The sound system and acoustics are not what I would expect at a concert venue. They just aren't very good. Plus the seating isn't graded enough to be able to see above people's heads. If you have a tall person in front of you, you will only see slightly left and slightly right. And I am Tall so for my view to be blocked, that was disappointing. We sat in front, Aisle "N". I even turned around and asked the woman in back of me if she wanted me to move so she could see. It's a former High School perhaps that's why. Parking is plentiful but far enough away they should consider lighting the front of Maryland Hall better. PLUS, tickets were very expensive. read more

Saw La Esmeralda ballet here. The sound system is not great, and at times it was feeling like amateur night at the Bijou. Nonetheless, the ballet was pretty good. There's not much of an angle so if a tall man or lady with 80's puff hair is in front of you, good luck seeing the stage. I am glad there's an arts center in Annapolis. Will look into their classes. read more

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I've been in the Annapolis city for some years now and had never attended Maryland Hall for a show - until Monday! Horror Circus was floating around Eventbrite, so I decided to get tickets. What I thought was going to be more spooky wound up being a cute, entertaining circus trip. Definitely a kid-friendly event, not as "spooky" as I thought it would be, but a good facility overall. Wine and canned drinks were provided for purchase, and additional star : their bathrooms were spotless! I've seen other reviews of people attending Maryland Hall for other events and they appeared to have enjoyed it, so I'm going to stay on the lookout for more events. read more

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I was attending a festival next to the Maryland Hall and came in to use the restroom. The Maryland Hall is a little different then I remember. 25 years ago my daughter's dance recitals were here and while they still put on shows, it would appear that they have expanded their repertoire into the other arts. Walking the halls is like doing a gallery walk through the visual arts. Apparently they have classes there and the students works are displayed throughout. I poked my head into a pottery class that was finishing up and had the opportunity to chat with the instructor who confirmed there are many different classes you can take. This is great for anyone in the Annapolis area that may be interested. read more

Maryland Hall - Art is everywhere - Performing Arts Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

Super vintage building in Annapolis. Very well kept up. We came here to see Colin Hay (Men at Work lead singer). We had originally bought tickets for March 2020 and finally got to see the show in early 2022. Great acoustics. Great stage. Great venue. Ticket and merch folks very nice. Maryland hall is very Annapolis and is a great place to catch an act. Highly recommended! read more

Maryland Hall - Waiting for Colin - Performing Arts Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

We've attended two recent music performances at Maryland Hall; Melissa Etheridge several weeks ago, and Clannad tonight. The positives: It's a fairly intimate venue, in a good location in Annapolis close to restaurants, etc. They book some fine artists, and there's a fair bit (though not quite enough) convenient parking. Sight lines to the stage are good from the floor and *excellent* from the balcony. The negatives: I'd give a lot for an extra inch or two of space between the seating rows! I'm 5'-10" ... certainly not what one would consider extremely tall. And my legs literally don't fit into the row unless I angle them. I can't image how a truly tall person could fit. They need some basic tech improvements. For heaven's sake, at least stretch (left-right) the cyclorama! It's a wrinkly mess. They need to improve their light plot - some high sidelight, so they can stop front lighting so much and spilling all over the cyc, would help a lot. More experienced/trained light cueing would be helpful, too ... the cueing for Melissa Etheridge was adequate, but for Clannad was frankly dreadful. The tech issues aren't terrible; even with those problems it's a fine place to go for live music. But they're simple things, easily fixed - it would be lovely to see some of those matters addressed. read more

Maryland Hall - Clannad in performance - Performing Arts Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

Had an absolutely lovely Sunday watching The Nutcracker. The dancers are incredibly talented and should be proud of the quality show they put on! The theater was tidy, and parking was free :) No concessions that I could see. The stairwells and bathrooms were very hot in temperature, but the auditorium was comfortable. read more

Maryland Hall - Front - Performing Arts Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

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I typically give 5 star reviews and love giving positive feedback in a world where people complain about everything. Sadly I will never ever attend another concert at this venue. The temperature inside of the venue was hot. Extremely hot. They do not allow bottled water inside of the hall. You must go downstairs and purchase bottled water and drink it downstairs and you can't bring water in the hall. When you have a show with older people with medical conditions, you should allow ample air condition as well as bottled water in the hall. The venue also has a mask requirement for COVID-19 and I can understand why the requirement is there. That said, you should make sure that your guests who paid $125 a ticket were cool and comfortable, not hot and sweaty. As for the concert itself, Ann Wilson was absolutely incredible and if this was a review of her it would be 5 stars but this venue is terrible and the management inside of this venue should go through proper training of taking care of guests. read more

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The acoustics in the hall are terrible. Attended Michell Branch concert and could only here the snare drum - sans snares - it was a beaten Tom Tom that dominates the show, drowned out the band. The best and actually great songs were when the drummer did not play along. The speaker system totally overpowered the hall. read more

This is a nicely restored event venue in Annapolis. We attended a wonderful US Naval Academy Band concert for Veterans Day, which was a free event (advance online tickets were needed for general admission seating). They also have certain events from Rams Head on Stage at this venue. I have now put myself on the list for notification of their events. The building, a former school, consists of three levels. They also have classes going on and gallery space. This is one of the great resources in the arts in the Annapolis area. read more

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

My students and I came here today to see a play based on a book they read in class (Mixed-up Files of Basil E. Frankweiler). They offer a broad range of arts-related programs for all ages. Some programs are free. Some performances charge a nominal $8.00 fee for large groups (field trips). Classes include art, dance, photography and yoga lessons for adults and children. They are a great venue for small groups to attend. The auditorium is great. i wish I knew the history of this place. There is a great quote carved across the wall above the stage. The seats are comfortable and well kept. The staff (mostly volunteers) are very organized from the moment you drive up to the front door. The art that adorns the wall is created by students is for sale. Some mediums include handmade paper. I'd like to come back without the kiddies and explore the halls even more. read more

Go here! I've never seen anything like this. It was a huge three floor hall with artists and/or classes in every single room. Of course they had an open house for the Maryland Day celebrations this past Sunday so I'm sure it was an ideal time to visit. But even during non-open house times, there are tons of classes that kids (main focus) and adults alike can sign up for...check out their website at www.marylandhall.org for more info. The class times don't work for my schedule but I am a big big fan. I bought pottery for $5, watched sculptures & painters and opera singers & dancers. We need more art in school. Art. Art. Art. read more

Maryland Hall - Performing Arts Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

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Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts is a community arts center in Annapolis that provides a venue for a wide range of cultural events and activities from modern music (much in cooperation with nearby Rams Head Tavern) to the local symphony, opera, and ballet. Shows and special events are common as are classes for children and adults. If there is any deficiency it is in the sound systems in the various rooms. Even the main theater sees distortion and even some speaker vibration. Disappointing. It doesn't help that sound staff run the volume too high for anything like enjoyment. They need an injection of recapitalization and some training for staff. We were there last night for a 60s & 70s rock band. The lead guitar came out muddy and the keyboards didn't sound quite right either. Since this consistent from act to act and event to event I must lay responsibility at the feet of venue sound. Plenty of parking, clean bathrooms (which get cleaned repeatedly during events), and wine, beer, and soft drinks are sold AND allowed inside. It's all very civilized. Oh - if it looks like an old high school that's because *er* it's an old high school. read more

Maryland Hall is a hidden gem that always has a lot going on but could do a better job marketing all of its really cool events. Maryland Hall also hosts different performances and concerts throughout the year, an open house once a year (at least?), even some free concerts over the summer. They have all sorts of dance and art classes that you can take that generally will run a bit pricier than community college classes, but are small and intimate and worth the convenience. The member prices are significantly lower than non-member prices, so it's probably better to just become a member and get on the list for upcoming events as well. Parking is plentiful and free, and there are some good restaurants and bars in walking distance. The building itself seems like a fairly old school building and could honestly use a remodel and a heat system upgrade to balance out the temperatures in different classrooms. read more

I did not actually go inside, but I saw NYE fireworks in the field directly behind this building. It seemed almost embarrassingly underdone but the fireworks themselves were spectacular. read more

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Chickadee has attended a few classes here over the years, and I've been very pleased with the course offerings and instructors. I thought that the Kindermusik program was wonderful. There are two classes: Our Time (birth to 18 months) and Village (18 months to 3 years). The class meets once a week for a full semester. The course fee includes at-home materials (cd and books) as well as an instrument. Chickadee still listens to the cd from her first class. It's a well thought-out curriculum, and the teachers were great! Chickadee also took the Yoga Bugs class (ages 2.5-5), and that was fun for her as well. The Artstart courses (art and music combined) could easily substitute for or enhance the nursery school experience. Other courses include sign language, dance, theater, voice, and piano. There are oodles of classes for adults as well. There are changing tables in the women's rooms on every level of the building (not sure about the men's). My only gripe, and it's minor, is that this is an old building, and the AC/heat systems are seriously outdated--you will ROAST in some classrooms, so if you select a winter course, make sure to dress your little one in layers. read more

I'm writing this as someone who just went to see Aimee Mann, not as someone who seeks to use the place in any other way then to see a concert. There are no signs saying where the hall is. We went past kids being taught ballet, many other classes. Finally there was a desk with a guy with a radio. We asked him where the concert was. He pointed upstairs & thus we went upstairs. Upstairs no signs. Using logic we went towards the middle of the floor, people were hanging around, and a small table selling CDs. Guess we were at the right spot. Doors opened & my wife & I went in to find our seats. We were sat together in the middle. The assistant told my wife she should have used the other entrance as she was slightly to the right of center. I was left of center. If the place was huge I could see the problem, for the sake of one seat what was the problem? Concert was great, but it would have been great anywhere! read more

I saw Jonny Lang here a couple weeks ago (incredible show!), and having never been inside I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I admit I have done zero research on the place, but it reminds me of an old high school (maybe it is?), all the way down to the toilet paper rolls in the bathroom that won't spin all the way around. But the history is evident, and the facility is very well maintained (although it was REALLY warm inside the hall. May want to upgrade the AC?) making for an excellent, intimate concert experience. One of the BIG pluses is that they have a lot of FREE parking (which is practically unheard of in the downtown area), and the lot is easy to get in and out of. Also, the location is within walking distance of several restaurants, so if you want to grab a bite or drink before the show, you've got lots of options. The staff were helpful, managing the crowd pretty well considering the tight spaces as we entered. The seats were comfortable, and the acoustics were very good. The only "negative" (if you could call it that) is that the sound guy was sitting in the middle of the seating area, so with all his instruments and lights it was a bit distracting. But it was still a great show and I'd definitely go back for another performance. read more

Terrible acoustics. I only caught half of the jokes during comedy show that I attended here. The sound system and acoustics caused most of the audio to be muffled and inaudible. read more

I take my daughter here for art class. She loves it and the teacher seems very nice. There's a coffee shop downstairs for the parents to go to while their kid is in class. read more

Maryland Hall - Performing Arts Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

This review is specifically for the gallery experience. I've never been to a performance here, but would like to when they host something that peaks my interest. Maryland Hall is nestled next to an elementary school and the building itself seems to be an old school building. Two galleries that are open to the public are on the 2nd floor, one is on the 3rd floor. I found the restrooms and the two galleries on the main floor right away, but wandered around for a bit before finding the final gallery. The galleries were pretty small and all of them were modern art. There wasn't a lot of variety, so it didn't necessarily speak to my tastes. I do think that the concept of Maryland Hall is great- artists in residence are there, open galleries, and spaces for art and music classes. I wouldn't come back again just for the galleries, but I would come back for a performance. read more

The performance for the Chinese New year was well done. Didnt seem to be very organized. We arrived by bus and sat for 45 mins before the show even began. The reason for the low score is due to the sound. We went on a field trip and the sound was so loud most kids had their hands over their ears. I found myself with a headache afterwards as well. I'm sure it was a mixture of the sounds and the kids. Better luck next time. read more

Venue for the Annapolis Opera and Annapolis Symphony. This facility has two excellent art galleries. And classes. Lots of classes from painting, watercolors, to wood turning, etc. A visit will open up your eyes to the opportunities. read more

The gem of this place is the coffee shop! Amazing service, good food, great selection. If you are there def swing my the coffee shop, the Bean I believe is the name. read more