July 22, 2002
<ro>Theater
<bt>Potomac Theatre Company showcases local talent with three performances a year. The 2002-2003 performance schedule includes "Guys and Dolls" in November, a musical version of "Amadeus" in March and its annual festival of one-act plays called "Chain Links 2003" in June. The group also presents workshops and theater classes for adults, as well as camps for children. Volunteer opportunities for those interested in behind-the-scenes theater work. All 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.srbnet.com/ptc.
<lst>BAPA's Imagination Stage, formerly the Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts, is scheduled to open its $7 million Imagination Stage Center for the Arts in downtown Bethesda between Del Ray and Auburn avenues in 2003.
BAPA now has two locations: Whittier Woods Center, 7300 Whittier Blvd., Bethesda, and the Professional Theatre at White Flint Mall, 11301 Rockville Pike. BAPA holds classes and productions for children, including performances at White Flint Mall. One of BAPA's special focuses is making theater and the arts accessible to children and adults with disabilities. Call 301-320-2550. 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, as well as workshops and summer camp programs. Call 301-320-5331.
The Puppet Company at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. Shows are held every Wednesday through Sunday. Reservations are recommended; tickets are $5. 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 6-9 from June-August. Tickets are $6 for adults and children 3 years and older. Group discounts available. Call 301-530-0540. Visit www.strathmore.org.
Round House Theatre, 7501 Wisconsin Ave. in Bethesda, (at East West Highway and Waverly), holds five mainstage professional productions from September-June and special events at various times throughout the year. Tickets range in price from $27-36 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.round-house.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 Bethesda Place on Thursdays from noon-2 p.m.; and free concerts in Veteran's Park on Thursdays 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, hosts teas with musical performances on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons at 1 p.m. year-round. Cost is $17 with prepaid reservations. Free summer outdoor concerts every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on the mansion grounds with food available. The park also hosts the annual Washington Folk Music Festival in early summer. 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 mike nights for songwriters and other events. Visit www.writer.org. Call 301-654-8664.
<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 sculpture to pottery and photography. Call 301-371-5593. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
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 until the end of 2002 on Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13. Call 301-215-6660.
Strathmore Hall Arts Center, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, offers exhibits all year long. 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 Society. Call 301-530-0540. Visit www.strathmore.org.
Glenview Mansion Art Gallery at Rockville Civic Center Park, 603 Edmonston Drive, presents exhibits throughout the year with informal concerts on opening days, artist talks and guided tours. All exhibits are free. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 7-9 p.m. Call 301-309-3354. Visit www.ci.rockville.md.us.