In a small town, somewhere in America, a community gathers to ask their Senator questions about the politics of the day. But the conversation turns into a heated debate with mortal stakes when a retired librarian takes the event hostage, and forces a young intern to live-stream the proceedings on social media. Theo Popov (composer) and E.M. Lewis (librettist) are recipients of the Second Annual Opera Composition Commission, a partnership between the Maryland Opera Studio and the Artist Partner Program of The Clarice that supports the creation of new opera work.

Experience Brazilian forró and samba music in this high-energy dance party celebration! Influenced by African and European musical elements and accompanied by a full band of percussion, drums, guitar, cavaco, bass and accordion, the performers will teach you the basic steps – no experience or partner necessary!

This event is part of NextNOW Fest 2017

Learn how you can get involved with one of the many performing arts student groups on campus. Anyone can join, and whether it’s dance, theatre or music, we’ve got you covered! Presented in partnership with the Undergraduate Theatre Artists Society. Participating groups to be announced soon!

This event is part of NextNOW Fest 2017

With a genre-spanning sound mixing funk, reggae, samba and more, this music collaborative of D.C. music veterans combines melodic, soulful songwriting with unmatched skill and precision.

This event is part of NextNOW Fest 2017

Named for the Latin word meaning whole, TOTUS is a credit-bearing experience that allows UMD students to explore marginalized identities and silenced voices in and through poetry to spark dialogue and action around identity, social justice and lived experience. Hear the voices of TOTUS alumni as they perform original spoken word pieces. Presented in partnership with the Office of Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy. More information about TOTUS.