Prince George’s Community College Center for Performing Arts Opens for Classes
The College now offers dance classes. Music Program receives All-Steinway designation, and the official grand opening is set for September 26.
LARGO, Md. (Aug. 26, 2019) – The Center for Performing Arts at Prince George’s Community College (PGCC or College) opened for classes August 26. The renovated building is home to Theater, Music, Journalism and Public Relations, and Radio, Television, and Film Programs, as well as newly added dance courses.
Kevin Veiga, a professional and award-winning dancer and choreographer, joins the College as the dance professor, along with Andre Mazelin, the senior manager of the Center for Performing Arts. The two have been vital in the planning and operations of the center, along with other PGCC faculty and staff eager to utilize the building and engage more students and the community in the arts.
While the College has offered these programs in the past, the former building, Queen Anne, limited the amount of performances and experiences students could gain. The new building has more space, including three theatres, broadcast and radio studios, a recital hall, and more. The music program recently received the All-Steinway designation, adding it to the list of prominent schools, like Juilliard, to hold the title.
Students can enroll and begin taking classes this month; however, the official grand opening is slated for September 26, and will be followed by a weekend of performances and shows on September 27 – September 29.
On September 27, the College will welcome comedians Nate Jackson, Rip Michaels, and Jeremy Alsop for a night of laughter in the Proscenium Theatre. These three seasoned comedians have appeared on a variety of hit shows, including MTV's “Wildin' Out,” BET's “Comic View,” and Comedy Central's “Laugh Out Loud.” They have also opened for comedic stars, including Dave Chappelle, Damon Wayans, and Jay Pharoah.
On September 28, the College will bring back the Blues at the 24th Annual Bluebird Blues Festival. The Bluebird Blues Festival has been a staple in the Prince George's County community for years, and now, with the opening of the Center for Performing Arts, it's back and bigger. This year's festival will feature eight bands, workshops, kids' activities, food trucks, craft vendors, and beer and wine.
The College will also serve as the site for the Xfinity presents 1 VOICE Regional Gospel Showcase. Five choirs and/or praise team finalists from the Washington region will perform live for an unforgettable evening co-hosted by Radio Personality and NBC 4 Reporter Shomari Stone. This year’s showcase welcomes back Gospel Icon Dr. Bobby Jones and Praise 104.1FM’s Cheryl Jackson with performances by celebrity judge and noted gospel songstress Kierra Sheard as well as Grammy-nominated 1 VOICE Musical Director Tim Bowman, Jr. and his house band. Plus, newly added judge and multi-award-winning gospel sensation Fred Hammond.
On September 29, the College will complete the weekend in partnership with Lake Arbor Jazz. Avery* Sunshine and Chelsey Green and the Green Project will perform in the Center for Performing Arts Grand Theatre. There will be a pre-concert reception at 6:00 p.m. and the show will start at 7:30 p.m.
About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2015-2020), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 40,000 individuals annually, the college is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enable PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. For more information, visit the college website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George’s Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
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