In Loving Memory of Diana Gerding
Diana Gerding is one of the most influential people in the history of Portland Center Stage. Along with her husband Bob, Diana has been an enormous champion for this theater — not only through financial support, but also through her sage wisdom and her love for the staff.
As a fierce advocate for PCS, Diana was particularly passionate about the progress we’ve made toward social justice and equity. She was also deeply committed to PCS’s education programs, and to JAW and our development of new works for the stage.
It is impossible to fully convey the enormous contributions Diana has made to PCS, but we wanted to share just a few of the fond memories we’ve received from staff members. We hope you will join us in celebrating this extraordinary woman, and our great fortune for having known and loved her.
Diana Gerding (second from left) with members of the production team (L-R) Larissa Cranmer, Kara Harmon, Janine Vanderhoff, and Eva Steingrueber-Fagan at the opening night for The Color Purple. Photo by Kate Szrom
“Diana and I first met through our work with the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at PCS. After she and I partnered together for a committee project, we quickly became friends and began spending time outside of that work. I will forever be grateful for the time I got to spend with her. It's hard to express all that she was. Kind, gentle, strong, thoughtful, compassionate, intelligent, graceful, stylish … and so much more. Like anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her, I am so sorry our time was cut short. There are so many conversations left unfinished. I will think of her often, and always with fondness.” –Larissa Cranmer, Costume Cutter/Draper
“Diana really epitomized being a good citizen, a good friend, and a good person. She was lovely, and warm, and always so appreciative of everyone who worked with PCS.” –Marlene Montooth, Grants Manager
(L-R): Board Member Sarah J. Crooks and former staff member Jennifer Goldsmith celebrating with Diana Gerding at a donor reception.
“Ever an inspiration and a true friend.” –Jennifer Goldsmith, Former Associate Director of Development
“Diana was such a huge advocate for supporting new works. Each year, she generously hosted a reception and social for JAW playwrights and board members in her home to support JAW. It was always so meaningful to everyone in attendance.” –Kelsey Tyler, Education & Community Programs Director
“Diana was always a joy to have in the building, but my favorite memories are of running into her in the neighborhood. She lived near The Armory, so I'd see her on the sidewalk not infrequently, and she always met me with a huge smile and quick visit to ask how things were going at PCS. Her love of the people of PCS was so obvious and so appreciated. I will really miss those moments with her.” –Caitlin Upshaw, Director of HR, Equity & Inclusion
Diana Gerding (top right) and Marissa Wolf (top left) with Cheryl Strayed (top center) and members of the cast and design team for Tiny Beautiful Things. Photo by Kate Szrom
“I loved seeing Diana's radiant face after an opening night performance! In my two short years on staff at PCS, I counted her a thought partner and a wellspring of knowledge that informed my understanding of this fantastic company.” –Marissa Wolf, Artistic Director
“I met Diana Gerding in 2005 when I joined the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art as director of development, where Diana was a founding board member. Diana's genuine kindness and thoughtfulness made an immediate impression on me. We formed a friendship and stayed in touch when I moved from PICA to the Museum and beyond. We would meet for the occasional lunch or gallery opening over the years — at our lunches we reminisced about the old days, laughed about the absurdity of life, caught up on our families and friends, and enjoyed one another's company. When the director of development position came up at PCS in the summer of 2019, we met over lunch for a couple of hours at Gallo Nero. Her love for PCS was infectious, and I applied for the job shortly after our lunch. I am so grateful that fate brought us back together at PCS, and that I had the chance to spend quality in-person time with her before Covid shut everything down. Maya Angelou said that ‘people will never forget how you made them feel’ and Diana always made you feel loved. I will miss you Diana. Thank you for friendship and mentorship.” –Luisa Adrianzen Guyer, Former Director of Development
Diana and Bob Gerding at the 2006 gala, which marked the opening of the Gerding Theater at The Armory — the new home for Portland Center Stage — which never would have been possible without their fierce dedication and support. Photo by Josh Oakhurst.
We love you Diana! We will be forever grateful for the many ways you lifted us up and made PCS thrive. Your spirit will soar with us as we carry your legacy in our hearts.
If you’d like to share a tribute, please email it to Associate Director of Marketing & Communications.
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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