I seem to find myself in the Kentlands area a lot lately but my 1st time visiting the Art Barn…read more My Cousin was debuting his new Independent Film and, of course, I am going to support. The building used to be a stable that has beautifully renovated. It definitely has farmhouse touches with the wood, faux pocket doors and rustic touches. There is a reception area on the main floor where there was coffee(I love it already!) and refreshments. There is accessible parking out front and an elevator for those who may need it to get to the theater upstairs. The theater is small and intimate with 99 seats. I wanted to take pictures of the theater, but they were doing panel discussions and I just didn't feel comfortable snapping pictures during such a thoughtful process. As I understand it, they also provide services to the community around art in the form Of classes, discussions and even camps for the kids. So yes. . . Gaithersburg has begun to grow on me even though I live in Southern Maryland. I live over an hour away but I didn't mind the drive. I would definitely come back again.

Rather ironic I'm getting around to reviewing Gaithersburg Arts Barn on September 24, 2026, the…read morefirst day of the Manhattan Shorts Film Festival. Representing the 4th quarter of 2021 in my scrapbook series is Gaithersburg Art Barn. The only times I was ever here was for the Manhattan Shorts Film Fest. I first attended on Friday, October 1, 2021. Then, Wednesday, September 28, 2022. And finally, Friday, October 4, 2024. I attended the Manhattan Shorts Film Fest on Friday, October 3, 2025, but Arts Barn was being remodeled so was in a temporary location. My friend invited a group to the Manhattan Shorts in October 2021, and wow I was impressed with all the short films. The venue itself is nice, historic looking building. The theater is relatively small that goes back fairly deep. Manhattan shorts is popular and does sell out. In September 2022, I went on a date here. I had met her months back, but coordinated a date for this. Date was alright, films were great again, and it was a 1st & only date situation. I'm not sure why I didn't go in 2023. Maybe it was off my radar or had other things going on. In October 2024, my girlfriend & I attended on the Friday night. We both really enjoyed the movies. In October 2025, it was in the temporary venue, which had worse vantage points for seeing the movie screen, which made me appreciate the Arts Barn. 2026 scenario has been much worse in general. I had considered going tomorrow Friday, 9/25/26, but the tickets were sold out. Thursday was not convenient as I am going to be in Rockville for something on Friday and have other plans on Saturday. My friend had texted me about trading for a different days tickets; I mentioned to her how I was concerned about my dad was in the hospital but had interest in general. By the time, I looked into it Friday was sold out. So, I figured this year wasn't meant to be. Hopefully, I'll go again in 2027, and my health (cancer) situation is much better (along with my dad's health) and better year next year in general.

Came to see the Hungry Caterpillar show with 3 year olds for the first time and they absolutely…read moreloved it. The production quality and actors were amazing. Now I have kiddos who keep asking whether we can go again. Just bought tickets to see the Snow Man and the Snow Dog show for the holidays and looking forward to it. Update: Snow Man and the Snow Dog was not loved by the kids (3 year old and 5 year old), personally I felt it was really boring too. High production value but just not captivating enough. My kid loved the original video but couldn't wait for the play to end.

I attended my first play at Imagination Stage yesterday, and I know it won't be my last. This…read moretheatre is truly a gem, making performing arts accessible for families of all ages and abilities. Here is what you need to know: + Garage parking is free on Sundays + Tickets are sent electronically along with a helpful email and storybook pdf that helps prepare young children on what to expect when they go to the theatre + The theatre is truly intimate -- there is not a bad seat in the house (Trust me -- we were last row, on the side of the stage and still had a great view!) + Children's shows can be quite corny and cut corners when it terms to production value but not at Imagination Stage. I was really impressed by the quality of acting and the set of "Dory Fantasmagory." + They offer lots of free programming such as "Meet the Cast", family yoga, and a children's fashion show to go with the play. I went with a group of children ages 4 - 11 and they had everyone entertained. Seeing everyone's faces light up and laughing out loud has truly filled my cup of cuteness for the entire week. Thanks again Imagination Stage. Can't wait to visit again!

You have to take a class with Max! He's an expert coach and such an asset to have as an actor. I…read morelive in Los Angeles now, but when I have a key role I need to prepare for I will have a virtual session or two, or three with Max! He's always very patient and carefully studies the nuances of your performance. I've never had a note from him that wasn't spot on! Max also understands the business of acting as well. Not only can he help you with the craft of acting, he can also help guide you towards success with networking and marketing, which is half the battle these days, folks! Hope to see you all in class!

In the last 6 months or so I have done both private lessons and a group workshop with Max…read more I had a great time in both settings and enjoyed how Max gave me freedom to choose what scripts I wanted to work on as practice material, while also providing the samples to give me pieces to choose from. Max is is excellent at honing in on specific constructive criticism related your performances, while also creating a way of connecting lots of big picture concepts that weave together a greater awareness of what acting is and can be to one's own life and the greater collective consciousness of humanity. I didn't expect the topics to go as deep as they did and was pleasantly surprised at how much I ended up learning. Max gives attention to individuals even in group settings and makes sure everyone gets feedback after doing pieces for the group. If you're a beginner don't feel shy, it is a perfect setting to break the ice around your fears that you aren't good enough to try your hand at a potential passion!

The Empowered Performer is aptly named. Through strong technique training and a never ending…read morepositive attitude, Stephanie helped me do what I never thought possible. I was in a local musical and sang trope all in the same 10 month period. She really got the fact that I wasn't going for off or even off off off Broadway. She sees the value in singing as a joy to life and at least for me, a way to relieve stress. She was understanding with my nerves, etc. I am a better performer and person after the time that I spent learning from Stephanie. Erin

From the owner: Singing and speaking lessons. Public speaking. Performance techniques. Presentation Skills…read more Overcoming Stage Fright. Auditioning for Musical Theater and College Auditions. Adult Singing Classes. Teen Singing Classes. Speaking Workshops.

Bring the whole family to this amazing experience. Cirque Du Soleil is currently in the Tysons…read moreCorner area of Virginia Check it out

We really enjoyed our time spent at this circus. This is actually my first time going to a circus…read moreof this nature. I purchased my tickets online. We used the mobile scanning for entry. We actually had very good seats. We paid a little extra for the seating but it was so worth it. We were seated in Row A seat 13 & 14. The event lasted 2 hour's with a thirty minute break. This show was very humorous and quirky. It was a very different kind of circus than what I'm use to. I have been to Barnum Bailey Circus and Universal Soul circus. I loved the costumes and everything. We purchased the typical hotdogs and I purchased an icee. They did have a list of adult beverages. My husband said his beer was refreshing. We even stopped by the gift shop on our way out and made two tee-shirt purchases. They have a variety of gifts from binoculars to bags to you name it they had it. They offered parking across the street but we opted for the parking around the corner which was only about $12.00 for 3 1/2 hour's. Again this was a very enjoyable show with a variety of entertainment. We definitely plan on attending again next year. Oh btw restrooms are all outside with plenty available to use before and after the event. Really cute set up and found them to be clean with plenty of soap available. Also spotted a beer garden tent. Didn't have a chance to stop by but that was pretty cool if you want to hang around after the event.

We had a wonderful time seeing Paranormal Cirque in White Marsh, MD. Getting inside of the venue…read morewas quick and easy. They had a short haunted maze that was fun. Concessions are extremely overpriced, but not uncommon for these types of events. The bathrooms were port-a-potties, but not really enough for the crowd in my opinion. The show was really fun. I enjoyed the variety of performers, aerial, jugglers, roller skaters, contortionists, and more! There is a cool wheel of death performance towards the end. The performers were great and engaged well with the crowd. There were some light horror aspects and some comedy aspects as well. Overall, it was an enjoyable show and I'd definitely recommend it!

Paranormal Cirque III April 2025…read moreMoCo Fairgrounds (Gaithersburg, MD) I saw someone's post on Instagram and decided to get tickets to this show without knowing fully what the event was about. Their website describes it as "A crazy yet fun fusion between circus, theatre, and cabaret..." The event was only for 5 shows between April 4 - 6, 2025. Fri 4/4 @ 7:30pm; Sat 4/5 @ 6:30pm & 9:30pm; Sun 4/6 @ 5:30pm & 8:30pm. I purchased our tickets online and was able to select our seats - it showed where every seat was compared to the stage area, and you could see the cost as well ($20 - $65). It was held in a big tent on the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Parking: $10 cash (listed on Paranormal Cirque's website). I did check online and saw that the show had been to the area in past years in addition to traveling through other cities across the US. After arriving for the show, on the outside I only saw a vendor selling horror paintings, for example I saw a painting that showed the McD's clown tied up by chains. Nearby I saw the box office trailer and they had porta-potties outside as well. Inside, which was dark, I saw someone getting makeup put on their face ($), a place selling headgear (reminded me of renaissance festival meets horror flicks), scary decorations, and a stand selling foods/drinks (think snacks like popcorn and funnel cake). There was a haunted house that had a very long line for folks waiting to get in. It did have a warning on the side to enter at your own risk. Once it opened though, all I heard were screams - perfect for those that love those sorts of things. I'm not big on haunted houses in general, so I passed. Once we entered the seating area, staff walked us to our seats (so helpful) - it is still easy to find as the rows are listed on the steps and the seat numbers are listed on the chairs. I loved our view as well. 2 hours of showtime and about 20 minutes intermission as we did start late, but I like the fact that they had certain creatures in full costume roaming throughout the audience before the show started. I saw two of them (not sure if there were others). One was a chainsaw clown - I know I heard the chainsaw sounds as they walked among the audience. The other was just creepy looking, who ended up scaring the living daylights out of me when I discovered someone next to me (not expecting anyone there). I almost jumped out my seat :) It's all good, I can breathe again. I saw a photographer taking pictures of audience members - he gave them a Chucky Doll to pose with. There were vendors selling water and soda and some glow in the dark items (at intermission they sold chocolate covered strawberries and cotton candy - from what I saw). The performance also provided a story within the show - one of the characters had to find 3 souls and they would take his if he didn't. In the end, I think he only found one and after they took his soul, he...I guess you had to be there. He was a character for sure. Other things we saw: funny nuns jumping jump ropes, a motorcycle spinning on a wire with someone dangling below, an acrobatic pair showing flexibility and strength moves while roller skating in a fast circular motion, artists doing aerial feats with their arms, hands, ankles or hair (all while in the air), a guy walking or running on a massive spinning wheel as he proceeded to skip rope, jump, and even blindfolded himself for a few seconds - he had me on the edge of my seat. There were so many other things I saw - too many to list - you'll just have to attend a show for yourself and check it out. Overall, I enjoyed the show and was entertained.

Wow, what a beautiful, large studio! As a parent waiting for my daughter, the comfortable, homey…read morewaiting area is also a plus.

My family has been with Suto Dance for over 10 years. We really enjoy their dedication to detail…read moreand the fact that they really show how much they love to teach and dance. The care Miss Bobby and Patty show for the development of each student sometimes makes me wonder how they can keep that level of energy going. Their knowledge and experience are superlative. What they get the children and adult students to accomplish just blows me away, year after year. The shows (40 years) are so entertaining and beautiful to watch. I can't say enough.

Did I ever see myself as a turnabilist or even interested in turntables? No…read more Are circular objects now very appealing to me? Yes, ever since my first baby scratch, I've been trying to scratch anything in a circular form around me. Not just records, or cds, I'm talking dinner plates and frisbees. This was the best new years resolution I've followed up on: dropping the needle. Most of my dj friends back home are all digital house djs, so turntables are completely new. Most of dj'ing is completely new to me, so I took the intro class. The classes use the Serato Scratch Live software. I arrived early for class my first day, and was allowed to play around with the equipment. I was a rough start cause I had some issues figuring out the screen display, and I was stuck in the Gucci Mane bin for a good twenty minutes. Gucci Mane=worst southern rapper ever, it was distressing. The rest of the set up involves a state of the art mixer and two turntables. Then the skilled instructors took over, and we learned how to scratch, radio dj and beat match. I highly recommend classes with DJ As One. He kinda sounds like a grandfather dj (he's really young actually), with his stories of back in day. All about how they used to drag heavy crates and buy two copies of the same record to mix, and how us kids have it so much better these days with the software. I would recommend the classes to anyone interested in music. As a side note you have to walk through Bach 2 Rock (a music school to get here), be prepared to walk through hallways of high school rock bands complimenting each other on how they sound exactly like Fugazi (eye roll).

I was in a rut. I needed something new to add a little spark to my life. So when I saw that Beat…read moreRefinery was opening on a local blog, I thought it could be just what I need to get out of my funk and get creative. Beat Refinery is a school within a school, located in Bach 2 Rock. They offer a 6 week courses in Intro to DJ for $375, and will have more advanced courses in the future. The classes meet weekly for a couple hours, and you can sign up for additional practice time at a first-come-first serve basis for free if you are taking a class. I had my first class last night, and let me tell you: if you love music and technology--this is something you should try. Each student gets their own DJ set up---which includes computer, turntables, mixer, headphones, and speaker. From what I am told, the equipment is top of the line. The whole class is built around learning Serato Scratch Live, the computer program that allows you to mix, scratch, and beat juggle with the best of them (if you have the skills). The computers are loaded with tunes, and you can also bring in your own music to suit and create you own style. Additionally, the teachers are pro's. My class is taught by DJ As-1 and DJ Stylus Chris, who were both very helpful and energetic in helping us newbies learn the basics. At the end of the 6 week course we are all expected to be able to do a 3-5 minute set and answer some basic questions about the DJ'ing So while I think I have a few song ideas up my sleeve---I still need to work on my DJ name....time to get to my homework.

We had the BEST time in our private lesson with Amina. She taught our group of beginners how to…read moredance. After just 1 1/2 hours we were able to do a spirited routine together. What a thrill! She's a fabulous teacher with such positive energy. Thanks for a memorable evening!

Excellent teaching skills. Classes are small so a lot of opportunities to watch you and correct…read moreyour movements if needed.