Winter Improv Labs
Improv Lab: Connected Characters
Too often characters slip toward caricature, become hammy, and disconnected. A balance of commitment and awareness keep good improvisers from running away with a character. Learn to play exciting and dynamic characters honestly.
Monday, March 26
6 - 9 p.m. | $30
$5 Arts for All - only available in person at the Box Office
About Nicholas Kessler
 | As seen on The Librarians, Grimm, Portlandia, and (web) Benefits of Gusbandry, Kessler improvises on The Siren theater house team, The Liberators, and Leviathan. He also acts as host of OPB’s The Moth StorySLAM live storytelling show. Alongside his performing chops, Kessler has 18 years teaching and training improvisation, is the Lead Educator at Portland Center Stage, and the Special Communications Consultant for Intel, Kaiser Permanente, and the Hillsboro Police Department. |
FAQs
What to Bring
Class participants will receive a welcome/introductory email the Wednesday before their class providing specific details of what to bring to class. Class participants are always welcome to bring bottled water, and coffee or other beverages with a lid are also permitted. Please ensure cell phones and other noise-making devises are placed on "Silent Mode" or Off during class hours. There is no need to bring a printed copy of your ticket.
Refunds and Exchange Policy
The Armory does not offer refunds on purchased class registrations; all sales are final. Class exchanges can be made within 24 hour notice prior to the first class meeting. In rare circumstances when a class may be cancelled (due to extreme weather, artist absence or other unavoidable situations) we will offer refunds or replacement registration for a future class.
Click here to Learn more about our weather policy.
Arts for All
The Armory is proud to participate in Portland's Arts for All program. This means those Oregonians receiving SNAP benefits or with an Oregon Trail Card can receive discounted tickets to Community Events and Classes, available in person at the Box Office. Please have your Oregon Trail Card with you at time of purchase.
Getting Here
The Armory is located at 128 NW Eleventh Avenue in the Pearl District of Portland, Oregon. We’re exactly one block north of Powell’s Books, between Couch and Davis.
- Bus: The Armory is located in the heart of the Pearl District on NW Eleventh Avenue and Davis Street, just a short walk from most bus lines.
- MAX: From the eastbound train, get off at the 9th Avenue/Library stop. From the westbound train, get off at the Tenth Avenue/SW Morrison Street stop. Walk to Tenth Avenue and turn right, follow Tenth Avenue to Davis (approx. 6 blocks) and turn right to corner of Eleventh Avenue or Walk to corner of Tenth and Yamhill and board the Portland Streetcar, get off at Couch Street stop and walk to corner of Eleventh Avenue and Davis Street.
- Streetcar: The Armory is also conveniently located directly on the streetcar line. The Portland Streetcar runs on Tenth Avenue (to NW 23rd) and on Eleventh Avenue (to Portland State University) and stops on the corner of NW Couch Street respectively. The entrance to The Armory is on the corner of NW Eleventh and Davis (one block north of Couch).
For complete transit directions from your location use the trip planner at www.trimet.org.
Accessibility
The Armory is committed to making our facilities accessible to all of our patrons. For specific program questions and ticket information, or if you need assistance, please contact the Education Department at 503-445-3795 or email us at education@pcs.org.
Parking
The Pearl features 2-hour metered on-street parking around The Armory, from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Sunday.
For a parking garage, we recommend The Brewery Blocks/Whole Foods Underground Parking Garage. It is the largest lot in Portland and it is located one block from The Armory. It’s a well-lit, security-patrolled underground garage that houses 1,300 parking spaces. There are two entrances to this lot: NW Twelfth Avenue or NW Thirteenth Avenue, between Couch and Davis Streets. The elevators take you into the M Financial Building lobby (just around the corner from the Armory) or into Whole Foods on the corner of Couch and NW Twelfth Avenue.
Other questions?
If you have any additional concerns or questions, please contact the Education Department at 503-445-3795 or email us at education@pcs.org.
Reviews of "Kodachrome"
"Kodachrome is somewhere between an ensemble love story, a mischievous comedy and a supernatural dream."
NEA Grant for JAW: A Playwrights Festival 2018
We've been selected to receive a $15,000 Art Works grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for JAW festival 2018.
"The Color of Longing" Art Exhibit
Through the run of Kodachrome, enjoy "The Color of Longing," a collection of photographs curated by our neighbors at Blue Sky Gallery.
Behind the Scenes of "Kodachrome"
Get a sneak peek look at Adam Szymkowicz's new play about love in unlikely places directed by Rose Riordan.
Special Cocktails for "The Magic Play"
The Armory Bar supervisor and resident mixologist Melissa Larrabee describes her glittery and delicious cocktails inspired by The Magic Play.
Audience Reviews of "The Magic Play"
Audiences are loving The Magic Play. Check out what fans of the show have said on Facebook!
Playwrights in Discussion
Kodachrome playwright Adam Szymkowicz interviews The Magic Play playwright Andrew Hinderaker.
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).
Season Superstars
Season Supporting Sponsors
