Towson University has announced the lineup for its annual Summer at the Center, a dynamic arts festival hosted by the College of Fine Arts & Communication (COFAC). From June 13–29, Towson University invites the public to attend nearly a dozen events, including live performances, exhibitions, workshops and classes, many of which are free.

“Summer at the Center is a fantastic source of entertainment and enrichment for all members of our greater Baltimore community,” says TU President Mark R. Ginsberg. “As one of the front porches of the university, the College of Fine Arts & Communication provides many opportunities to experience and celebrate the impact art has on our lives. I look forward to welcoming neighbors and friends to TU for this extraordinary programming.”

Set within COFAC’s theaters, concert halls, galleries and studios on TU’s campus, the festival offers free and ticketed events designed to engage and inspire audiences of all ages. Highlights of some of the free events:

  • 1930s Hollywood: Money, Food, and Fashion in the Great Depression: A multimedia exhibition curated by TU faculty exploring the interplay between 1930s cinema and consumer culture, featuring life-size recreations of iconic, film-inspired fashion as well as period recipes. Exhibition runs from June 13 to July 12.
  • Joan Cox: Side by Side: An exhibition of recent works by Baltimore native and TU alumna Joan Cox, known for her contributions to figurative painting and queer portraiture. Opening reception with artist talk on June 13, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
  • DANCE! Celebrate: A variety of sample classes for children, adults and families throughout the day and a special dance performance of TU’s dance department’s spring production, “Carnival of Animals.” The day begins on June 14, 9 a.m. Festivities conclude at 2 p.m.
  • “It’s The Comedy of Errors, Hon” by Ian Gallanar, presented by Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s Shakespeare Beyond: Mistaken identities, outrageous antics and double the hilarity: “The Comedy of Errors, Hon!” is coming your way! Not one but two sets of twins separated at birth find themselves in Baltimore at the same time, leaving a whirlwind of mix-ups, comic chases and chaos in their wake. The show begins on June 26 at 7 p.m.

Ticketed events include concerts featuring TU music faculty and award-winning original productions by recent TU alumni.

“Summer at the Center is a reflection of the depth and breadth of TU’s artistic excellence and the important role that the university plays in the community and beyond,” says COFAC Dean Regina Carlow. “From horror films to light opera to new plays, our programming is affordable and innovative. We hope to see you on campus!”

The festival is supported by sponsors including Raising Cane's, Coca-Cola, Weis Markets, Your Home Realtors, the Towson University Foundation, the Office of Inclusion & Institutional Equity and the Office of Alumni Relations.

Visit the Summer at the Center to learn more about other events and find answers to questions about specific times and locations, parking information and sponsorship opportunities.

For more information about the College of Fine Arts & Communication at Towson University, visit /cofac/.

For media inquiries, please

About Towson University

Towson University is Maryland’s university of opportunities. With more than 150 years of experience pushing possibilities, TU is a nationally recognized leader in inclusive excellence, social mobility, research and discovery. As the largest university in greater Baltimore, TU’s momentum is always accelerating, with nearly 20,000 students and nearly 200 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences and applied professional fields. Located amid one of the East Coast’s cultural and economic epicenters, TU is a beacon and powerful catalyst in the Mid-Atlantic, partnering with hundreds of businesses and organizations, impacting communities and fueling change. TU meets the holistic needs of each student to achieve success, a result of a deeply inclusive culture with a focus on equity among all students, faculty and staff.