Community Calendar

Church Hill, MD - Church Hill Theatre is pleased to announce that registration for Basic Acting Skills for Students (BASS) will open online on December 10, 2025. BASS offers students in 1st through 8th grades a chance to bask in the glow of the footlights in a series of Saturday workshops. In this program, which begins on January 31, 2026, students learn about improvisation, character development, scene preparation, and musical theatre dance and vocals. The students’ exploration of theatrical scenes, storytelling, movement and song concludes with a performance for family and friends, scheduled for February 28.

In 2026, the program will include two class levels: students in grades 1-4, and students in grades 5-8. The program will be taught by Becca Van Aken, program founder and experienced theater and QACPS educator. Ms. Van Aken will be joined by experienced guest instructors and members of the Church Hill Theatre family.
Classes will be held on Saturdays beginning January 31, running through February 28. The BASS Jr class (1st to 4th graders) will run from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The BASS Sr. class (5th to 8th graders) will run from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. There will be a joint class for both groups on the final day, February 28 from 9:00AM to 1:00 PM, including a brief presentation for families.

The cost of the class is $110. Partial scholarships are available. A 10% discount is offered to families who register more than one child. For more information or to register for the class, interested parents can go to the Church Hill Theatre website: www.churchhilltheatre.org/education, or call the theater office at (410) 556-6003 between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. Registration for BASS closes January 23, 2026.

When was the last time you unplugged?

Disconnect, slow down, and rediscover what it means to be present inside the BMA’s historic Spring House, where acclaimed American conceptual artist Rachel Lee Hovnanian presents the Nature Deficit Disorder immersion room this spring. The powerful installation challenges our digital dependence and rekindles our connection to the natural world.

Inspired by journalist Richard Louv’s term “nature deficit disorder,” described as a growing disconnection from nature, often linked to diminished focus and negative moods, Hovnanian transforms the Spring House into a simulated nighttime forest.

“My work has long explored how technology shapes attention, mental health, and human connection. This installation emerged from my observations of society’s growing digital dependence, alongside my own experience of it.” –Rachel Lee Hovnanian
Away from the constant ping of notifications and endless scrolling, surrender your phone, surround yourself with fir trees, and let lantern light guide you. Hear the crunch of leaves beneath your feet and watch the flicker of a campfire casting shadows across the room.

In a world where we check our phones every other minute, Hovnanian invites you to linger for at least five minutes in the immersion room and consider what is lost when we give our attention to apps and devices rather than real-life experiences.

“What do we lose when our lives are constantly mediated by screens? I hope to offer a pause—an invitation to rediscover how it feels to be fully present.” –Rachel Lee Hovnanian

When was the last time you unplugged?

Disconnect, slow down, and rediscover what it means to be present inside the BMA’s historic Spring House, where acclaimed American conceptual artist Rachel Lee Hovnanian presents the Nature Deficit Disorder immersion room this spring. The powerful installation challenges our digital dependence and rekindles our connection to the natural world.

Inspired by journalist Richard Louv’s term “nature deficit disorder,” described as a growing disconnection from nature, often linked to diminished focus and negative moods, Hovnanian transforms the Spring House into a simulated nighttime forest.

“My work has long explored how technology shapes attention, mental health, and human connection. This installation emerged from my observations of society’s growing digital dependence, alongside my own experience of it.” –Rachel Lee Hovnanian
Away from the constant ping of notifications and endless scrolling, surrender your phone, surround yourself with fir trees, and let lantern light guide you. Hear the crunch of leaves beneath your feet and watch the flicker of a campfire casting shadows across the room.

In a world where we check our phones every other minute, Hovnanian invites you to linger for at least five minutes in the immersion room and consider what is lost when we give our attention to apps and devices rather than real-life experiences.

“What do we lose when our lives are constantly mediated by screens? I hope to offer a pause—an invitation to rediscover how it feels to be fully present.” –Rachel Lee Hovnanian

At VLP, we honor lifelong learning and understand the importance of starting early and making it fun. We hope you join us for our return to in-person Tots Tuesday Storytime for toddlers & preschoolers!