Art Exhibit: Artists on the Autism Spectrum
In support of our production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, we partnered with North Pole Studio to create a gallery show featuring the work of visual artists, including students, who are on the Autism spectrum or living with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Enjoy the virtual gallery online — or better yet, come see it in person! Special thanks to PCS House Manager Jenna Barganski for curating this exhibit, and to Chrissy McNair for her community outreach to local families and organizations.
View the virtual online gallery of images and artists' profiles.
Jenna has a professional background in historical collections and the arts. Prior to her position at Clackamas County Historical Society, she worked as a research assistant for The Oregon Encyclopedia. In 2018, Jenna received her M.A. in History and Public History from Portland State University. Her field of interest includes Pacific Northwest history and women’s history. Her most recent project examines Oregon’s female murderers between 1854 and 1950.
The North Pole Studio supports careers in the arts, and exists to increase opportunities for artists with autism and intellectual / developmental disabilities to thrive as active members of the arts community. We foster self-determination and facilitate meaningful connections through total engagement in the arts.
We believe that a collective understanding of diverse human experiences is foundational to a vibrant and whole community. In our space at NW Marine Works, we work to bridge the long-standing access barriers that separate artists with disabilities from the arts community.
Kerr empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and other social barriers to lead self-determined lives and reach their full potential.
Current & Upcoming
Improvisation Classes for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, these "one-off" improv classes will set you on the path to success!
Adult Class : TWELFTH NIGHT, Before & After
Join veteran actor Joe Costa for a unique opportunity to take a “deep dive” into both Shakespeare’s text of Twelfth Night, and the PCS Production. Participants will read the play out loud as a group, with “intermissions” provided for lively discussion of themes and content. Interested participants will have a chance to act in selected scenes, guided by the instructor.
Improv Comedy: Love, Shakespeare
Witness the Magic of unscripted Elizabethan comedy! Step into the offbeat world of Love, Shakespeare, where seasoned Portland comedians attempt something audacious: performing a fully improvised Elizabethan play based on your suggestions!
Albina Music Trust presents A Brown Branch Christmas
Celebrate this holiday season with A Brown Branch Christmas at Portland Center Stage. Now in its fourth season, this two-night big band celebration features directors Domo Branch and Charlie Brown III guiding a heavy 15-piece lineup of regional and national musicians.
BIPOC Affinity Night DJ Party with ALoSo
Join us for a double feature BIPOC Affinity Night, featuring a live DJ set by ALoSo, plus holiday craft market vendor tables, art exhibits by Albina Music Trust Wall to Wall Sound and Jason Hill's Favorite Things, with complimentary select drinks provided by Multnomah Whiskey Library and Deschutes Brewery while supplies last.
Winter Teen Academy: Scene Work
Calling all teens! Are you looking to expand your acting skills and be the best scene partner you can be for your fellow actors? In this class, we will dig deep into scene study, character motivation, and active listening, while learning the necessary questions to ask in every rehearsal situation. You'll develop fuller characters and deeper relationships on stage by partnering in scene work — and have lots of fun too!
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
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