PCS will be closed from December 23 through January 1. We will resume our regular public hours on January 2. We wish you a safe, happy holiday season and new year!

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128 NW Eleventh Ave, Portland, OR 97209 · 503-445-3700 · www.pcs.org
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Preview image for Diving Deep: How Pool Segregation Sprung a Movement

Diving Deep: How Pool Segregation Sprung a Movement

Since the first public pool was opened in Boston in 1868, there have been strict regulations on who can and cannot share the water.

Preview image for Segregation & Swimming Timeline in the United States

Segregation & Swimming Timeline in the United States

The history of swimming pool segregation in America is long and complicated. This feature highlights the major events between 1800 and 2022.

Preview image for Rodney King, the L.A. Riots, and the Aftermath

Rodney King, the L.A. Riots, and the Aftermath

Learn about who Rodney King is and the impact this incident sparked in 1991. 

Preview image for Kansas: A Background of the Play's Setting

Kansas: A Background of the Play's Setting

Learn more about the development of the state of Kansas and the origin of Beacon, Kansas. 

Preview image for A Brief History of Police Violence

A Brief History of Police Violence

Police violence in America can be traced all the way back to the 1700s. Read more to learn about the progression and changes between the early 1700s and now. 

Preview image for Reviews of *the ripple, the wave that carried me home*

Reviews of the ripple, the wave that carried me home

 "A poignant, transporting, and quietly subversive story of racial justice, political legacy, and family forgiveness." –TheaterMania

Preview image for Reviews of *tick, tick ... BOOM!*

Reviews of tick, tick ... BOOM!

“The origins of Rent are evident in tick, tick ... BOOM!” –BroadwayWorld

Preview image for Jonathan Larson: Life & Work

Jonathan Larson: Life & Work

Learn about Jonathan Larson's childhood, education, and career path. 

Preview image for *tick, tick … BOOM!* Plot Summary

tick, tick … BOOM! Plot Summary

Spoiler alert! A brief overview of tick, tick … BOOM!

Black and white photos of Stephen Sondheim and Jonathan Larson on a black and yellow abstract background.

Behind the Curtain: Larson & Sondheim

When theater's cherished composer Stephen Sondheim met Jonathan Larson, he took the young tick, tick ... BOOM! creator under his wing. PCS Literary Manager Kamilah Bush explores their relationship and Sondheim's candid thoughts from a New York Times interview written just months after Larson's death.

Preview image for Rent Plot Summary

Rent Plot Summary

Spoiler alert! A brief overview of Rent.

A busy Manhattan street in the evening, framed by lit shop windows and high-rise apartment buildings.

Alphabet City

Alphabet City is a neighborhood in the East Village of Manhattan. Learn more about the history of this area and the many arts and activist movements that took place there.

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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