"Astoria: Part Two" Receives Creative Heights Grant
We were very excited to recently receive a $100,000 grant from The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) through its Creative Heights initiative, which aims to help “performing and visual artists and other cultural creatives to test new ideas, stretch their creative capacity, and take creative risks.” The creative risk this OCF grant will support is our upcoming production of Astoria: Part Two, the conclusion of Chris Coleman’s epic adaptation of the nonfiction bestseller by Peter Stark.
With two parts produced across two seasons, Astoria is the most formidable and complicated artistic venture The Armory has ever undertaken. In addition to premiering Part Two in January, we will be offering a few reprise performances of Part One, plus three opportunities to experience the full story in a day-long marathon. Surrounding the Astoria production, we will also be presenting a variety of community programs, including an exciting exhibition of contemporary artworks by Columbia River Native artists.
The Oregon Community Foundation’s mission is to improve lives for all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy, working with individuals, families, businesses and organizations to create charitable funds that support the community causes they care about. In this final round of the four-year Creative Heights initiative, OCF awarded more $945,000 to 13 Oregon nonprofits – including The Armory, which also received a Creative Heights grant for Astoria: Part One.
For more information on OCF and its programs, visit www.oregoncf.org.
More about Astoria: Part Two:
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.
The Astor Expedition Ale
In celebration of Astoria: Part Two, we've partnered with the Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce and five Astoria brewers to create a limited edition beer to commemorate the 19th century expedition.
The Music of Astoria
From the French Canadian voyaguer songs to traditional American folk songs, explore the music in Astoria.
Resource Guide for Educators: Peter Stark
Astoria author Peter Stark talks about writing and researching the book, and the journey's lasting impact today.
A Bird's-Eye View of "Astoria"
Astoria is an overflowing treasure chest of history; this article offers a peek into the context of the world of the play and snapshot introductions to some of its fascinating inhabitants.
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
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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!
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