From our theater to the world stage
Advancing the University of Portland’s conviction that education develops the whole person, our Theater Program prepares students for productive participation in local, national, and global society. Through intentional production practices and reflective course work we are striving to make identity-conscious and ethnoculturally competent theatre. Toward this goal, we provide a comprehensive foundation of theater coursework with the ability to focus training in performance, design, management, directing, playwriting and dramaturgy. Students acquire vital skills that span every discipline such as collaboration, project management, critical analysis, and public presentation, providing direct access to performing arts careers and any other profession.
Workshop Reading
Directed by Barbie Wu
October 4-7 at 7:30 p.m., October 8 at 2:00 p.m. (Mago Hunt Theater)
When Silas Park’s girlfriend leaves him, he becomes a shut-in, writing intense autobiographical stories in his Brooklyn apartment. When literary agent Darren offers Silas a book deal, he finds himself on the verge of being the next big thing in Asian American literature. But the appearance of Silas’ adoptive brother Finn changes the story. This stunning new play from Carla Ching asks us to consider the line between identity and storytelling. When is a story truly autobiographical? When is a story yours to tell?
Based on the Novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. Music By Wayne Barker.
Directed by Andy Christensen
November 10-11 and 15-18 at 7:30 p.m., November 11, 12 and 19 at 2:00 p.m. (Mago Hunt Theater)
The ultimate prequel, Peter and the Starcatcher brings together playful orphans, marauding pirates, British peers, and jungle tyrants for an all-new adventure. Based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, this theatrically inventive play reveals how a young orphan became Peter Pan and met his arch-nemesis, Captain Hook. When unlikely heroes join forces aboard the Neverland ship, the characters learn about love, friendship and forge an unbreakable bond. Winner of five Tony Awards, this imaginative romp is a delight for audiences of all ages.
Peter and the Starcatcher is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Directed by Dr. Lezlie C. Cross
February 21-24 at 7:30 p.m., February 25 at 2:00 p.m. (Mago Hunt Theater)
Based on a true story, These Shining Lives chronicles the strength and determination of four women who were poisoned by the working conditions at the Radium Dial Company. Through years of work, Catherine, Frances, Charlotte, and Pearl create an enduring bond of female friendship, which is vital to their lives. A story of survival in its most transcendent sense, Catherine and her friends refuse to allow the company that stole their health to kill their spirits. Marnich’s play shows the human drama behind a keystone case of labor rights in the United States.
Directed by Andy Christensen
April 11-13 and 17-20 at 7:30 p.m., April 14 and 21 at 2:00 p.m. (Mago Hunt Theater)
When Emma’s small Indiana town cancels prom rather than allowing her to bring her girlfriend, four eccentric Broadway stars realize that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue… and themselves. With her new Broadway friends, Emma is reluctantly made a courageous rallying force for LGBTQ youth, bringing together her classmates and the whole town to discover that love is what unites them all. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, The Prom is “so full of happiness that you think your heart is about to burst!” (Variety). Be sure you don’t miss this funny and heartwarming production, which The Oprah Magazine proclaims is “the kind of show that would make the world a better place if everyone saw it.”
Audiences are encouraged to dress to the nines for the Prom. There will be selfie station and you may be crowned prom royalty!
The Prom is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide: 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com
We invite the queer community and allies to the special Pride Night performance of The Prom on April 18th at 7:30pm. Use the promo code PRIDENIGHT for a discount to that performance!
Please contact boxoffice@up.edu with questions about accessibility and accommodations.
The University of Portland Theater respectfully acknowledges that our space rests on the traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla and many other Tribes who made their homes along the Columbia (Wimahl) and Willamette (Whilamut) rivers. The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde currently represent many of these tribes.
We give thanks to them; that we are here on their unceded lands and commit to treating their space as a living breathing entity that needs care and stewardship. We give thanks to this land as we continue to speak up for justice, a place in history, and a place in a future that demands to be better.
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
