Arts Groups Offer Virtual Programming Options During Pandemic

March 27, 2020 Simone Ellin, Associate Editor

The SNF Parkway Theatre is streaming “Bacurau,” a 2019 political farce directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho and Juliano Dornelles that’s based in the Brazilian town of Bacurau.

“Art is the only way to run away withoutleaving home.”

–Twyla Tharp, dancer, choreographer andauthor

Since Gov.Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency in Maryland on Mar. 5, theatricalproductions, concerts, book talks and exhibition openings around the state havebeen cancelled or postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Fortunately, that doesn’t mean that Marylanders can’t enjoy the healing properties of the arts from their homes. The following is a listing of the many online opportunities offered by local arts organizations and groups.

Theater

Baltimore Center Stage

“Where We Stand,” a play by Donnetta Lavinia Gray scheduled to open at Center Stage on Apr. 2, can be accessed virtually from Apr. 2-26. In addition to seeing the show, tickets to the virtual show, which start at $5 each, entitle ticket holders to a PDF dramaturgy packet with discussion questions and resources; a pre-show summary; a comic strip primer; and invitations to live virtual community gatherings and exclusive video content.

For information, visit http://centerstage.org.

Broadway HD

The Great White Way is currently closed for business, but the show goeson with Broadway HD, a subscription service that enables you to view Broadwayshows from the comfort of your home.

For information, visit broadwayhd.com.

Music

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

The Baltimore Symphony’s BSO Offstage platform is theplace to access virtual concerts from our hometown orchestra. See BSO starslike pianist Lura Johnson perform Beethoven: Adagiocon molto espressione from Sonata No. 11, live from her own home!

For information, visit http://bsomusic.org

Creative Alliance

Though Creative Alliance has closed its headquarters forthe time being, you can still enjoy “Sidewalk Serenades,” CA’s “close (but nottoo close) personal concerts.” These brief liveperformances accessed from your stoop, porch or front lawn are available for asmall donation and help to support struggling artists and musicians.

Reserve tickets at https://www.creativealliance.org/2020/announcing-sidewalk-serenades-close-not-too-close-personal-concerts

Gordon Center for Performing Arts

Charm City Bluegrass Presents Digi-Fest, a live streamed bluegrassconcert with local, regional and national artists on Apr. 2 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

For information, visit http://gordoncenter.com.

QuaranTiny Concerts

Part of the Bach+ Series sponsored by Live Arts MD, QuaranTiny Concerts are short, informal performances available every day on LiveArts MD’s Facebook page and http://bachplusmd.org. They’re scheduled to run through May 1.

Museums

Jewish Museum of Maryland

Though the museum’s galleries are closed, you can still see “Wondernauts 2020,” the digital companion to the museum’s new exhibition “Jews in Space: Members of the Tribe in Orbit.” Developed in only 20 days, the virtual exhibition can be viewed at http://wondernauts.org.

Film

Gordon Center for Performing Arts

On Apr. 2, attend a virtual watch party for “Hummus! The Movie,” adelightful film about three individuals from different backgrounds who bondover their love of hummus. The film will be followed by a virtual discussion.Time: TBA

For information, visit http://gordoncenter.com.

SNF Parkway Theatre

Like other movie theaters, the Parkway is closed. But don’t let that stop you from seeing “Bacurau,” a 2019 political farce directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho and Juliano Dornelles that’s based in the Brazilian town of Bacurau. You can stream the film at home for $12 by clicking https://mdfilmfest.com/

Public Library

Gain access to thousands of free films with your Baltimore County PublicLibrary or Enoch Pratt Free Library card. Kanopy.com partners with publiclibraries and universities to bring ad-free movies and TV series that you canwatch on your TV, phone, computer or tablet.

Visit http://kanopy.com for information

Dance

Creative Alliance

Looking to let your hair down this Saturday night? Visit “QLUB Q: A virtual Quarantine Dance Party” w/ James Nasty & DJ Amsies. For information, click https://www.creativealliance.org/events/2020/baltimores-qlub-q

Miscellaneous

Art with a Heart

Art with a Heart Inc. is offering innovative opportunities for creativity during the pandemic. HeART Kits are available for online purchase from the nonprofit’s HeARTwares social enterprise retail store. The kits include a lesson plan and the materials needed to complete the following projects: Meditation Mandala Stones, Mosaic Penguin Trivets, Watercolor Resist Paintings and Ceramic Platters.

The HeART Kits range in price from $12-$50, with all proceeds being used to support Art with a Heart, its staff, teachers and assistants. They can be purchased at https://shop.artwithaheart.net with options for shipping or curbside pickup from Art with a Heart 3000 Falls Road, Mill No.1 Baltimore, Md. 21211.