Arts Alive! Stevenson
While the Baltimore area has a wide variety of cultural attractions, Stevenson University offers its own array of events. Through professional artist exhibitions, student-driven plays, and nationally renowned musical performances, students are able to gain a greater appreciation for the arts without ever having to leave campus. Arts Alive! programming encourages all students to engage with the arts regardless of major or experience level.
Each year, the University hosts a series of art exhibitions highlighting a diverse range of media and styles in the Greenspring Art Gallery, the Kevin Manning Academic Center Gallery, the School of Design Gallery, and St. Paul Companies Pavilion. The exhibition spaces provide a significant venue for artists and collectors in the region and give students, artists, and the community a chance to see established and emerging talents, learn through gallery talks and lectures, and celebrate at music-filled receptions. Student work in-progress fills the School of Design hallways. The academic year culminates in a graduating senior exhibition.
The 326-seat proscenium main stage in the Inscape Theatre hosts a pair of stage productions annually, presented by Stevenson’s Theatre and Media Performance Department. Plays, including student-directed works, are also staged in the more intimate, 60-seat studio theatre. All students are invited to audition for roles or to serve as crew for productions.
Students interested in film and video also have the opportunity to perform in student-produced projects and work alongside professional filmmakers on the faculty. Recently, Stevenson students have served as cast and crew for several productions in the Baltimore area, such as HBO’s "VEEP" and Netflix’s "House of Cards." The School of Design also sponsors periodic screenings of works by Stevenson’s Film and Moving Image majors.
While the University does not offer a formal music major, the Cultural Arts Program and the Music Department have joined together to bring several significant music events to the campus. Formed in 2002, The Greenspring Valley Orchestra calls the Inscape Theatre home. Musicians in the orchestra from Stevenson and the surrounding community present several concerts each year under the direction of Conductor Dr. Harlan Parker. Additionally, students and faculty with musical interests can participate in the University’s jazz band, marching band, concert band, and University Singers, led by Conductor Beverly Gandolfo. These groups present a variety of music at several performances both on and off campus throughout the year.
Finally, outstanding speakers from a variety of fields visit the campus every year to share their expertise and experience. The topics are keyed to the interests and issues of today.