Journey through the Arts

Journey Through the Arts at the Charis Center

(Bowie, MD); The Charis Center for the Arts, located in the creative corridor of Old Town Bowie, has announced a full schedule of events and programs taking place at its facility on 13010 8th Street, Bowie, MD.

       First in the line-up is the 2nd Star production of “A Soldier’s Play” in the main theatre opening February 21 and running for three consecutive weekends through March 9. Set in 1944 at Fort Neal. This forceful drama tracks the investigation of a murder; A mystery explored, anger and bitter resentment surface, and the dying words “They still hate you” linger on. Directed by the award winning director Jane B. Wingard and produced by Cheramie J. Jackson, the Charis Center is pleased to partner with 2nd Star on their 2nd Stage. Tickets are $15 for general admission.  

  Immediately following this is the Charis Center production of “Pinocchio” for three performances on March 14 (7:30), 15 (6:00pm), and 16 (3:00pm). This delightful children’s classic is directed by Dr. Emma Hadley and Ms. Latisha Jones, and features the production students at the Charis Center for the Arts. Tickets are $5 for all students (grades 8 and under) and $8 for general admission.

  Opening on March 28 and running for three consecutive weekends through April 13, is the Diana Son play “Stop Kiss.” This funny, yet unsettling drama which hinges on gay bashing, delivers a multidimensional examination not just of the repercussions of hate crime, but also the slippery underpinnings of identity. Directed by Dr. Hadley the cast features local actors Dannielle Hutchinson, Erica Smith, Lee Rowe, Michael Mangiapane, Rodney Jean, and Latisha Jones. General Admission tickets are $15.

  In addition to these outstanding productions, the Charis Center for the Arts is also pleased to announce upcoming programs available for school age students and adults in Prince George’s County.

  Beginning March 7 the Charis Center is adding a children’s chorus to its already robust programming schedule. The chorus will meet every Friday afternoon from 3:30pm-5:00pm and will focus on a full range of music from the Masters- to Pop –to Broadway. Transportation is available for area schools to the Charis Center upon request.  There is no prerequisite to this program, simply a love of singing! The Charis Center Children’s Chorus is made possible in part with a grant from the City of Bowie Arts Committee. Please call the Charis Center for more information.

  Come “Journey Through the Arts” during the spring break (April 14-April 18) and sample all that the Charis Center has to offer in the line of classes and workshops. The spring program will provide an overview of Dance, Drama, Music and Art classes offered year-round at the Charis Center. Open to all school age children, the spring program is offered in full day or single class formats. More intensive classes are designed for middle school students, and advanced “boot camp” intensive classes are open to high school students interested in focusing on a particular art genre.

  The 3rd Annual Old Town Bowie ArtsFest will bring local visual artists and performers to the Charis Center for the Arts on May 4 from 10am-5pm. Artisans will display and sell their work while performing artists will entertain audiences on the main stage, the chapel stage, and outside on the lawn. Street Buskers will also be on hand to entertain. A new addition to the ArsFest is the Sidewalk Chalk Art Competition for young and old. Artists of all kinds can “rent” a sidewalk block and create a picture of their design. Prizes will be awarded in various age groups and categories.

  With summer break following close on the heels of spring break, the Charis Center for the Arts is excited about its summer offerings as well. Families can register for single class or full day programming throughout the summer months. The Charis Center for the Arts is open from 8am-6:30pm Monday through Friday, with classes offered in various forms of Art, Dance, Drama, and Music throughout the day. The summer schedule is designed as three 3-week sessions (June 9-June 27,July 7-July 25, and July 28-August 15), but also includes a special series of classes for 4th of July week (June 30-July 3). Affordably priced, the Chairs Center for the Arts Summer Arts F.I.T program includes performance opportunities and art gallery showings for all participants.

  For all the middle school and high school thespians in the area, there is an open call for auditions for the Broadway musical “Grease” on May 14 and 15 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. This summer theatre experience will be in production throughout the summer months and will have a 6 performance run in August. Interested actors, singers, and dancer can call the Charis Center (301 262 1183) for more information about how to auditions. “Grease” will be directed by Dannielle Hutchinson with choreography and music direction by Keittra Casimir.

  The Charis Center for the Arts is 501(c)3 social enterprise committed to providing visual and performing arts enrichment to all who seek it.  For more information about tickets, programs and events contact the Center by phone 301 262 1183, email admin@chariscenterarts.com, or visit our website www.chariscenterarts.com.

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