Portland Center Stage

Mission

Portland Center Stage exists to create transcendent theatrical experiences and community programs that break down the barriers separating people. Each year, we provide arts experiences to 100,000 visitors, including thousands of young people. Audience members enjoy a mix of classical, contemporary, and world premiere productions, along with PCS's annual JAW New Play Festival, and a variety of high-quality education and community programs.

Bottom Line for Portland

We Bring World-Class Theater to Portland: Portland Center Stage consistently produces a diverse range of high-quality performances, from classic plays to bold new works, featuring talented local and national artists.

We are Essential to Our Region’s Cultural Landscape: We provide creative and living-wage employment opportunities for artists, craftspeople, and technicians, contracting with 4 unions. We're proud to support the work of myriad local performing arts organizations in our space.

We Create a Welcoming and Inclusive Space: We work hard to ensure that our programming reflects the diverse voices of our community, and we actively create initiatives to engage with underrepresented groups. 

We Engage and Inspire Beyond the Stage: Beyond our productions, PCS is deeply involved in the community through educational programs, workshops, in-school artist residencies and free community events like First Thursday.

Quote

Portland Center Stage is more than simply the largest theatre in town - it is also a tremendous resource to the broader theatre community. PCS understands that they are in a position to help the entire field - the individual artists, smaller organizations, and administrative professionals, as well as being one of the primary entry points for audiences new to theatre. They embrace this role and have an impact on this community that extends far beyond the power of what they produce onstage. 
~Lauren Bloom Hanover, Executive Director, Portland Revels

Partner(s)

Alberta Abbey - Alberta Abbey aims to nurture the creative, visual and performing arts in N/NE Portland by amplifying opportunities for Black and underrepresented communities. The Abbey serves this mission by providing affordable education, gallery, studio, and performance spaces, and showcasing events for local groups of all ages.

Albina Music Trust - Albina Music Trust is dedicated to the preservation and amplification of Albina’s historic Black musical culture. We exist to document, protect, and share the stories, sounds, and creative legacy of Black musicians whose work shaped Portland—often without recognition or institutional support.

Blanchet House - Blanchet House is a nonprofit social services organization located in Old Town Portland. We make a difference, one relationship at a time, through food, clothing, and supportive housing programs. We serve anyone who comes to our doors without judgment because we believe everyone deserves dignity, hope, and community. 

Deschutes Brewery - In 1988, Gary Fish established a small brewpub in downtown Bend, Oregon and named it after the Deschutes River. He wanted to build a home for the public. Today, things are a little different. The brewery sells more than 225,000 barrels per year and our beer can be found in all 50 states. We’ve set up more locations and have a pub in downtown Portland, Oregon.
Native Arts + Cultures Foundation - Advances equity and cultural knowledge, focusing on the power of arts and collaboration to strengthen Native communities and promote positive social change with American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native peoples in the United States.