Howard Community College Presents TWELFTH NIGHT This Month

The Howard Community College (HCC) Theatre Program presents William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night." The show will take place at HCC's Dreier Stage, located outdoors, behind the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center (HVPA), with performances June 28-30. Directed by Theatre Department Chair Bill Gillett, "Twelfth Night" will feature current HCC students and guest artists, who will bring this wonderful play to life. "Twelfth Night" is a beguiling comedy that follows the romantic adventures of Viola and her twin Sebastian, both shipwrecked in the seaside dukedom of Illyria.

In "Twelfth Night," Viola (who is disguised as Cesario) falls in love with Duke Orsino, who in turn is in love with the Countess Olivia. Upon meeting Viola, Countess Olivia falls in love with her, all while thinking she is a man. This time-honored story of cross-dressing and mistaken identity will be presented outside under the stars and free for all. Pack a picnic, come early, and hang out on the lawn of the Dreier Stage. Feel free to bring blankets and/or chairs. Seating is first come, first served.

"It's exciting to again offer free outdoor Shakespeare at HCC," said director, Bill Gillett. "The cast and I have been having so much fun rehearsing this play, and we hope to share that fun with audiences. This play is hilarious!"

Performances are June 28-30 at 8:00 p.m. at HCC's outdoor Dreier Stage, which is located behind the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center (HVPA), 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, Maryland. In the event of rain the show will be performed inside the Smith Theatre, in HVPA.

ARTISTIC TEAM

Written by: William Shakespeare

Directed by: Bill Gillett

Sound Design by: Seth Schwartz

About The Theatre Program

The Howard Community College theatre program is committed to helping students develop their individual creativity and artistic viewpoint. Students are provided a solid foundation of theory and technique, exposure to aesthetic and cultural diversity, collaborative skills, practical experience on and off the stage, and ample opportunities for performance. The learning process is strengthened by faculty who are known both as excellent teachers and practicing artists. The theatre program presents a variety of performances showcasing students throughout the year, including a fall play production, staged readings, the popular spring Shakespeare birthday celebration performance, and an annual collaboration of faculty, students, alumni, and guest artists performing scenes, songs, and stage combat.

About HCC

Since 1970, Howard Community College (HCC) has been a preferred college choice for students and families in Howard County, Maryland. A public community college, HCC offers associate degree and certificate programs, as well as workforce development training and continuing education classes, to nearly 30,000 credit and noncredit students each year. Among HCC's recent honors is being named a "Great College to Work For" by the Chronicle of Higher Education for the ninth consecutive year.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Direction of a Play - Top 3

1. Joe Mantello - Death of a Salesman

18.8% of votes

2. Duncan MacMillan, Jeremy Herrin - Every Brilliant Thing

18.2% of votes

3. Whitney White - Liberation

10.6% of votes

Vote Now! View Live Stats