MPT studio named for Potomac residents Irene and Edward H. Kaplan

Maryland Public Television recently conducted ceremonies to mark the grand opening of The Irene and Edward H. Kaplan Production Studio at its Owings Mills, Maryland, campus.

The newly expanded studio is named in the Kaplans’ honor to recognize and thank the Potomac residents for their support of MPT and its mission over several decades. Mr. Kaplan is chairman of MPT’s governing body, the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission.

“The naming of this studio reflects the significant involvement that Eddie and Irene have invested in MPT over the past 24 years,” stated MPT President and CEO Larry D. Unger during the network’s opening ceremonies. “They strongly endorse the work of MPT and do all they can to further it. The couple’s vision and commitment has resulted in the creation of the New Initiatives Fund and Chesapeake Bay-related initiatives that bring so many wonderful MPT productions to life. Suffice it to say that the Kaplan name is on this structure because it deserves to be.”

MPT’s Studio A first opened in 1969 when the statewide public TV network opened its headquarters facility. The then-4,800 sq. ft. studio served as MPT’s primary production space for 50 years, supplemented by two smaller studios that continue to operate.

With funding from the State of Maryland, MPT embarked on a $9.54 million project to significantly expand and upgrade Studio A and an adjoining front entrance plaza. The project groundbreaking took place during a celebration marking MPT’s 50th anniversary on June 28, 2019. Work commenced in March 2020.

The expanded Kaplan Studio is 75% larger than the original studio – at 8,480 sq. ft. – and boasts the latest technology and environmental efficiencies. It offers a 16’ x 19’ x 20’ green screen cyclorama wall; 12’ x 14’ loading doors enabling vehicle access directly into the studio; and a portable theater seating structure for up to 148 studio guests. The entire facility is ADA-compliant and also earned LEED Silver Certification. It is among the largest production studios in the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) system and the Maryland/Delaware/Virginia region.

The Irene and Edward H. Kaplan Production Studio is scheduled to be used for the first time in June. In partnership with WBAL-TV, MPT will produce and air a one-hour debate featuring candidates vying for the Democratic Party nomination for Maryland governor.

The Kaplan Studio will also be used by MPT for production of local and national public TV series, documentaries, and specials. Beyond these productions, MPT will invite in audiences for televised public affairs/town hall meetings, concerts and performances, and additional candidate debates and forums produced in the studio. In the future, the studio facilities will also be made available to rent to outside production companies.