This campus open house has something for the entire family with more than 70 different events throughout the Center — on stage, in the studios and behind the scenes.

Schedule of events

9:45AM-10:30AM
UMD Percussion Ensemble

The German word for percussion is "Schlagzeug" which literally means "hit stuff." Come hear the UMD Percussion Ensemble hit things harmoniously, delicately and violently in this exciting Arts Alley kick off event! Presented by UMD School of Music.
Grand Pavilion

10AM-10:45AM
Meet Me in the Library: A Dance Tour

We will guide the audience on an exciting journey of the potential of the Performing Arts Library. From dancing in the stacks and on cubicles to designing movement patterns, from playing hide-and-go-seek, to sharing the vast and ever-growing performance video collection, the work will transform the quiet, somewhat intimidating space into one full of life and resources. MSPAL will feel like home to the performers and audience alike.
Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library

10AM-11AM
Facility Tour

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center.
Grand Pavilion

10AM-4PM
Art Works For Kids!

Join in the fun of creating visual art using a variety of materials! Hands-on art activities will be provided throughout the day to spark your child's imagination. Projects range from designing bubbles artwork to making veggie prints! Presented by Art Works Now.
Theatre Courtyard
Rain Plan Location: Music Lobby

10AM-4PM
Instrument Petting Zoo

Try something new. The NAfME instrument petting zoo is an opportunity for children and adults alike to try out instruments. Under the guidance of NAfME members, visitors may even find an instrument that they really like! Presented by NAfME (National Association for Music Education).
Room 2201

10AM-4PM
Make-and-Take Arts Workshop

Dig in to hands-on visual arts activities in this fun, social and supportive workshop. Creativity is meant to be enjoyable! Presented by Brentwood Arts Exchange.
Theatre Courtyard
Rain Plan Location: Music Lobby

10AM-4PM
MFA in Design Maryland Day Showcase

Check out the MFA design student showcase! See design work from class projects and realized TDPS productions. The showcase will include lighting, costume and scenic design elements. Presented by the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies' Design Department.
Room 3730

10AM-4PM
Light Lab

Experience the world of lighting design. Learn how a lighting designer uses light and darkness to create the world of plays, musicals and dance. Presented by the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies.
Light Lab

10:30AM-11AM
The Weekday Players presents Original Student Work

Be moved by this presentation of an original work written by a company member and produced by students. Presented by The Weekday Players, a student theatre company that strives to produce challenging and engaging theatre.
Cafritz Foundation Theatre

10:30AM-11:15AM
Band Concert on the Lawn: Maryland Community Band

Enjoy an old-fashioned band concert by one of the area's best community-based groups. Light classical selections along with showtunes and marches will fill this program. Presented by UMD School of Music.
Band Room Courtyard (Music Courtyard)

10:30AM-Noon
Appalachian Spring

Sit in on an open working rehearsal of Copland's Appalachian Spring, a production that combines movement and music. Led by renowned choreographer Liz Lerman and featuring the UMD Symphony Orchestra. Presented by UMD School of Music.
Dekelboum Concert Hall

10:30AM-12:30PM
Piano Master Class

Be fearless in this two-hour piano master class for pre-college students. Work with piano faculty member Mayron Tsong in the first hour and husband/wife duo Larissa Dedova and Mikhail Volchok in hour two. Presented by UMD School of Music.
Leah M. Smith Lecture Hall

10:45AM-10:50AM
Bench Quartet

Don't miss Bench Quartet! Created to J.S. Bach's Cantata No. 78, this dance has been taught to and performed by more than 30 college and professional repertory companies around the world. Choreographed by renowned modern dance artist Doug Varone and performed by UMD undergraduate dance students. Presented by the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies.
Front Plaza
Rain Plan Location: Music Lobby

11AM-11:30AM
College Park Vocetti

College Park Youth Choir and Vocetti rehearse every week to present concerts around College Park, giving young singers training in harmony and choral singing. Directed by Christopher Fominaya and presented by College Park Arts Exchange.
​Gildenhorn Recital Hall

11AM-11:45AM
Meet Me in the Library: A Dance Tour

We will guide the audience on an exciting journey of the potential of the Performing Arts Library. From dancing in the stacks and on cubicles to designing movement patterns, from playing hide-and-go-seek, to sharing the vast and ever-growing performance video collection, the work will transform the quiet, somewhat intimidating space into one full of life and resources. MSPAL will feel like home to the performers and audience alike.
Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library

11AM-11:50AM
Irish Dance: From Immigrants to Innovators

The music and dance of Ireland was one of the most beloved treasures that our brave Irish ancestors brought to America so many years ago. Enjoy a spectacular display of the art and beauty of Irish dance from its traditional roots to its more modern innovations. Presented by the Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance.
Kay Theatre

11AM-Noon
Facility Tour

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center.
Grand Pavilion

11AM-Noon
Fearless Dance Class

Hey, fearless Terps! Get a charge out of this upbeat dance class, open to all ages and experience levels. Exercise and have some fun with a blend of Zumba, jazz and hip-hop. Presented by Delta Chi Xi Honorary Dance Fraternity Inc.
Dance Studio 1

11AM-3PM
500 Art-Full Letters

Join arts advocates as we create handmade art-full letters for our legislators in support of public funding for the arts. Presented by Maryland Students for the Arts Advisory Council.
Dance Lobby

11:15AM-11:45AM
The Choreographic Process

A conversation with the audience about how choreographers create dances. The audience will watch dances, listen to dance students speak about their process and be able to ask questions. Presented by the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies.
Dance Theatre

11:15AM-12:15PM
Kreativity Diversity Troupe Presents: Come Kreate with Kreativity!

Come Kreate with Kreativity! Enjoy an hour jam-packed with dance, song, improvisational games and the like, featuring Kreators (Kreativity members). Don't miss this sneak preview of original works. Presented by Kreativity Diversity Troupe.
Cafritz Foundation Theatre

11:30AM-2PM
Costume Shop

Visit The Clarice costume shop for a tour of the shop and a behind-the-scenes look at costume design and preparation. Sew cool!
Costume Shop

11:30AM-2PM
Prop Shop Open House

Meet The Clarice staff and student members of the prop and paint shop. Learn how props and scenery are created and finished.
Paint and Prop Shop

11:30AM-2PM
Scene Shop Open House

Visit The Clarice's scene shop where production staff will give you a sneak peek into how set designs become reality.
Scene Shop

11:45AM-12:15PM
Maryland Day Maskers Carnival

Parade In the tradition of Mardi Gras "promiscuous" masking, TDPS students will parade through the The Clarice, portraying characters drawn from European and American carnival histories. Presented by the School of Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies.
Grand Pavilion

11:45AM-12:45PM
UMD Jazz Combos

Swing with UMD jazz combos as they play favorite jazz standards, as well as new tunes arranged by UMD jazz students. Presented by UMD School of Music.
Gildenhorn Recital Hall

11:45AM-12:45PM
UMD Wind Orchestra - Color and Sound CANCELLED

11:45AM-11:50AM
Bench Quartet

Don't miss Bench Quartet! Created to J.S. Bach's Cantata No. 78, this dance has been taught to and performed by more than 30 college and professional repertory companies around the world. Choreographed by renowned modern dance artist Doug Varone and performed by UMD undergraduate dance students. Presented by the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies.
Front Plaza
Rain Location: Music Lobby

Noon-12:30PM
Great Performances on the Bösendorfer Digital Piano

Watch and listen to the Bösendorfer 290SE reproducing piano render performances by the great pianists of the 1920s.
Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library/IPAM Room

Noon-12:45PM
Contemporary Partnering

Learn to share weight, counter-balance and do some basic lifts in this non-gender based partnering class. Attendees should wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing, no shoes and no jewelry. Facilitated by Alvin Mayes and presented by the School of Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies.
Dance Studio 2

Noon-1PM
Maryland Opera Studio: Opera Scenes

Have a ball with graduate and undergraduate students as they perform selections from the Opera Workshop class and various operas including Die Fledermaus. Presented by UMD School of Music.
Kay Theatre

12:15PM-12:45PM
Isiah Johnson's Rhythmic Games

Parents and children will enjoy this on-your-feet, groove-to-the-beat fun led by musician Isiah Johnson.
Dance Studio 1

12:15PM-1PM
Gamer Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert

Have a good time with the world's first collegiate ensemble dedicated to the performance of orchestral video game music. Come for a preview of their spring concert! Presented by the Gamer Symphony Orchestra.
Dekelboum Concert Hall

12:30PM-1:15PM
UMoves 1 -- Selections from the Undergraduate Dance Concert

Delight in a concert featuring the emerging talent of the next generation of dance artists. The program will include original works created and/or performed by undergraduate dance majors finding their choreographic voice and vision, plus new works developed throughout the year by guest choreographers. Presented by the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies.
Dance Theatre

12:30PM-1:30PM
The Great Play Bake-Off

Team up with other participants to collaboratively create a new short piece of theatre. Players will use a list of "theatrical ingredients" as their guide. Facilitated by Jennifer Barclay and presented by the School of Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies.
Cafritz Foundation Theatre

1PM-1:30PM
Isiah Johnson's Rhythmic Games

Parents and children will enjoy this on-your-feet, groove-to-the-beat fun led by musician Isiah Johnson.
Dance Studio 1

1PM-2PM
Dance Improvisation Workshop

Explore space, breath, time, stillness, intensity, duration and power in this dance improv workshop. Attendees will observe, hold space for one another, let themselves be seen and embrace the unknown. Open to everyone. Presented by the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies.
Dance Studio 2

1PM - 2PM
Facility Tour

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center.
Grand Pavilion

1PM-2PM
New Lights Ensemble

Celebrate the past and witness the future in the making with New Lights! New Lights Ensemble is dedicated to presenting classical music in fresh and innovative ways. This concert will feature a theme of modern American music made accessible. Presented by UMD School of Music.
Gildenhorn Recital Hall

1:15PM-2PM
UMD Men's and Women's Choruses

Join the UMD Men's and Women's Choruses as they showcase a varied program of American folk and art music. Joseph Shortall, conductor, UMD Men's Chorus; Kenneth Elpus, conductor and Rachel Carlson, assistant conductor, UMD Women's Chorus. Presented by UMD Choral Activities and UMD School of Music.
Dekelboum Concert Hall

1:15PM-2:05PM
Irish Dance: From Immigrants to Innovators

The music and dance of Ireland was one of the most beloved treasures that our brave Irish ancestors brought to America so many years ago. Enjoy a spectacular display of the art and beauty of Irish Dance from its traditional roots to its more modern innovations. Presented by the The Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance.
Kay Theatre

1:30PM-2PM
Great Performances on the Bösendorfer Digital Piano

Watch and listen to the Bösendorfer 290SE reproducing piano render performances by the great pianists of the 1920s.
Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library/IPAM Room

1:30PM-2:15PM
UMoves 2 -- Selections from the Undergraduate Dance Concert

Delight in a concert featuring the emerging talent of the next generation of dance artists. The program will include original works created and/or performed by undergraduate dance majors finding their choreographic voice and vision, plus new works developed throughout the year by guest choreographers. Presented by the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies.
Dance Theatre

1:45PM-2:15PM
Isiah Johnson's Rhythmic Games

Parents and children will enjoy this on-your-feet, groove-to-the-beat fun led by musician Isiah Johnson.
Dance Studio 1

1:45PM-2:45PM
Erasable Inc. Improv Performance

Come see a hilarious, family-friendly theatrical performance created live! Presented by Erasable Inc., the University of Maryland's only all-improv performance group.
Cafritz Foundation Theatre

2PM-2:30PM
Maryland Day Maskers Carnival Parade

In the tradition of Mardi Gras "promiscuous" masking, TDPS students will parade through The Clarice, portraying characters drawn from European and American carnival histories. Presented by the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies.
Grand Pavilion

2PM-3PM
Facility Tour

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center.
Grand Pavilion

2:15PM-3PM
UMD University Band

Enjoy an afternoon of traditional and new innovative wind-band favorites with the UMD University Band. This all-campus band is open to all students. Presented by UMD School of Music.
Dekelboum Concert Hall

2:15PM-3:15PM
Maryland Classic Youth Harp Ensemble

Revel in a chamber concert with the Maryland Classic Youth Harp Ensemble, one of the region's premier youth harp ensembles. Directed by Monika Vasey and presented by Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras (MCYO) and Levine School of Music.
Gildenhorn Recital Hall

2:15PM-3:15PM
UMD Wind Ensemble - Grainger's

Journey back to old Lincolnshire, England and hear stories of love, tragedy, greed and bravery told through folksongs arranged by Percy Grainger in his piece for wind ensemble, Lincolnshire Posy. Local heroes and citizens share their stories and Grainger's setting for wind band captures their emotion and spirit for generations. Presented by UMD School of Music.
Band Room

2:30PM-2:50PM
China's Colors

Explore some of the most captivating dances of the 56 ethnic minority groups that make up China, the Dai, Dunhuang and Han. Tianyi works to bring authentic Chinese culture to local communities.
Kay Theatre

2:30PM-3:15PM
Joe's Moving Company

Delight in a performance of dance and spoken word by Joe's Moving Company youth performance ensemble. Featuring 15 youth from Prince George's County. Presented by Joe's Movement Emporium.
Dance Theatre

2:30PM-3:30PM
Dance Improvisation Workshop

Explore space, breath, time, stillness, intensity, duration and power in this dance improv workshop. Attendees will observe, hold space for one another, let themselves be seen and embrace the unknown. Open to everyone. Presented by the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies.
Dance Studio 2

3PM-3:30PM
College Park Youth Orchestra Chamber Ensemble

Take joy in the Chamber Ensemble of College Park Youth Orchestra. A select group of advanced musicians will play works from the standard chamber and orchestral repertoire. Directed by Claudia Chudacoff and presented by College Park Arts Exchange.
Kay Theatre

3PM-3:30PM
Great Performances on the Bösendorfer Digital Piano

Watch and listen to the Bosendorfer 290SE reproducing piano render performances by the great pianists of the 1920s.
Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library/IPAM Room

3PM-4PM
Coming Back to Home

Coming Back to Home by Mary Watters is a one-act family musical set in both the present day and during the War of 1812. The story centers on the adventure of two young siblings who are taken on a journey through time to explore the history of their ancestors. This play, originally mounted in the summer of 2012, was met with much enthusiasm amongst the summer camps and playgrounds in the county and we are excited to have the newly formed PRINCE GEORGE’S TRAVELING PLAYERS remount this production on the 200th anniversary of the infamous Battle of Bladensburg.
Cafritz Foundation Theatre

3:15PM-4PM
Broadway Today

Get a kick out of this caberet featuring contemporary songs and duets from the Broadway stage. This show will be created and performed by students in the University of Maryland Musical Theatre Workshop under the direction of Scot Reese and Doug Lawler. Presented by the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies.
Grand Pavilion

3:15PM-4PM
UMD Koto Ensemble

Hear the peaceful sounds of Japan in Springtime in this graceful performance by the UMD Koto Ensemble, directed by Kyoko Okamoto. Presented by UMD School of Music.
Dekelboum Concert Hall