Teen Programs

Upcoming Classes
Immerse yourself in the confidence building fun of learning performance skills in a stimulating, supportive environment. Our classes are taught by top theater professionals who are excited to share their passion and experience.
Basics of Stage Combat for Teens
Theatrical stage combat is the illusion of violence. Kristen Mun-Van Noy will be offering three different classes, each focusing on a different area of the world of stage combat. In these courses, teens will learn the necessary skills and techniques that professional actors use to "die" onstage night after night.
Summer Teen Academy
Register now!
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!
Private Acting Coaching with Nicole Marie Green
Nicole Marie Green is a professional actor, director and teaching artist who has worked in theater education for over a decade. Whether you're looking for help on a specific audition or wanting to continue your training you'll have the opportunity to design this time to your specific needs. These one to two hour sessions will leave you walking away with more confidence and clarity, and a tool kit of techniques to allow your own voice to shine through.
Summer Teen Theater Academy 2023
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
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
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: Ashley Song, David Saffert, Joellen Sweeney, and Julana Torres.
*Session 1: June 20 – June 30, Monday – Friday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., $350
Final Day: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Session 2: July 10 – July 21, Monday – Friday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., $380
Final Day: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
*Please note this session starts on a Tuesday after the Juneteenth Holiday
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.
*2 Weeks: June 20 – 30, Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., $200
Final Day: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
*Please note this session starts on a Tuesday after the Juneteenth Holiday
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.
2 Weeks: July 10 – 21, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., $330
Final Day: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Teen Council

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

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).