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PROTOCOL: Episode 1

An Afro-futurist sci-fi audio thriller!

March 9 – April 4, 2021
Online

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.

Listen 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!

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

Meet the Artistic Team

Conceived, Created, Directed & Sound Designed byPhil Johnson
Written byBobby Bermea, Tyharra Cozier, Phil Johnson, & Ashley Song Mellinger
Sound Designer & Engineering ConsultantSharath Patel
ComposerDerek A. Graham
DramaturgKamilah Bush
Stage ManagerKristen Mun*
Graphic DesignerBrandon Morayo

Meet the Cast

Bobby Bermea*Oluwadi Jones
Tyharra CozierDALS
Kayla KellyOryn
Victor Mack*Jonic Ibarra
Ashley Song MellingerGabriela
Julana TorresCaptain Chelsea Iguodala
Ken YoshikawaJason


*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Select Bios

(He/Him)

Ken is right jolly to be returning to PCS to work pandemically with more amazing artists.

Kristen Mun-Van Noy, Stage Manager
(She/Her)

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.

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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