Portland Center Stage

Now in its 23^rd season, Portland Center Stage embraces a mission to inspire theater in their community by bringing stories to life in unexpected ways. The company produces an annual season of ten plays that range from classics, to world premieres by some of the most talented voices in American theater today. Along with production plays, Portland Center Stage is invested in nurturing new work, particularly through their annual JAW: A Playwrights Festival. In addition to investing in creative work, the company is committed to increasing community participation and developing future audiences. Their award-winning youth education programs include Visions & Voice, in-school playwriting residencies; Stage Door workshops; and youth matinees through partnerships with cultural, civic, and social service organizations. They also present a wide array of free community programs ranging from Souths.Like.Portland music series to community artists professional development labs to a discussion series called Ideas in Play.

As part of Shakespeare for a New Generation, Portland Center Stage will present Shakespeare’s Cymbeline during a ten-week run in the Ellyn Bye Studio of the Gerding Theater at the Armory as part of their Stage Door program. Artistic Director Chris Coleman will focus on the play’s essential elements, presenting a fresh, dynamic look at one of the Bard’s more complicated tales. The production will feature a six-member cast and an original score by composer Randall Tico. Participating schools will receive free workshops and Beyond the Proscenium lecture and tours that provide students with a glimpse of the working of a professional theater.