Theatre & Dance
Potomac Theatre Company showcases local and regional theatrical talent with several performances a year. The group also presents workshops and theater classes for adults, as well as camps for children. Volunteer opportunities are available for those interested in behind-the-scenes theater work. Performances take place at the new Blair Family Center for the Arts at Bullis School, 10601 Falls Road in Potomac. Call 301-299-8571.
Visit: www.potomactheatreco.org.
BAPA’s Imagination Stage. BAPA, formerly the Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts, opened its $7 million Imagination Stage Center for the Arts in downtown Bethesda on 4908 Auburn Ave. Imagination Stage is a family theater that stages productions for children and provides arts education for ages 1-18. One of BAPA’s special focuses is making theater and the arts accessible to children and adults with disabilities. Call 301-961-6060
Visit: www.imaginationstage.org.
Adventure Theatre, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., at Glen Echo Park. An active theater group featuring local talent. Performances for children are held year-round Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., as well as workshops and summer camp programs. Please make reservations in advance by calling the box office at 301-320-5331. Box office hours are Mon.-Fri. from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and children and pre-paid group rates are available.
The Puppet Company at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. Shows are held Wed.-Fri. at 10 and 11:30 a.m., and Sat. and Sun. at 11:30 a.m. and 1p.m. Reservations are recommended; tickets are $6. Please arrive 30 minutes early. Call 301-320-6668.
Backyard Theatre at Strathmore Hall, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, presents a variety of entertaining and educational shows designed for ages 4-9 from June-July. Tickets are $6 for adults and children 3 years and older; children under 3 are admitted free. Group discounts are available. Call 301-530-0540.
Visit: www.strathmore.org.
Dance Theater at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. A variety of classes are offered for pre-schoolers through senior adults (ages 60+), from ballet and yoga to ballroom dance to ethnic dance. Visit www.glenechopark.org. Call 301-229-6022.
Round House Theatre, 7501 Wisconsin Ave. in Bethesda, (at East West Highway and Waverly), holds five mainstage professional productions from Sept.-June and special events at various times throughout the year. Tickets range in price from $29-40 and seasonal subscriptions are available. Call about summer camps and educational programs for children at 301-585-1225. Call the box office at 240-644-1100.
Visit: www.roundhousetheatre.org
<ro>Music
<lst>The Bethesda Urban Partnership hosts free dances every other Friday night from 6-9 p.m. at the Bethesda Metro Center; free musical performances at the Bethesda Place Plaza on the corner of Old Georgetown Rd. and Woodmont Ave. Thursday from noon-2 p.m., and free concerts in Veteran’s Park on Thursday from May-July, from 6-8 p.m. The organization also sponsors a variety of family events in downtown Bethesda, including summer fireworks, a family arts day and more. Call 301-215-6660.
Visit: www.bethesda.org.
Strathmore Hall, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda provides art exhibitions, performing arts programs and literary lectures and events. Teas with musical performances are hosted on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons at 1 p.m. year-round. Cost is $17 with pre-paid reservations, or $22 for specialty teas. Free outdoor concerts are held before the Comcast Outdoor Film Festival at 8:30 p.m., every Tuesday and Wednesday in August at 7 p.m. on the mansion grounds, with food available. Call 301-530-0540.
Visit: www.strathmore.org.
<ro>Writing
<lst>The Writer’s Center, 4508 Walsh St. in Bethesda, offers classes in writing, as well as poetry readings, open mic nights for songwriters and other events. Visit www.writer.org. Call 301-654-8664 or e-mail postmaster@writer.org.
<ro>Visual Arts
<lst>Yellow Barn Studio and Gallery at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, offers a variety of adult and children’s classes and exhibits all year long, from painting, drawing and sculpture classes to pottery and photography. Call 301-371-5593 for painting program queries. Visit www.glenechopark.org for a brochure.
Bethesda Art Walk galleries and art schools in Bethesda open their doors to the public and serve free refreshments. This event will continue on the second Friday of every month. A free shuttle stops at each gallery on Art Walk Fridays. Call the Bethesda Urban Partnership at 301-215-6660 or visit www.bethesda.org.
Strathmore Hall Arts Center, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, offers exhibits all year long. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sat 10 a.m.-3 p.m. On some Wednesday nights, exhibits stay open with “Art After Hours” until 9 p.m. Annual exhibits include Common Bond, a showcase for African-American artists, and the Washington Watercolor Association. Call 301-530-0540. Visit www.strathmore.org.
Glenview Mansion Art Gallery at Rockville Civic Center Park, 603 Edmonston Dr., presents exhibits throughout the year with informal concerts on opening days, artist talks and guided tours. All exhibits are free. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Tues. and Thurs., 7-9 p.m. Call 240-314-8682, or visit www.ci.rockville.md.us.