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 20th 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 cafe 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. read more