Course description: Sociological analysis of the types of minority-majority group relations and the effects of these relationships on society and the groups and the individuals involved. 

Fall 2026 Shows:

the serpent under't

Written and Created by: Nigel Semaj
Directed by: Nigel Semaj
The Proscenium Theatre
October 29th - November 8th

WITCH

Written by: Jen Silverman
Directed by: Katie Hileman
The Black Box
December 4th - 6th

Audition Information

General Auditions: Wednesday, May 6th
Callbacks: Thursday, May 7th & Friday, May 8th

Sign Up to Audition on this Google Sheet.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING THOROUGHLY AND CAREFULLY PRIOR TO SIGNING UP.
YOU MUST USE YOUR UMBC EMAIL TO ACCESS ANY LINKS.

Who Can Audition?

Any UMBC students registered for the Fall 2026 semester are welcome to audition!
All BFA Acting and BFA-intending students are required to audition.

Audition Policy:

All who audition, regardless of major or track, agree to play as cast. This means that by auditioning you are committing to accepting any role or understudy assignment, and are available for the rehearsal and production schedule.

Audition Exemption:

BFA students who need to request an exception to auditions must fill out this form no later than Wednesday, April 29th. 

General Auditions

Date: Wednesday, May 6th, from 6:00 – 10:00 pm.
Location: Check in at the audition table in the PAHB Atrium. Auditions will take place in the TRS (PAHB 102).

To Bring/Prepare:

• One contemporary & One classical monologue totaling no longer than 2 minutes combined. 
  • Your classical piece should be from a play, no sonnets or poems.
• 3 printed copies of your resume & headshot.
  • Please use standard acting resume formatting. 
• Read both show scripts thoroughly.
  • Read MACBETH (PDF)
  • Read WITCH (PDF)

Callbacks

the serpent under't & WITCH callbacks: Thursday, May 7th, from 6:00 – 10:00pm*
*6:00-7:30p will be a movement call

the serpent under't callbacks: Friday, May 8th, between 11:00a – 4:00pm*
* you will not attend the entire block of time. You will give us your availability for Friday callbacks on Thursday.

Show Information

the serpent under't

Written and Created by: Nigel Semaj
Directed by: Nigel Semaj
The Proscenium Theatre

CLICK HERE TO READ MACBETH

About the show:

the serpent under't is an experimental dance theatre adaptation of William Shakespeare's Macbeth. It explores the shadows of the human psyche where ambition, guilt, and fate intertwine with the supernatural. Blending movement, dance, and spoken text, this reimagining draws inspiration from horror and the macabre of Edgar Allen Poe.

Casting Breakdown:

There is an ensemble of seven. Gender is not important in casting.

For this piece it is important that all performers dance, but more so THEKINDLYONES more than the others. MACBETH and LADY M are crucial as well. If THE FAITHFUL and THE KING are not strong movers/dancers that is okay.

• MACBETH
• LADY M
• THE FAITHFUL: plays BANQUO & SEYTON
• THE KING: plays DUNCAN & MACDUFF
• THE EUMENIDES or THEKINDLYONES: they play everyone else.
  • even when THEKINDLYONES are playing others, they are still very conscious that they are themselves. 
    • see no evil
    • hear no evil
    • speak no evil

Rehearsal Schedule:

Rehearsals are Monday through Friday, 6:00 - 10:00 pm, with extended hours during tech, dress rehearsal and performance weeks.

Important Dates:

• Company Meeting: Wednesday, August 26th
• Company Class: Thursday, August 27th
• First Rehearsal: Tuesday, September 1st, 2026
• Tech: Tuesday, October 20th - Wednesday, October 28th
• Opening: Thursday, October 29th
• Closing: Sunday, November 8th

WITCH

Written by: Jen Silverman 
Directed by: Katie Hileman
The Black Box

CLICK HERE TO READ WITCH

About the play:

A charming devil arrives in the quiet village of Edmonton to bargain for the souls of its residents in exchange for their darkest wishes. Elizabeth should be his easiest target, having been labeled a “witch” and cast out by the town, but her soul is not so readily bought. As the devil returns to convince her – and then returns again – unexpected passions flare, alliances are formed, and the village is forever changed. An inventive retelling of a Jacobean drama, this sharp, subversive fable debates how much our souls are worth when hope is hard to come by.

Casting Breakdown:

• ELIZABETH SAWYER – Woman, forties/fifties/sixties, an outcast.
• SCRATCH – Man, twenties/early thirties, the devil.
• SIR ARTHUR BANKS – Man, fifties/sixties, a wealthy and powerful man.
• CUDDY BANKS – Man, twenties/early thirties, Sir Arthur’s son, painfully shy, a Morris dancer. He is secretly in love with Frank (and also in hate).
• FRANK THORNEY – Man, twenties/early thirties, a confident and successful young man, charming and ruthless. His ambition knows no bounds.
• WINNIFRED – Woman, twenties/early thirties, Sir Arthur’s servant, resigned and pragmatic, secretly married to Frank.

Rehearsal Schedule:

This production rehearses as part of a class that meets Tuesdays/Thursdays: 6:00-8:15p and Fridays: 1:00-4:00p with potential extended hours Friday mornings.

Important Dates:

• Company Meeting: Wednesday, August 26th
• Company Class: Thursday, August 27th
• First Rehearsal: Tuesday, September 1st
• Tech: Monday & Tuesday November 23rd and 24th, Monday, November 30th - Thursday, December 3rd
• Opening: Friday, December 4th
• Closing: Sunday, December 6th

Sign up for an Audition Slot

Sign Up to Audition on this Google Sheet.

Important Reminders:

• You must read the published play prior to auditions. If a show is being devised or adapted, you must read the orginal text.
• Please sign up for the earliest slot available that you are able to attend.
• The audition sign up will close on the morning of May 6th. If you need to make any edits you will need to email Grace Shepperd at gsheppe1@umbc.edu
• Bring all known conflicts and class schedules to your audition. You will be asked to fill out your audition and disclosure forms when you arrive at your audition.
• Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled audition time!

Following auditions, all cast actors are required to be available for all scheduled rehearsals, additional evening & weekend hours as scheduled prior to performance, and for any other rehearsals as called.

A full rehearsal and production schedule will be provided following casting. 

The below is an updated post from a June 2025.

UMBC Procurement & Strategic Sourcing is excited to announce we have implemented Dedicated Delivery with Amazon Business for the entire UMBC campus (1000 Hilltop Circle).  This does not apply to Shady Grove, Rita Rossi Colwell Center, or either Research Park location.

Dedicated Delivery (DD) is a shipping option that consolidates packages going to a single business address onto pallets. With DD, Amazon optimizes for consolidation over speed, delivering purchases together on a pallet, during the same time window every day, and enabling faster drop off with one pallet scan from the delivery driver instead of multiple scans for parcel deliveries.  

This is a much more sustainable, consistent, and reliable delivery method. Packages will then be sorted at the UMBC Warehouse and delivered across campus by staff from Retriever Card Center & Mail Services to the final delivery location on campus.

When placing orders with Amazon Business you should select the FREE Dedicated Delivery option at checkout whenever available so orders will arrive on a DD pallet (as shown below).  

Please note that there are some items that are not eligible for DD. Hazmat, heavy, bulky, or merchant-fulfilled items are ineligible for DD and will continue to be shipped via parcel delivery.  In addition, this is only for items that are both fulfilled by Amazon

It is our hope that this change will significantly decrease any errors with Amazon package delivery and increase customer satisfaction.

Please be sure to select this delivery option when it is available for Amazon Business purchases.  Thank you.

Name: Krishna Chaitanya

Pronouns: He/Him

Semester of Internship: Spring 2026

Major: Information Systems

Current Class Level: Master's Student

This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name):  iCode Columbia

Location of the Organization (City, State): Columbia, Maryland

Title of position: STEAM Instructor

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:

During my time at iCode, I worked as a STEAM instructor supporting students in developing computational thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity through hands-on coding activities. My day-to-day responsibilities included teaching programming concepts using platforms such as Scratch and game development tools, guiding students through structured projects, and helping them understand logical thinking and basic software development principles. I facilitated interactive learning sessions, monitored student progress, and provided personalized support to ensure engagement and understanding across different skill levels. Additionally, I helped design lesson activities, encouraged collaboration and creativity, and maintained a positive learning environment that supported curiosity and experimentation. This experience strengthened my ability to communicate technical concepts clearly, adapt teaching strategies to diverse learners, and combine education with technology-driven learning approaches.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I learned about the iCode opportunity through online job postings and community networks focused on technology education and STEAM instruction. After reviewing the role requirements, I submitted my application, highlighting my background in computer engineering, programming, and interest in teaching technology concepts to students. The selection process included an initial review of my application followed by communication with the organization to discuss my technical skills, teaching approach, and ability to work with learners of different ages and skill levels. After successfully completing the interview and demonstrating alignment with their educational goals, I was offered the position and began preparing for instructional sessions and student engagement activities.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Networking events (UMBC Connects, Info Sessions, Arts With a Purpose, etc.), Alumni Networking, LinkedIn or other social media

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?

What I have enjoyed most about my position is the opportunity to combine technology with teaching and make learning interactive and engaging for students. Working with learners from different backgrounds has allowed me to see how creative approaches to coding and problem-solving can build confidence and curiosity. I particularly enjoyed guiding students through hands-on projects, watching them apply logical thinking, and seeing their excitement when they successfully completed a task or created something on their own. The organization’s supportive and collaborative environment also made the experience rewarding, as it encouraged innovation, creativity, and continuous learning for both instructors and students. Overall, the role allowed me to develop both my technical communication skills and my ability to mentor others in a meaningful way.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

Through my work, I believe I made an impact by helping students build confidence in technology and develop foundational problem-solving and computational thinking skills. By guiding them through hands-on coding activities and encouraging creativity, I supported learners in understanding complex concepts in a simple and engaging way. I focused on creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where students felt comfortable asking questions, experimenting, and learning from mistakes. Additionally, by adapting my teaching approach to different learning styles and skill levels, I helped improve student engagement and participation. Seeing students become more independent, curious, and confident in using technology demonstrated the meaningful impact of my contributions.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

My advice to another student seeking an internship or similar experience would be to stay open to opportunities that allow you to learn and grow, even if they are slightly outside your comfort zone. Focus on highlighting your practical skills, projects, and willingness to learn rather than only your formal experience. Networking and building genuine connections can also help you discover opportunities that may not always be widely advertised. During the application process, tailor your resume to the role and clearly demonstrate how your skills align with the organization’s goals. Once you start, be proactive, ask questions, seek feedback, and take initiative whenever possible, as these experiences not only build technical skills but also strengthen communication, adaptability, and professional confidence.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.

"I really enjoyed the opportunity to combine technology and teaching while helping students build confidence through hands-on learning. The Career Center supported me by providing guidance, resources, and preparation that helped me feel more confident navigating professional opportunities and developing my career path."

Private room available in a 2BHK townhouse for a male at Westland Gardens for a 3-month move-in, available from May 24th to August 15th. 

Fully furnished 2BHK townhouse: 

What you get:

• Spacious living room with sofa + TV
• Fully equipped kitchen (Oven, Microwave, Fridge, Dishwasher)
• In-unit Washer & Dryer
• Central heating & cooling
• Just a 1-minute walk to the UMBC bus stop
• Only 10 minutes walk to campus

DM for more information: +1-202-937-5716 or email me at IO95979@umbc.edu

"When I started working in an archive, I had a vague vision of what that would look like. Mostly, it involved carefully handling rare, centuries old books, painstakingly cataloging collections, and rehousing the materials in fancy grey acid free boxes. I didn’t expect to become a photography detective. But over the past three months, that’s exactly what I’ve been doing."

Read full post on the Special Collections blog.

Are you looking to gain valuable experience and make a difference this summer?

Social Security Administration is seeking motivated and talented students to join their team as Summer Interns.

These paid internship opportunities are an excellent opportunity to develop professional skills, contribute to meaningful projects, and learn more about public service. 

Social Security Administration is accepting applications now through April 24, 2026.

• Opportunities are nationwide!
• Open to current students enrolled in an accredited college or graduate institutions
• Meaningful projects and mentorship
• Opportunities to develop new skills and grow your network

Apply today and take the first step toward a rewarding career in public service!

• Human Resources (Intern) - CA, GA, MD
• Communications (Intern) - MD
• Field Operations (Intern) - DC, DE, CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, PR, RI, VA, VI, VT, WV 
• Plus others!

For tips on how to apply and resume best practices, join SSA online on April 20, 2026 at 2PM-3PM.  Register here for the online event.

Sign-ups for our Flag Football Tournament are open now on IMLeagues. Register by April 30, 2026. Games are on May 3 and 10 from 12-4 p.m.
IMLeagues 

The Election Board has reviewed and certified the 2026 SGA Elections. Below are the results of the election. 

President/Executive Vice President - Top ticket (in bold) has been elected; 992 total voters* 

1. Donna Cazeau/Amariana Crawley (65.22%)
2. JT Williams-West/Jaden Coffie (34.78%)

Vice President for Student Organizations - Top candidate (in bold) has been elected; 829 total voters*

1. Nico Bartolomeo (74.07%)
2. Fardin Shams (25.93%)

Treasurer - 835 total voters*

• Shanzay Fatimah (60.24%)

Finance Board Representatives - Top 7 candidates (in bold) have been elected; 917 total voters*

1. Zahra Nasir (50.93%)
2. Audrey Grutzik (49.18%)
3. Mirna Legesse (42.32%)
4. Shrinidhi Gokulakrishnan (42.20%)
5. Udoka Chimah (41.11%)
6. Ishan Gomber (35.77%)
7. Sedat Sefik (33.81%)
8. Sheriff Alli (32.61%)
9. Thomas Biggs (31.73%)
10. Uzayar Hossain (25.19%)
11. Darrell Jean-Louis (21.81%)

Senators - Top 13 candidates (in bold) have been elected; 929 total voters*

1. Aaliyah Oshun (44.03%)
2. Arisbeth Valencia (39.72%)
3. Francheska Burrola (38.97%)
4. Genevieve Okoro (37.89%)
5. Sofia Cabrera (35.84%)
6. Oyin Osolo (34.66%)
7. Diana Renderos (34.55%)
8. Ayesha Imran (32.72%)
9. Aditi Pokhrel (32.40%)
10. Jayden Paige (32.29%)
11. Abby Etherton (30.03%)
12. Jiyon Lee (29.28%)
13. Tayyiba Bari (28.63%)
14. Tai Akinlosotu (28.20%)
15. Asher Slonaker (24.76%)
16. Vic Kovtun (23.04%)
17. Anya Diop (22.93%)
18. Rachel Hundertmark (18.19%)
19. Anika Bokil (17.22%)
20. Alex Hazoume (16.79%)

ProveIt! Referendum  - 931 total voters* 

1. Orbit (43.93%)
2. Campus Connect (36.63%)
3. Student Arts for Community Committee (SACC) (19.44%)

Overall total voters* in the 2026 SGA Elections: 1,381

Please join the Election Board in congratulating the newly elected officers within the UMBC Student Government Association!

Officers will be inaugurated into their positions on Friday, May 8th at 12pm on The Commons Main Street. This is a public celebration open to all UMBC undergraduates!

*Because polls were hosted across six posts, voters did not have to vote in each race. As a result, you will see differing voter totals for different polls. Only 43% of voters cast a vote in all six polls. In addition, voters had the option in the Senate and Finance Board polls to vote for as few as one and as many as seven (Finance Board)/13 (Senate) candidates. This further informed the breakdown of final percentages each candidate received.