PROTOCOL: Episode 1
An Afro-futurist sci-fi audio thriller!
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 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.
Kristen was born and raised on the island of Oahu and has worked as a fight choreographer, stage manager, and teacher in the Portland theater community for the past eight years. She graduated with a B.F.A. from Southern Oregon University and has worked professionally with Portland Center Stage, Artists Repertory Theatre, Third Rail Repertory Theatre, Profile Theatre, Defunkt Theatre, and many more. She has been recognized for her fight choreography four times by the Portland Drammy's and is a proud AEA stage manager.
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, this once-a-month improv class will set you on the path to success!
Art Exhibit: Meet Me At The Center by Maria TD Inocencio
Portland Center Stage will host Meet Me At The Center, a two-part art installation by Portland-based visual artist Maria TD Inocencio. The mixed media collage uses images from nature to represent our city's residents and the ways that their lives intersect.
HAIR
Let the sunshine in! This revolutionary rock musical follows a group of counter-culturalists whose worlds are shaken by a draft notice for the Vietnam War. HAIR reminds us that our collective voice is a powerful tool for change!
Fall Teen Academy: Musical Theater Numbers
Experience the excitement and fun involved in creating musical theater! Participants will work with professional musical theater performers to explore vocal performance and learn how to make strong acting choices when performing musical theater.
October First Thursday featuring Chibia
Join us for October First Thursday featuring live music by the band Chibia, vendor tables by artist Cositas PDX, Trans Wardrobe Project, art exhibits, and complimentary select beer provided by Deschutes Brewery.
Front Porch Sessions presents Maui Fire Relief Benefit
Front Porch Sessions, in collaboration with Portland Center Stage, will be hosting a fundraiser and benefit event to assist families affected by the Maui fires. 100% of proceeds will go directly to families affected by the Maui fires.
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
Original Works Sponsors
Season Superstars
Season Supporting Sponsors
Season Producing Sponsors
Guardians of the Arts
