Who I Am: Celebrating Me - A Celebration for Black History Month
Who I Am: Celebrating Me is a community of youth and adult artists exploring history through theater. From soul-encompassing singing and dancing to heartfelt poetry and prose, the production highlights a montage of African-American figures and movements of past and present. Formed ten years ago by singer, writer, director, actor, Shalanda Sims in response to the lack of celebratory events in Portland during Black History month, Who I Am: Celebrating Me dared to fill a void. Not only were there little to no events at the time but the topic was not widely discussed in schools so in an effort to educate youth, show them something they could be proud of and celebrate all year long, educators, business owners, youth, adults, senior citizens, artists, community members gathered to sing songs, recite poetry, and share oral history. To date, Who I Am: Celebrating Me has helped educate over ten schools, more than 2500 students, five businesses and their employees about the rich history and contributions of African-Americans.
Tickets to Saturday, February 20 at 2:00 p.m. - $25
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Tickets to Monday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m. - $25
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All performances are in the Ellyn Bye Studio
$20 tickets for groups of 10-19
$15 tickets for groups of 20 or more available through box office only. Please call 503-445-3700.
More about Forever:
Reviews of "Forever"
Dael Orlandersmith’s powerful new memoir play has received lots of critical acclaim. Here’s a roundup of reviews from previous productions.
Perspectives series for "Forever" and "Each and Every Thing"
February 16 & 23, March 1 & 8 in the Ellyn Bye Studio
Immediately following the 7:30 p.m. performance
Dael Orlandersmith Is a Poet of Life’s Complexity
American Theater Magazine’s Stuart Miller sat down with Forever playwright and performer Dael Orlandersmith.
Perspectives series for "Forever" and "Each and Every Thing"
February 16 & 23, March 1 & 8 in the Ellyn Bye Studio
Immediately following the 7:30 p.m. performance
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!
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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