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128 NW Eleventh Ave, Portland, OR 97209 · 503-445-3700 · www.pcs.org
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Teen Programs

Summer Teen Theater Academy 2024

A group of teens posing energetically among the seats of a theater, under the words "Teen Theater Academy.".

Our Summer Teen Theater Academy builds skills and confidence, while deepening the connection to the inspiring world of theater. Bring the power of theater to the teens in your life!

Grades 9-12 ⋅ All Skill Levels Welcome ⋅ Register Now as Space is Limited ⋅ Scholarships Available

Apply for a Scholarship

To prioritize safety, we will follow all guidelines set by the Oregon Health Authority, including small class sizes that allow for social distancing.

"This program helped me learn how to have more confidence in myself and how creative I can be. I really enjoyed this workshop and it will definitely be an experience I will never forget!" –A former Teen Academy student
“My now 15-year-old twins had SUCH a positive experience with the Teen Academy!! It was a pure joy to see and hear them after pickup, talking with such passion about what they'd learned and been challenged to do that day. They’ve been to several performing arts camps and they've never been so energized or educated before.” –A parent of Teen Academy students

EXPLORE THE CLASSES

No experience needed, all levels welcome.
Register by April 1, 2024 and receive a 10% "early bird" discount!

Stage Combat

Theatrical stage combat is the illusion of violence. In this course, teens will learn the necessary skills and techniques that professional actors use from hand to hand combat, knifework and swordplay. Instructor: Kristen Mun Van-Noy.

June 24  28, Monday  Friday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., $200

Register for June 24 – 28

Refund Policy

Performing Musical Theater Numbers

Experience the excitement and fun of creating musical theater. Explore dance styles, vocal performance, and acting techniques to build the skills of a fully rounded musical theater performer. Instructors: TBD.

Session 1: July 8  19, Monday  Friday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., $420

Final Day: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Register for Session 1

Session 2: August 5  9, Monday  Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $420 

Lunch on your own each day from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Register for Session 2

Refund Policy

Improvisation

Through fun games and exercises, students will make connections, sharpen their skills, and discover what's possible when people create together, in the moment. Instructor: Andy Perkins.

Session 1: July 8  12, Monday  Friday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., $120

Register for Session 1

Session 2: July 15  19, Monday  Friday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., $120 

Register for Session 2

Refund Policy

Acting in Scenes & Monologues

Dig deep into scene work, scene study, monologues, and character motivation. Learn the questions to ask in every rehearsal situation. Develop full characters and their tactics in both solo and scene work. Instructor: Nicole Marie Green.

Session 1: July 8  19, Monday  Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., $390 

Final Day: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Register for Session 1

Session 2: August 5  9, Monday  Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $390

Lunch on your own daily from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Register for Session 2

Refund Policy

Teen Council

Teen Council Medium

The Teen Council is composed of high school students who want a deeper involvement with professional theater and opportunities to take part in advanced theater experiences. No application necessary, but please email for more information. Enrollment is ongoing and always free. 

The council usually meets one Sunday of every month, from September to June, to take part in a masterclass from a local theater professional. Past classes have covered everything from acting for film, stage combat, and improvisation. After the class, Teen Council members are usually invited to attend a matinee performance, free of charge. This program is open to students in 8th–12th grade. 

Teen Council members may also want to take advantage of The Armory Card to hook up their friends. The Armory Card offers maximum savings and flexibility for purchasing tickets for those 35 and younger. The cards do not expire and can be reloaded until the holder turns 36. 

The Armory Card

For more information email  or call 503-445-3795.

Teen Playwrights

V And V Medium

The PCS Teen Playwrights residency program brings professional teaching artists into public high school classrooms for intensive, month-long residencies during which students learn about the basic elements of theater. This program culminates at the end of the school year with free, public readings hosted at Portland Center Stage. These plays are selected from all residency sites and then presented by professional actors and directors. We will select 10-12 students whose plays are 5-8 minutes or pages long. Students applying should clearly have a passion and drive for playwriting. Readings take place sometime between late May and early June.

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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