The "Astoria" Design Team Visits Astoria
During early July last summer, we had the chance to spend two weeks in the room with 16 actors working on my adaptation of Peter Stark’s book, Astoria. And the day following our public showing of the work, the entire design team piled into a van and drove West.
First stop was Ft. Clatsop (pictured above), a reproduction of the camp where Lewis & Clark spent their first winter. It was fascinating to see the sleeping quarters (pictured below), which were tight but decent. And I’m sure felt palatial after months in the open air.
I also loved seeing how they might have cooked their food. They would have had to lug the pots along with them.
There was a fascinating discussion of how they would have had teams round the clock at the ocean, boiling water to create salt: their primary preservative and critical for maintaining a supply of protein.
This gent (above), who was teaching us about how they might have cooked and made candles, also teaches history at a nearby middle school.
Toni Leslie tried on the buckskin representation they had on hand (pictured above). They would have all known how to sew their own clothes, as well as repair their firearms, build the quarters, hunt or grow their food, etc.
Then we drove about half an hour north to Cape Disappointment: Diane and Tony Cisek talked about the scale of what you see atop that cliff.
After lunch, we drove back into Astoria to the Maritime Museum where Deputy Director David Pearson showed us around. We were all struck by how tricky it is to actually see what the ‘bar’ is doing beneath the surface of the water (pictured above).
Tony Cisek loved the extreme angle of the replicated Coast Guard ship, that gives a sense of how steep the waves can be outside the Columbia’s mouth.
And we were all enamored of the replica of The Tonquin, the ship that the seagoing party of the Astor expedition sailed.
We finally landed in the conference room at the museum for our design conference.
Totally inspiring day.
Behind the Scenes of "Astoria"
From props to rehearsal to creating 53 wooden pikes, get a special sneak peek into the making of Astoria.
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!
Donate to the p:ear Giving Tree
Every winter, youth at p:ear are looking for basic needs such as socks, backpacks, bus tickets, gift cards, art supplies, and other items. The Giving Tree helps p:ear fuel their mission to provide mentoring services to Portland’s homeless and parent-less young people.
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!
Acting Shakespeare: Monologues
Dive into the world of the Bard and explore the excitement of performing Shakespeare!
An Evening with Storm Large
Join us for a very special Portland Center Stage benefit concert, featuring the legendary Storm Large.
Foundations of Improvisation
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!
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