PROTOCOL: Episode 1
- Conceived, Created, Directed & Sound Designed by Phil Johnson
- Written by Bobby Bermea, Tyharra Cozier, Phil Johnson, and Ashley Song Mellinger
- Sharath Patel, Sound Designer & Engineering Consultant
- Derek A. Graham, Composer
JUMP TO: Dates, Run Time, Playbill, & More
When an unexpected tragedy befalls the crew aboard space cruiser Elegua IV, they are thrust into a thrilling mystery which threatens their mission to preserve humanity. Conceived by Portland artist Phil Johnson, this science fiction audio experience traverses multiple times, dimensions, and galaxies. Immerse yourself in the pilot episode of PROTOCOL, a new podcast which explores how the systems we trust may not always be on our side.
In honor of Lowell Jacobs.
“PROTOCOL marks a revolutionary period in the world of audio and cinema. My goal was to expand the audio genre and create something unique, yet reminiscent of the way folks used to gather around the radio for their weekly audio dramas. The pilot of PROTOCOL was conceived with a group of futurists and sci-fi genre benders of color, who were poised with the task of writing a script outside the normal clichés of race and gender — to create a piece of art that not only looks forward through technology, but through ideology as well.” –Phil Johnson
PROTOCOL on OPB Radio!
On March 28 OPB Radio aired a special episode of Literary Arts’ THE ARCHIVE PROJECT celebrating PROTOCOL. You’ll hear a segment of the episode and then dive into a conversation between Associate Artistic Director Chip Miller, Lead Artist Phil Johnson, and Literary Manager and Dramaturg Kamilah Bush. They’ll discuss the process of writing collaboratively during a pandemic, creating science fiction worlds, breaking down barriers in the arts, and the state of theater right now.
BONUS: Creator Phil Johnson has shared a playlist of music that helped inspire PROTOCOL. Check it out below!
(Also available on YouTube.)
PCS Remix: Original Works
The PCS Remix: Original Works series gathers artists from a broad spectrum of creative expressions to make short, devised theatrical pieces. The goal is collaboration and experimentation, rather than finished works of art. These projects allow us to support brilliant artists and give them the opportunity to explore whatever direction inspires them — and to deepen our connection to the community by sharing this exciting exploratory work!
Meet the Cast & Creative Team
Meet the Artistic Team
| Conceived, Created, Directed & Sound Designed by | Phil Johnson |
| Written by | Bobby Bermea, Tyharra Cozier, Phil Johnson, & Ashley Song Mellinger |
| Sound Designer & Engineering Consultant | Sharath Patel |
| Composer | Derek A. Graham |
| Dramaturg | Kamilah Bush |
| Stage Manager | Kristen Mun* |
| Graphic Designer | Brandon Morayo |
Meet the Cast
| Bobby Bermea* | Oluwadi Jones |
| Tyharra Cozier | DALS |
| Kayla Kelly | Oryn |
| Victor Mack* | Jonic Ibarra |
| Ashley Song Mellinger | Gabriela |
| Julana Torres | Captain Chelsea Iguodala |
| Ken Yoshikawa | Jason |
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Select Bios
Ken is right jolly to be returning to PCS to work pandemically with more amazing artists.
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).
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