The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center is creating the NextNOW. We are building the future of the arts by educating, training and presenting the next generation of artists and creative innovators.

By shaping NextNOW audiences, experiences and artists, The Clarice breaks through traditional boundaries in art-making and audience development through the work of its 6 partners:

• The School of Music nurtures artists, scholars, and educators who understand tradition and celebrate innovation.
• The School of Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies expands our capacity through performing arts to build communities, solve problems and create a life of meaning.
• The National and International Artist Partner Program nurtures new voices, new works, and new ways to explore and discover ourselves and the world in which we live.
• The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission partners to improve the quality of life through the arts for all citizens in a diverse and inclusive community.
• The Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library is transforming space, both virtual and physical into dynamic collaborative learning environments for all of us.
• MilkBoy is the brainchild of music industry’s Tommy Joyner and Jamie Lokoff of MilkBoy Studio and food and beverage veteran Bill Hanson. MilkBoy started as a recording studio in Philadelphia in 1994. Since then, they've opened two restaurant and music venues there to more widely serve the local music scene. MilkBoy is expanding to Maryland and the College Park community, bringing both great music and elevated American comfort food.  

A hub of innovation and possibility, The Clarice is building the future of the arts now!

Background

The Clarice is in the College of Arts and Humanities at the University of Maryland. As part of a major public research university, The Clarice is committed to collaboration and the creation and support of new work that further advances our knowledge and understanding, working in its creative radius.

The Clarice opened in 2001 and is a vital part of the arts ecology in Prince George’s County.