PDXBall Soirée
Join us as PDXBall celebrates Portland’s ballroom (Kiki, Vogue, etc.) culture and annual accomplishments with a tropical themed Soirée for the ball community. An LGBTQ and POC focused celebration hosted by Lady Tournament Olivier and Father Flora. Come and enjoy DJ sets by Chanti Darling and SIME.N., a photo booth installation by Father Flora, drink specials, a dance floor and event photography by JABNMAR.
"Ballroom culture has come a long way in this world and is finally getting its chance to take center stage with the owners of the culture taking a front seat." -- George M. Johnson from the article "The Colonization of Ballroom Culture."
This culture was co-opted during the '30s by white LGBTQ people in the New York scene, where Black participants were discriminated against. However, Black ballroom wouldn’t be dismayed, as it continued to grow as an underground movement with chapters, leaders, and houses named after some of the most famous designers.
Decades later, this underground culture of primarily Black and Brown people continues to thrive in major cities throughout the United States, with expansion as far as Japan and UK.
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!
Pre-show Panel Discussion with Black Men's Wellness
Join us for a pre-show panel discussion as part of BIPOC Affinity Night for The Brothers Size, featuring Black Men’s Wellness.
Adult Class: Before & After - The Brothers Size
Join Literary Manager and Dramaturg Kamilah Bush for an opportunity to explore the work of playwright Tarrell Alvin McCraney and his relationship to the southern aesthetic, masculinity and African cosmology, and how these elements come alive in PCS production of The Brothers Size.
May First Thursday featuring Tahirah Memory
Join us for May First Thursday featuring live music by Portland-based soul singer and songwriter Tahirah Memory, playing a mix of original songs and covers in a fun combo of jazz and R&B styles.
Foundations of Improvisation: Sunday Afternoon Series
Looking to expand your knowledge and skills of improvisation? Whether you did theater in high school and want to jump back in, are looking to find creative connections with others, or are a theater professional looking to deepen your training, this course is perfect for you!
Acting for Adults Level III: Actors' Toolbox
Explore Anne Bogart’s viewpoints, Meisner’s technique of repetition, Adler’s emotional recall, Laban’s eight efforts, Lecoq’s seven levels of tension, Michael Chekhov’s psychological gestures and learn to apply these to text of your choosing.
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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