Behind the Scenes of "Astoria"
From props to rehearsal to creating 53 wooden pikes, get a special sneak peek into the making of Astoria.
A color and texture inspiration board for the set designed by Tony Cisek. Our Scenic Charge department (or "Paints" in layman's terms) will use this palate to add the final layer to the set. The photo on the lower left is of Fort Clastop, a replica of the seven-room fort built by members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition after reaching the Pacific, located in Astoria, Oregon.
Members of the cast of Astoria rehearse the overland portion of the expedition. The cast rehearses with canvas backpacks, stage guns and various other props that will be used on stage during the final performance.
Director Chris Coleman and Production Manager Liam Kaas-Lentz practice paddling on tables made by Master Props Artisan Michael Jones (far right) and his team. The tables are built, painted, and distressed in-house by our props department and are used as beds, boats and more throughout the show.
Eleven period tailcoats were created from scratch by our costume department; each piece required 60-80 hours to complete.
Lead Props Artisan Rachel Peterson Schmerge tests holsters from stock to see if they fit the new pistols purchased for the show. Prop firearms include a Kentucky Flintlock, Blunderbuss, 18th century French dueling pistols and rifles.
l-r: Chris Murray, Brandon Contreras and Nick Ferrucci rehearse chopping trees during the overland expidition.
Many of the trunks used in Astoria are custom built, including some custom-made hardware, by our Props team with a few that are heavily modified from stock with sanding, repainting and new hardware added.
The set is comprised of 53 wooden pikes in four different sizes ranging from six to 23 feet in height. Each pike is created by layering single-sided cardboard onto pine frames and wrapped with cheesecloth to create texture and structural integrity. The pikes are then painted to create the final wooden look.
Master Carpenter Nick Foltz works on a pike point. The points are created using concentrically cut wooden circles that are stacked to form an apex on the end of the pike.
Director Chris Coleman (far right) with the cast of Astoria during rehearsal.
Check out more behind the scenes photos of Astoria here.
The "Astoria" Design Team Visits Astoria
Artistic Director Chris Coleman blogs about the day the Astoria design team piled into a van and drove West.
Beer Tastings from Fort George Brewery
Join us for a series of complimentary of beer tastings from the Fort George Brewery located in Astoria before select performances of Astoria. Must be over 21 to participate.
Resource Guide for Educators: Astor Expedition
A detailed look at the two journeys that took the Hudson Bay Company to Astoria.
"Astoria: Part One" Cast and Creative Team
Learn about the incredible cast and creative team we've assembled for the world premiere of Astoria: Part One.
Reviews of "Astoria: Part Two"
"Astoria is a great way to learn the history behind the place we all call home. It reminds us to be grateful to the people who sacrificed their lives, as well as recognize the cultures that had been here long before Astor conceived his plan.”
Specialty Cocktails Inspired by "Astoria: Part Two"
Resident Mixologist and The Armory Bar Supervisor Melissa Larrabee writes about creating the delicious specialty cocktails inspired by Astoria: Part Two.
A Family History Unfolds On Stage
In 1811, Alexander McKay and his son Thomas arrived at the mouth of the Columbia River aboard the Tonquin ship as members of the Pacific Fur Company. 206 years later, in 2017, Alexander’s great-great-great-great-grandson, Bob Nelson, settled into a seat at The Armory to watch Astoria: Part One.
Art Installation by Portland Cherokee Artist Brenda Mallory
The Armory will host Recurring Chapters in the Book of Inevitable Outcomes, an art installation by Brenda Mallory, a local artist and member of the Cherokee Nation. Now through the run of And So We Walked.
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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