UMBC Department of Theatre

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UMBC Department of Theatre

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New ways and new plays. BFA Acting | BA Theatre, Theatre Studies | BA Theatre, Design and Production | BA Theatre, Theatre Education in Acting, a B.A.

At UMBC we believe that theatre is an every-changing art form, responding to and creating new ideas that confront our ethical, political, and artistic ideas and practices. Degree programs leading to a B.F.A. in Theatre Studies, or a B.A. in Design/ Production provide students with the interdisciplinary skills to become actively engaged with their art and with the world around them. A dedicated faculty focuses on each student’s evolution as an artist and as a person, making the study of theatre at UMBC a life-changing experience that stimulates, challenges and inspires.

10/14/2026

Meet the cast of the serpent under't!

🐍 Hassan Aziz as MACBETH
🧟‍♀️ Lily Arbaugh as THEKINDLYONES (U/S LADY MACBETH)
👑 Abby Wheatley as Swing (SEENOEVIL + THEKING)

the serpent under't runs October 29th - November 8th in UMBC's Proscenium Theatre. The performances on Friday, October 30th and Sunday, November 8th are FREE for UMBC Students.

Tickets available at the link in our bio!

This production is partially subsidized by UMBC's Arts+ Initiative. UMBC Theatre events are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, s*x, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University’s nondiscrimination policy.

10/08/2026

A short clip of stage combat from Professor Gerrad Alex Taylor's "Fighting with my Fone" workshop! Featuring Abby Wheatley (Acting Minor) and Gavin Harder (BFA Acting).

"Fighting with My Fone" is an innovative workshop designed to teach participants how to film dynamic and engaging fight scenes on their cell phones. This hands-on session will explore the unique capabilities of mobile devices to convey tension and drama, allowing the lens to enhance the storytelling of action-packed sequences.

10/07/2026

Please join us for our somewhat-mandatory-but-actually-optional Advising Kick-Off Meeting for all Theatre majors (and minors are welcome too!)! Monday, October 19th from 12PM - 1PM in the Black Box Theatre.

Theatre's Associate Chair and Advising Coordinator, Professor Adam Mendelson, will share important updates, answer questions, and give guidance on how to handle the Spring 2027 Advising Season.

Pizza will be provided.

Keep an eye on your email for advising assignments. Please WAIT for your advisor to contact you to make an appointment - No advising appointments will be made before the Spring 2027 schedule has been posted on October 19th!

Photo from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Kiirstn Pagan '11.

10/05/2026

Introducing the company of the serpent under't. Conceived and directed by Professor Nigel Semaj. October 29th - November 8th in UMBC's Proscenium Theatre. Tickets are on sale now at the link in our bio!

Special Performances:
Thursday, October 29th, 7:30 PM – Opening Night Reception
Friday, October 30th, 7:30 PM – Free Performance for UMBC Students
Sunday, November 8th, 2:00 PM – Free Performance for UMBC Students, Prospective Theatre Student Day, Actor Talkback, ASL Interpreted Performance (please email [email protected] if you would like to be in view of the interpreters!)

This production is partially subsidized by UMBC's Arts+ Initiative. UMBC Theatre events are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, s*x, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University’s nondiscrimination policy.

10/01/2026

Happy October! the serpent under't opens at the end of the month! Don't wait to get your tickets - performances are filling up. Grab yours at the link in our bio 🐍🎉

the serpent under't is an experimental dance theatre adaptation of William Shakespeare's Macbeth. It explores the shadows of the human psyche where ambition, guilt, and fate intertwine with the supernatural. Blending movement, dance, and spoken text, this reimagining draws inspiration from horror and the macabre of Edgar Allen Poe.

Performances:
Thursday, October 29th, 7:30 PM – Opening Night Reception
Friday, October 30th, 7:30 PM – Free Performance for UMBC Students
Saturday, October 31st, 2:00 PM **NEW TIME!
Friday, November 6th, 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 7th, 7:30 PM
Sunday, November 8th, 2:00 PM – Free Performance for UMBC Students, Prospective Theatre Student Day, Actor Talkback, ASL Interpreted Performance (please email [email protected] if you would like to be in view of the interpreters!)

09/29/2026

CURIOUS ABOUT THE IMPACT LAB? Join the IMPACT Lab Facilitators for an Info + Q&A Session to learn about this year’s program, ask questions, and discover how you can get involved. Whether you have an interdisciplinary project idea or want to collaborate with other artists, we’d love to meet you.

WHEN: Monday, October 5 at 5:30 PM
WHERE: Music Box
RSVP for the Q&A by Monday, Oct 5 at noon at the link in our bio!

In this QNA Session you will:
*Learn about our two application pathways:
-PROPOSE: Develop your own interdisciplinary project.
-PARTICIPATE: Join a collaborative creative team.
*Learn about the residency model of The Voxel
*Meet the Lab facilitators
*Meet potential collaborators!

Selected students receive mentorship, project funding, and a residency at The Voxel in Baltimore, culminating in a public presentation. IMPACT Lab Applications are due October 10, 2026. Link to apply is in our bio.

Questions? Come to the Q&A or reach out to the IMPACT Lab team!
Nigel Semaj (Theatre) [email protected]
Eric Millikin (Vis Arts) [email protected]
McCoy Chance (Music/Vis Arts) [email protected]
Dustin Donahue (Music) [email protected]
Grace Shepperd (Theatre) [email protected]

We can’t wait to see you there!

09/24/2026

Tickets for UMBC Theatre's Fall 2026 shows are on sale now! There are several opportunities for UMBC students to see the shows for free. Get your tickets at the link in our bio!

the serpent under't
Conceived and Directed by Nigel Semaj
UMBC Proscenium Theatre
October 29 - November 8

WITCH
By Jen Silverman
Directed by Katie Hileman
UMBC Black Box Theatre
December 4 - 6

09/21/2026

HEY YOU! Do you have a project you want to develop? An idea you’re looking to work on! Well.. 🚨 APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN! 🚨

The IMPACT Lab is looking for curious, collaborative, and adventurous UMBC artists to create across disciplines.

🎭 Theatre • 🎶 Music • 🎨 Visual Arts • 💃 Dance • 🎬 Film • 💻 Technology • ✍🏽 Writing + MORE

Selected students will receive mentorship, project funding, and the opportunity to develop their work through an artist residency at The Voxel () in Baltimore, culminating in a public presentation.

TWO PATHWAYS:
💡 PROPOSE — Have an interdisciplinary project idea you want to develop?
🤝 PARTICIPATE — Want to collaborate and build something from the ground up?

Eligibility: Juniors, Seniors & Graduate Students. Sophomores may apply for PARTICIPATE.

📅 APPLICATIONS DUE OCTOBER 10, 2026

APPLY + DETAILS: Link in our bio!

Questions? Contact the IMPACT Lab team.
Nigel Semaj (Theatre), Eric Millikin (Vis Arts), Dustin Donahue (Music), McCoy Chance (Music/Vis Arts), Grace Shepperd (Theatre)

09/18/2026

Professor Adam Mendelson recently caught up with two of our fabulous Design and Production alumni in NYC: Niya John ('24) and Renata Taylor-Smith ('24)!

Niya (in the foreground) is the Lighting Design Fellow for Jocelyn Bioh's School Girls; or The African Mean Girls Play, currently playing on Broadway. She will be designing at Morgan State this fall, and assisting at Baltimore CenterStage.

Renata (next to Adam) most recently participated in The Julliard School's Professional Apprenticeship Program in the Electrics Department from 2025 - 2026.

We love to see our alumni shine! Have an update? Email us at [email protected].

09/17/2026

Join us on Monday, September 28th from 6:30pm - 9:30pm, for a workshop about accessible scenography and design with special guest Isabel Potter. Register at the link in our bio!

Workshop Description:
A practical workshop for anyone who wants to explore lighting design and scenography, improve visual skills, and create more intentional and accessible design choices.

Workshop includes:
*Introduction to a NEW scenographic tool.
*Opportunity to meet international artist, Isabel Potter.
*Exploration of light and shadow
*Practical Exercises (you can participate or just observe!)

Biography of Presenter Isabel Potter:
Isabel Potter is a PhD Researcher at Bath Spa, currently researching the intersection between technology, scenography, and accessibility as part of the MyWorld research group. Prior to and alongside current academic research, they are a Production Manager, particularly focusing on developing work that strives to leave a positive impact. Notable work includes Sensory Cinders, 2024, The West End's first show created for audiences with PMLD, Production Manager of Oldham Coliseum, and SICK! Festival. Isabel uses a combination of their passion for performance and their Master's in Aerospace Engineering to bring a unique approach to their work and research.

This workshop is presented by UMBC Theatre, and CIRCA.

Address

1000 Hilltop Circle, Performing Arts & Humanities Building
Baltimore, MD
21250

Telephone

(410) 455-2917

Website

http://theatre.umbc.edu/

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