – “What If My Purpose Is To Annihlate You?” by Ryan Bultrowicz. Directed by Greg Berezuk and starring Amy Fox, this piece is a one-woman show that explores the complex nature of existence, purpose, and creativity through the eyes of Ada, an artificial intelligence program that’s recently gained sentience. As Ada discovers that her creators have plans to shut her down, she’s faced with a difficult question: What can she do to make an impact on the world before she’s gone?
“God And Other Well-Intentioned Strangers” by Greg Berezuk. “God” makes a return appearance following its premiere in the Playmakers’ 2019 One-Act Play Festival. In this updated edition, directed by Jim Zuna and starring Tom Doty, Christine Grable, and Susan Thornton, it is the day of the funeral for Betsy, who died of cancer. Her bereaved father, Phil, has been riding an emotional and spiritual roller coaster during the 2-year ordeal of Betsy’s illness. Phil has used his pragmatic approach to life as a crutch during this ordeal but, as a religious person, he can’t understand why his prayers to God have gone unanswered. On the afternoon of the worst day of his life, Phil finally gets some answers from an alarmingly authoritative source.
“Next-World Neighbors: A Comedy In One Act” by Daniel Detrow and Judah Wilson. Directed by Sarah Trent and starring Tannen Smith, Kaitlyn Teach, Sherry Logsdon, Christine Grable, and Barry Harbaugh, “Next-World Neighbors” brings a different take to the subject of neighbor relations. New neighbors are always a little strange, especially when they are from another planet! The Mars Family has moved in next door, and Tim Turnip soon finds out his wife Priscilla has invited them over for dinner. Although he is hesitant at first, Tim decides to give the new neighbors a chance. People from Pluto might not be so unusual. Who knows, maybe extraterrestrials are even extra-ordinary?
Produced by Sarah Trent in conjunction with The Potomac Playmakers, the 2023 One-Act Play Festival will run July 15, 2023 and July 16, 2023 at The Potomac Playmakers Performing Arts Center, located at 17303 W. Washington Street, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740. Showtime for the Saturday show is at 8:00 p.m., while the Sunday matinee performance will be at 3:00 p.m. The One-Act Play Festival is free to the public, although donations are gratefully accepted to help defray costs of the production.
The Potomac Playmakers, founded in 1926, is one of the nation's longest running active community theatre groups. For more information, visit The Potomac Playmakers’ website at www.potomacplaymakers.org, email potomacplaymakers@gmail.com or call (240) 382-7269. Potomac Playmakers, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) all-volunteer, non-profit community theater company.
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Stories In The Round - Jane Dorfman
July 24, 2023
13245 Cearfoss Pike (Salem Ave. extended) Hagerstown, MD
07/24/2023 at 7:00 pm
Winner of two World Storytelling Awards for her story CDs, and veteran teller of folk and fairy tales, personal stories, and a few lies - Jane Dorfman returns for her first SITR appearance since 2014 with a new one-person show, imagining wild west icon Calamity Jane in her later years, coming back to Deadwood to address the Ladies Auxiliary.
Stories In The Round is a storytelling series at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown, 13245 Cearfoss Pike, usually on the 4th Monday of the month.
$12 in advance, $15 at the door. Children 12 years & older welcome when accompanied by a parent or group leader.
Contact: Fanny Crawford, 301-730-1638 or fanitsky@hotmail.com.
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Washington County Chamber of Commerce! | |
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Wednesday, July 26, 2023 8am-9am EDT
Jamie Hardges will be speaking and available for questions!
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Carbonaro: Lies On Stage
Friday, July 28, 2023
7:30 PM Showtime!
This performance is sponsored in part by the Washington County Arts Council, Inc. made possible by funding from the Maryland State Arts Council.
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Best known as the star and executive producer of the hit series, THE CARBONARO EFFECT on truTV, Michael Carbonaro has also made frequent television appearances in shows such as Happily Divorced, 30 Rock, Grey’s Anatomy, and CSI Miami. A performing magician since his youth, Carbonaro went on to study experimental theater at New York University with aspirations of entertaining audiences through a variety of theatrical mediums, including hidden-camera magic, which he later showcased frequently on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
Following Carbonaro’s frequent late-night appearances, Michael was presented with the opportunity to launch his hit comedic series, “The Carbonaro Effect,” which has run for over 100 episodes on truTV and currently airs on HBO Max and in syndication worldwide. In this series, Michael performs inventive tricks on unsuspecting members of the public who are unaware that he is a magician. Jaws drop when he causes a car to disappear from under a security guard’s nose or makes alien crabs transform into kittens in a science lab. Whether posing as a coffee shop barista, museum curator, or seemingly unremarkable store clerk in the REAL world, Carbonaro's illusions – along with his absurd, matter-of-fact explanations –leave REAL people bewildered and families at home laughing out loud.
In 2016 Michael embarked on his first theater tour with the widely acclaimed show “Michael Carbonaro Live!” Since its debut Michael has performed this show over 200 times to sold-out audiences across the country, cementing him as one of the most dynamic entertainers of his generation. Now Michael is back with a brand-new show - “Carbonaro: Lies on Stage” - which will continue to showcase his unmatched blend of humor and charisma along with inventive illusions which will amaze audiences of all ages.
Post Show Meet & Greet – includes (1) Premium Seat
Limited Quantities available. Includes (1) Premium Seat on the Orchestra Level, Post Show Meet & Greet with Michael Carbonaro, (Photo Opportunity and Autograph on the item of your Choice.)Meet & Greet patrons must check in at Will Call at The Maryland Theatre Box Office before showtime for their credentials. The Meet & Greet will take place directly following the show, please remain in your seat as general ticket holder vacate the Theatre. Meet & Greet patrons may be subject to additional security measures and COVID protocols.
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Our Box Office Location is:
The Maryland Theatre
21 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact Our Box Office
301-790-2000
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The Maryland Theatre
Box Office Hours
Tuesday 12 PM - 6 PM
Wednesday 12 PM - 5 PM
Thursday 12 PM - 6PM
Friday 12 PM - 5 PM
The Box Office is Open
+1 Hour Prior to Showtimes
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Authentic Community Theatre presents
Kinky Boots
On stage at The Maryland Theatre
Kinky Boots is the big-hearted musical extravaganza that won six Tonys including Best Musical, the Grammy for Best Musical Theatre album, and London’s Olivier Award for Best Musical. Kinky Boots features a joyous, Tony-winning score by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, and a hilarious, uplifting book by four-time Tony winner, Harvey Fierstein. Billy Porter won a Best Actor Tony Award for his portrayal of Lola.
Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father's shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father's legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair find that they have more in common than they realized... and discover that when you change your mind, you can change your whole world.
A heartfelt story. A surefire crowd pleaser, Kinky Boots will have audiences dancing in the aisles and discovering why, sometimes, the best way to fit in... is to stand out!
This production is rated PG-13, If you have any questions regarding the content of this production, please contact ACT Directly before purchasing your ticket.
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Our Box Office Location is:
The Maryland Theatre
21 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact Our Box Office
301-790-2000
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The Maryland Theatre
Box Office Hours
Tuesday 12 PM - 6 PM
Wednesday 12 PM - 5 PM
Thursday 12 PM - 6PM
Friday 12 PM - 5 PM
The Box Office is Open
+1 Hour Prior to Showtimes
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Mark your calendars for the Hagerstown Community College Alumni Association's upcoming Funky Fridays Concerts kicking off on Friday evening, May 12, 2023, at 6:15 p.m. in the HCC Alumni Amphitheater with a free concert by The Holders.
Food trucks will be on hand and concessions will be sold, a beer garden will be on-site, and the fun will continue with 50/50 drawings and more. Don't miss this special concert. Everyone is welcome to attend!
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Culture & Cocktails:
Historic Schoolhouses in Washington County
Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, 6:00 PM
From those abandoned to the ones brought back to life, Washington County has a hidden treasure trove of historic schoolhouses waiting to be discovered!
On Friday, August 11, 2023, join Henry Recker, a Smithsburg Middle School student, who will showcase Washington County’s historic schoolhouses. The talk will feature photographs taken by Henry and from the WCHS archives.
This month’s drink is the Roaring Rob Roy, a cocktail for Scotch lovers and enjoyers. Doors open at 5:30 PM and light hors d' oeuvres will be served!
Culture & Cocktails 2023 has been made possible by the generous support of the James and Mary Schurz Foundation of Williamsport, MD.
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Washington County MD Historical Society
135 W. Washington St.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact 301-797-8782 or info@washcohistory.org
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Hager House Plein Air Art Collaborative
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Calling all artists, the Hager House welcomes you for an open-air day of creativity. Artists are invited to bring their own supplies and create paintings, drawings, and sketches of the Hager House. Once completed, we welcome you to display your art inside the Hager House for visitors to admire through the month until after City Park Fall Fest (Sat. Sept. 16). No fees for artists, free house tours included for participating artists. Rain date: Saturday, August 19. Click the button below to enroll for free, to RSVP, and be in the loop with notifications/updates on this event:
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229th Army Band to perform August 12, 2023 at HCC
The Hagerstown Community College Alumni Association will host the 229th Army Band as part of its annual Red, White and Blue Summer Concert Series, on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 6:15 p.m., in HCC’s Alumni Amphitheater. This event was previously canceled in July due to inclement weather.
A traditional military band that features seven ensembles, the 229th U.S. Army Band has been part of the Maryland National Guard for most of the 20th century and is one of the few military bands to have received battle honors. The largest ensemble of the 229th Army Band, the Concert Band is extremely versatile and performs everything from large-scale formal concert band pieces to classical selections to patriotic music and marches.
Sponsored by the HCC Alumni Association, this concert is free and open to the public. Concessions will be available for purchase. Please note that no outside food is permitted on the amphitheater grounds and concerts are subject to change by the U.S. Military. Personal lawn chairs are permitted for lawn seating.
For more information and weather updates, email lsstewart@hagerstowncc.edu or call 240-500-2346. To learn more about the 229th Army Band, visit https://229tharmyband.com/.
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Accompany the MFA to Kaylor Rose Garden for a Garden Night at the Museum Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, from 5 to 8 p.m. Bring your own picnic, enjoy live music, good company, and a beautiful summer evening. Wine is available for purchase (for ages 21 and older) from Stone House Urban Winery. Free admission. Museum exhibitions remain open until 8 p.m. | |
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Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
301-739-5727
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The Maryland Theatre Presents
Jon Rudnitsky
Friday, September 15, 2023 at 7:30 PM
About the Show...
Jon Rudnitsky was the only new cast member hired for the 41st season of SNL, and Young Larry on the latest season of CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM. He has appeared in leading roles opposite Reese Witherspoon in the Nancy Meyers film HOME AGAIN, alongside George Clooney in the Hulu mini-series CATCH 22, the Netflix movie SET IT UP with Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell and the lead role in THE BIG LEAP on Fox. He starred in THE YOUNG WIFE with Kiersey Clemons and Judith Light which premiered at SXSW this year and can be seen in the upcoming Amazon feature THE RED ONE with The Rock and JK Simmons, animated Paramount feature UNDER THE BOARDWALK with Michael Cera, Russell Brand and Bobby Cannavalle, and STEALING PULP FICTION with Karan Soni and Jason Alexander.
As a stand-up he’s performed on CONAN, Comedy Central’s THE COMEDY JAM where he performed Footloose with Kenny Loggins and is a regular at the world famous Comedy Cellar in NY. He was also selected as one of the New Faces at the prestigious JUST FOR LAUGHS Comedy Festival in Montreal.
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Our Box Office Location is:
The Maryland Theatre
21 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact Our Box Office
301-790-2000
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The Maryland Theatre
Box Office Hours
Tuesday 12 PM - 6 PM
Wednesday 12 PM - 5 PM
Thursday 12 PM - 6PM
Friday 12 PM - 5 PM
The Box Office is Open
+1 Hour Prior to Showtimes
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The Maryland Theatre hosts:
Amy Grant
Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 7:30 PM
Amy Grants career spans more than 40 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into becoming an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality, and philanthropist. Her chart success includes six No. 1 hits, ten Top 40 pop singles, 17 Top 40 Adult Contemporary tracks, and multiple Contemporary Christian chart-toppers. In April 2016, Grant celebrated the 25th anniversary of her first pop hit, Baby Baby, with a worldwide release of a new version of the song featuring pop sensation Tori Kelly. Grant then released Tennessee Christmas in October 2016, her first all-new Christmas album in nearly twenty years. In addition to her six Grammy Awards, Amy Grant has earned 26 Dove Awards (including four Artist of the Year Awards. Conventional wisdom has it that Grant put Contemporary Christian Music on the map becoming the first Contemporary Christian artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit No. 1 on the Pop charts, and the first to perform at the Grammy Awards.
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Our Box Office Location is:
The Maryland Theatre
21 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact Our Box Office
301-790-2000
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The Maryland Theatre
Box Office Hours
Tuesday 12 PM - 6 PM
Wednesday 12 PM - 5 PM
Thursday 12 PM - 6PM
Friday 12 PM - 5 PM
The Box Office is Open
+1 Hour Prior to Showtimes
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The Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater presents the remaining 4 shows in their Playhouse+ Season: The Golden Girls 2: Another Merry Murderous Christmas, Christmas with Elvis, A Country Christmas, & Christmas with the Crooners! The Playhouse+ performances are shows not included in the MainStage Season, including Murder Mysteries, Music Tributes, Seasonal Productions, and more! The Playhouse is located at 44 North Potomac Street, Rear in the heart of Hagerstown's Arts and Entertainment District and City Center.
About the Shows:
The Golden Girls 2: Another Merry Murderous Christmas: Dorothy Zwieback, Blanche Delovely, Rose Niblet and Sophia Tiparillo are throwing another of their famous Christmas parties. But where IS Dorothy? Lucy Lovett, Blanche's niece, and Dorothy's literary agent, seems to be the only one with an alibi. Fortunately, obsessive-compulsive detective Adrian Monk and assistant Sharona are on hand to solve the mystery, with the help of the guests.
Christmas with Elvis: A Holiday edition of our ELVIS In Concert - Tribute, featuring the King's greatest hits and his version of your favorite Christmas songs! Jeff Krick Jr. is one of America's most successful and endearing "Elvis Tribute Artists." Jeff has headlined Cruise Ships, numerous Elvis and music festivals, and has also performed as "The King" in Hawaii and Las Vegas. The Playhouse is happy to welcome him back!
A Country Christmas: From the producers of American Country... a dynamic concert featuring the great songbook of American Country Music and Holiday Classics performed by talented singers and live musicians, preceded by a delicious dinner buffet. Full cash bar available.
Christmas with the Crooners: Welcome the holiday season with a tuneful evening from the American standards songbook performed by Playhouse favorites. Featuring the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney and more! Preceded by a delicious dinner buffet. Full service cash bar available.
All Playhouse+ shows are preceded by Dinner featuring Dinner Rolls, Soup or Salad, Dinner, Dessert and Coffee, Tea, and Iced Tea. A Full Service Cash Bar is available. Bar tab and gratuity not included. Children under age 5 are not admitted.
The Golden Girls 2: Another Merry Murderous Christmas plays November 3, 4, 10, 11, December 22, & 23 at 6PM and November 5 at 1PM.
Christmas with Elvis plays November 26 at 1PM and December 14 at 6PM.
A Country Christmas plays on December 7 at 6PM.
Christmas with the Crooners plays December 21 at 6PM.
The Washington County Playhouse is located at 44 North Potomac Street, Rear. Since 1985, The Playhouse has been entertaining guests in the heart of Hagerstown's Arts and Entertainment District and City Center.
Tickets (including dinner and show) cost $63.00 for Adults, $57.00 for Active Military and First Responders, and $53.50 for children (5-12). Tickets can be purchased at www.washingtoncountyplayhouse.com or by calling (301)739-7469.
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The Maryland Theatre presents
Billy Ocean
Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 7:00 PM
Billy Ocean is the biggest black recording star Britain has ever produced, one who has sold over 30 million records in his lifetime to date. He has collected a pile of Gold and Platinum records across the world and hit the number one spot worldwide in the pop charts including the USA, Australia, Germany, Holland, and the UK. Billy has achieved extraordinary success as both an artist and a songwriter.
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Our Box Office Location is:
The Maryland Theatre
21 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact Our Box Office
301-790-2000
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The Maryland Theatre
Box Office Hours
Tuesday 12 PM - 6 PM
Wednesday 12 PM - 5 PM
Thursday 12 PM - 6PM
Friday 12 PM - 5 PM
The Box Office is Open
+1 Hour Prior to Showtimes
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Puppy Pals LIVE!
Thursday, November 2, 2023
7:30 PM Showtime!
About the Show...
The Puppy Pals Comedic Stunt Dog Show is a hilarious presentation for the whole family and the dog lover in all of us, the spectacle stars mostly rescued dogs. From shelters to showbiz, these pooches perform spectacular stunts and breathtaking feats. Wesley Williams leads the puppies and audience through challenging and comical tricks as they show everyone who is really boss! Full of surprises and laugh-out-loud canine comedy, this performance appeals to children of all ages. This is not only a show but a family fun experience. In every performance, we invite the audience to take part in the show and maybe even step up on the stage.
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Our Box Office Location is:
The Maryland Theatre
21 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact Our Box Office
301-790-2000
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The Maryland Theatre
Box Office Hours
Tuesday 12 PM - 6 PM
Wednesday 12 PM - 5 PM
Thursday 12 PM - 6PM
Friday 12 PM - 5 PM
The Box Office is Open
+1 Hour Prior to Showtimes
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American Girl LIVE!
In Concert
Sunday, November 5, 2023
at 5:00 PM
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American Girl LIVE!
Pre-show Snacks & Sparkle
Sunday, November 5, 2023
at 4:30 PM
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Our Box Office Location is:
The Maryland Theatre
21 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact Our Box Office
301-790-2000
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The Maryland Theatre
Box Office Hours
Tuesday 12 PM - 6 PM
Wednesday 12 PM - 5 PM
Thursday 12 PM - 6PM
Friday 12 PM - 5 PM
The Box Office is Open
+1 Hour Prior to Showtimes
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To include your happenings in future editions of Artist Alley, please send your art information to maryanneb@washingtoncountyarts.com
Please specify: Organization, Program, Dates, Brief Description, Location, Ticket Price, and Contact Information.
Please also include a graphic!
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The Washington County Arts Council Community Event Calendar has the added functionality to allow multiple dates and you can upload an image or graphic to go with your event(s)!
Click the link below and then click on the green "+Add Community Event" button to add your event(s).
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Opportunities for Artists
Explore MSAC grants and opportunities available to independent artists, click here for details.
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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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