Performing Arts❯Theater

This fall, Portland welcomes an extraordinary celebration of classical ballet as PRIMA Ballet Gala brings together artists of the Grand Kyiv Ballet and international guest performers for one unforgettable night.

More than a performance, PRIMA Ballet Gala is a night of elevated artistry – where timeless classics meet contemporary expression, and the stage becomes a space of beauty, power, and emotion.

The program features iconic highlights from world-renowned ballets including Don Quixote, Spartacus, and The Dying Swan, alongside vibrant national dance such as the thrilling Hopak, set to music by legendary composers including Tchaikovsky.

Begin your evening on the red carpet, then step inside for a celebration of artistic excellence and international cultural connection.
Guests are warmly encouraged to attend in the evening attire, helping create an atmosphere of elegance worthy of this special occasion.

Join us for a rare opportunity to experience world-class dancers, timeless choreography, and a night filled with beauty and inspiration.

Seats are limited. Be part of PRIMA Ballet Gala — where ballet speaks from the heart.

Each year, Milagro observes Día de Muertos with the premiere of a new production, altar displays, and community events with the Día de Muertos Festival. The Centerpiece event of the 31st Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration is Marigolds y Memorias, an original devised production inspired by the traveling carpa tradition, in which humor, music, and storytelling come together in a vibrant theatrical journey. Guided by an elder, a younger generation learns o build an altart, the heart of Día de Muertos, discovering the meaning behind each of its elements, from candles and marigolds to photographs, ofrendas, and cherished recuerdos. Through song, dance, and short theatrical vignettes, the altar gradually takes shape as an act of remembrance and cultural inheritance, inviting audiences to consider how traditions are taught, how memory is kept alive, and what is carried forward when we share rituals across generations.

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a long-honored tradition with roots in Indigenous Mexican culture. Día de Muertos is observed annually in Mexican and other Latin American cultures on November 1st and 2nd as a remembrance of those who have passed. Individuals and families who honor this day set up ofrendas (altars) with offerings to their departed loved ones. Typical offerings include marigolds, calaveras, photos of the dead, and traditional food like “pan de muerto.”

Choreographer Lai Hung-Chung makes dances of striking beauty and intention. “Birdy,” his captivating signature work for Hung Dance, moves between suspense and explosive energy, between the weight of tradition and the pull toward something new. Hung Dance blends traditional Chinese arts, including tai chi, Peking Opera, and classical Chinese music, with contemporary dance technique and driving electronic music, creating work that is poetic and rhythmic at once. What audiences see on stage is a world in constant transformation, where bodies bend and resist, images linger, and the tension between holding on and letting go becomes the dance itself.

TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN

Birdy

“…a dreamy sensibility with astonishing athleticism in culturally sensitive modern dance performance.” —Charlie Smith, Pancouver

Sponsored by George & Nancy Thorn. White Bird’s Uncaged Series Sponsor: Ronni Lacroute

The Friday and Saturday performances will have pre-show talks. Come early to hear from the dancers from 6:15–6:45 PM. No ticket needed.

Join us November 3rd for the Hung Dance Lecture Demonstration, FREE with RSVP here .

Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right!

Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe.”

Fri, Nov 6 from 7-9:30pm

Sat, Nov 7 from 1-3:30pm & 6-8:30pm

Fri, Nov 13 from 7-9:30pm

Sat, Nov 14 from 1-3:30pm & 6-8:30pm

Adult (ages 19 and up) – $22
Youth (ages 2-18) – $20
Senior (ages 62+) – $20
Groups of 15+ –

At Fort Vancouver High School

Union High School will present “Elf, Jr., the Musical,” showing Nov. 12-14 at 6201 N.W. Friberg-Strunk St., Camas. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Nov. 12 and 13, noon and 4 p.m. Nov. 14. The musical, based on the 2003 film, follows Buddy, a human who was raised as one of Santa’s elves. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for students age 2-18 and free for children age 2 and under. Learn more at uniontheatreplayers.com.

Marigolds y Memorias is an original devised production inspired by the traveling carpa tradition, in which humor, music, and storytelling come together in a vibrant theatrical journey. Guided by an elder, a younger generation learns to build an altar, the heart of Día de Muertos, discovering the meaning behind each of its elements, from candles and marigolds to photographs, ofrendas, and cherished recuerdos. Through song, dance, and short theatrical vignettes, the altar gradually takes shape as an act of remembrance and cultural inheritance, inviting audiences to consider how traditions are taught, how memory is kept alive, and what is carried forward when we share rituals across generations.

Age Recommendation: All Ages
Estimated Running Time: 1 hour 30 minutes, including one intermission

Ticket Availability:

• Season Packages: Tickets may be secured now when you purchase a Milagro Season Package, offering savings of 12.5% – 20%, depending on the package specified.
  To see package options, please CLICK HERE.
• Group Sales: Groups of 10+ may book now to order.
  Please CLICK HERE to send us an email with your desired performance date/time, the number of tickets you are seeking.
  Your order will not be processed until after we have confirmed with you. Someone will respond to your email within approximately 72 hours.
• Single Tickets: On sale beginning Friday, August 21, 2026

Single Tickets:
Adults – $32
Seniors 50+ – $28
Students – $24

SHOW TIMES:

Lelooska Cultural Center, 165 Merwin Village Road, Ariel, will offer living history performances from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Nov. 28. See Northwest Coast masks brought to life through traditional stories, songs, and dances in the cedar ceremonial house. The grounds and museum open at 5 p.m. and the performance begins at 6 p.m. The cost is $18 adults or $16 for seniors and children. Learn more at lelooska.org.

Wizard of Floyd is a dark reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, where the familiar journey through Oz is told through the lyrics of 21 iconic Pink Floyd songs, with a live Pink Floyd cover band creating an immersive soundtrack that drives the characters’ journey from Kansas to the far reaches of Oz.

Part theater, part rock concert, and part psychedelic fever dream, Wizard of Floyd is a dance and musically spectacular journey into a world where nothing is quite what it seems.

Polynesian dance and narration from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand with authentic costuming and music. Troupe of 10 to 18 dances for 50 minutes. Interactive dance with the audience—the show is exciting and colorful for all ages.

Get ready for some serious chills, Portland. Bag&Baggage Productions is bringing back its Halloween show by popular demand, and it’s a spooky one. The Woman in Black, a celebrated ghost story, has terrified audiences since its 1987 London debut. You’ll find it atmospheric and relentless, making you question every shadow.

This acclaimed play, based on Susan Hill’s novel, follows a young lawyer unraveling village secrets. Just two actors portray all the characters, a true showcase of their talent. Directed by Ephriam Harnsberger, this chilling experience runs October 15–November 1 at The Vault Theater. Go if you dare!

Prairie High School drama students present “Singin’ in the Rain,” showing Nov. 13-21 at Prairie High School, 11311 N.E. 119th St., Vancouver. Tap your toes and sing along to the songs you know and love while enjoying dance performances drawn from the silver screen. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Nov. 13, 14, 20 and 21. Matinee shows are 1 p.m. Nov. 14 and 21. Tickets range from $7 to $15, available online at gofan.co/event/6962419 or at the door.

Stephen Mallatratt’s The Woman in Black has been terrifying audiences since its London debut in 1987 and is one of the most successful and terrifying shows in West End history. Based on Susan Hill’s beloved novel, it’s one of the most celebrated ghost stories ever staged: atmospheric, relentless, and the kind of theatrical experience that makes you question every shadow on your way to the car.

Set in a remote English village, it follows a young lawyer unraveling the secrets of a recently deceased client and the vengeful presence that doesn’t want him to. Just two actors portray all the characters, leaning into what B&B’s performers do best.

Chilling, clever, and unforgettable. Halloween is back at Bag&Baggage.

Sat, Oct. 24th – ASL Interpreted Performance
Sun, Oct. 25th – Audio Described Performance

The Saloon Ensemble‘s epic all-ages production of The Nitemare B4 Xmas is back. Featuring Kylee Wegner as Jack, Patrica Charms as Sally, Jason Wells as The Mayor, Noah Veil as Oogie Boogie, Dan Stauffer as Dr. F, Phil Sano as Sandy Claws, Richard Cawley, Iris Asher, and Stacey Ludlow as Lock, Shock, and Barrel, Julia Andalora as Zero, plus Jon Vancura on sax, Mike Danner on accordion, Jeremy Baron on mandolin, and Joe Hagel on drums.

Portland's legendary performance troupe, The Saloon Ensemble, will once again bring to the stage a live performance of the brilliant score complete with interactive sing-along, a costume contest, everyone's favorite screaming contest and many other 'horrible' surprises.

Celebrate the Halloween season with the annual production that's been packing houses and delivering joyous fun for all spirits, young and old.

Each year, Milagro observes Día de Muertos with the premiere of a new production, altar displays, and community events with the Día de Muertos Festival.

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a long-honored tradition with roots in Indigenous Mexican culture. Día de Muertos is observed annually in Mexican and other Latin American cultures on November 1st and 2nd as a remembrance of those who have passed. Individuals and families who honor this day set up ofrendas (altars) with offerings to their departed loved ones. Typical offerings include marigolds, calaveras, photos of the dead, and traditional food like “pan de muerto.”

Ekklesia Theatre launches its “Love Your Neighbor” season with Will Eno’s funny, haunting “Middletown,” Oct. 23-Nov. 1 at Magenta Theater, in partnership with NAMI Southwest Washington. The play follows an unlikely friendship between longtime Middletown resident John Dodge and newcomer Mary Swanson. Around them, a librarian, a mechanic, a police officer, tourists and other townspeople try to make sense of their lives — and one another. Their paths cross in surprising ways, taking audiences everywhere from a library to outer space. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 23-31 and 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1 at 1108 Main St., Vancouver. NAMI Southwest Washington will be at the theater after performances on Oct. 25 and 30 to discuss loneliness and mental health. Plays are recommended for viewers age 13 and older. Tickets are $15 at ekklesiatheatre.com/tickets.

Fred Armisen is a comedian, writer, producer, and musician. He is the co-writer and co-star of IFC’s Emmy-nominated series Portlandia. He is in the hit Netflix series Wednesday as Uncle Fester. He stars in HBO’s Los Espookys, which he co-wrote and executive-produced. He can also be heard in the hit animated movie Super Mario Bros. Armisen stars in, writes, and produces IFC’s hit show Documentary Now. He has also appeared in HBO’s Our Flag Means Death, Judd Apatow’s The Bubble, and Amazon’s series Forever. He voices characters in Big Mouth and The Mitchells vs. The Machines. He is currently starring in the Broadway play All In. Armisen is an 11-season veteran of Saturday Night Live. From 2014-2024, Armisen was the band leader of the 8G Band on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

Ghost Show! is the story of a group of people who have found themselves at the lowest point in their lives — making a low-budget ghost hunting show that’s in last place in the local ratings. But an accidental death (is she dead, though?) leads to a boost in engagement…and a whole new set of problems. Filmed both behind the scenes and as in-universe episodes of the show, Ghost Show! is all about failure, found family, and trying to make meaning out of the ghosts of the past — and future.

Join the Tiny Park Productions team at Twilight Theater for the launch party of the pilot reading of Ghost Show! Not only will you see and hear the first official reading of the pilot script, but you’ll also get to enjoy fun, spooky-season-themed activities and treats — think of it as a theatrical carnival.

There will also be a costume contest with Door Prizes, so Halloween costumes are encouraged.

Tickets include a free raffle ticket. Prizes include real ghost-hunting gear.

Get ready to set sail with Portland’s own Haus of DeVille for a night of Diabolical Drag and Buccaneer Burlesque. Presenting “DeVilles of the Caribbean” At Portland’s own Peacock PDX.

Nautical-themed performances by
Valerie DeVille
Anna Nymph
Theoddra B. MonStar
Xo Skeleton
Prince Peanut Butter
and Princess Jelly!

Featuring Acts inspired by The Goonies, Cutthroat Island, One Piece, Disneyland’s own Pirates of the Caribbean ride and much, much more. Perhaps even a mermaid or two. So stow your weapons and bring your treasure chests for the performers to pillage your tips. Follow the treasure map to the QR code and claim your tickets for $13. Otherwise, it be $15 at the door on the night of the show, mateys. Join the crew, or walk the plank.

21+

Join Blueprint for a trip into two worlds: distinguished masterpieces and Disney. Featuring the Topaz ensemble, the first half includes both classic and modern classical standards, including…

• Purcell’s Hear My Prayer
• Gjeilo’s Sancus
• Allegri’s Miserere Mei, Deus
• Mealor’s Locus Iste

The second half is a fully choreographed half with new arrangements of animated favorites, both old and new, including selections from:

• The Hunchback of Notre Dame
• Anastasia
• Aladdin
• Frozen
• Mulan
• and featuring a mashup of songs from five different films.

So take a trip through both the classical and the Disney classic with Blueprint for a solemn and yet magic-making good time.

Centerpiece event of Milagro’s 31st Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration.

Marigolds y Memorias is an original devised production inspired by the traveling carpa tradition, in which humor, music, and storytelling come together in a vibrant theatrical journey. Guided by their ancestors, a younger generation rediscovers the heart of Día de Muertos, the meaning behind each of its elements, from candles and marigolds to ofrendas and cherished recuerdos. Through song, dance, and short theatrical vignettes, an altar gradually takes shape as an act of remembrance and cultural inheritance, inviting audiences to consider how traditions are taught, how memory is kept alive, and what is carried forward when we share rituals across generations.

An Ensemble-Devised Piece
Directed by Juliana Morales Carreño

Age recommendation: All ages
Running time: About 1 hour 30 minutes, including one intermission
Tickets: Adults $32, seniors (50+) $28, and students $24; groups of 10 or more $18 each

Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree is back to bring the magic of Christmas to audiences of all ages. Get ready for an unforgettable Christmas experience! Our spectacular 90-minute show is packed with excitement, featuring an immersive nativity, a special visit from Santa and his dancing elves, and a non-stop extravaganza of music, dance, and pageantry that will kickstart your holiday season with joy and wonder.

Special Guest Performers: We’re thrilled to have renowned talents such as Georgene Rice, Timothy Greenidge, and Courtney Temple join us, adding their magic to the festivities.

Incredible Choir: Our adult and youth choirs, along with these guest stars, will serenade you with beloved classics and new favorites, filling the air with the spirit of Christmas.

New Show, New Songs: While our show is steeped in tradition, we’re excited to bring you fresh elements and new songs that will make this year’s celebration even more memorable by joining us for this magical event that captures the true spirit of Christmas.

Pacific Northwest’s Premier Christmas Event: We’re not just a show; we’re a cherished tradition in the Pacific Northwest. Families have been making us a part of their holiday season for over six decades.

Saturday November 28 – 2 PM
Saturday November 28 – 6 PM
Sunday November 29 – 2 PM
Sunday November 29 – 6 PM
Friday December 4 – 7 PM
Saturday December 5 – 2 PM
Saturday December 5 – 6 PM
Sunday December 6 – 2 PM
Sunday December 6 – 6 pm

Blue $48-$55
Red $38-$45
Green $28-$35
ALL TICKETING FEES INCLUDED IN PRICES

Diwali, “the festival of lights,” is a holiday celebrated all across India. In collaboration with the Indian-American community, NWCT is excited to bring the festivities back to The Judy. Create a beautiful rangoli, make a lantern, learn a diya (lamp) dance, and enjoy savory and sweet Indian treats.

Free to attend with a suggested donation of $10 per family.

RSVPs are strongly encouraged.
All ages welcome.

Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays is a joyous celebration of the most festive time of the year! With jingle bells and sleigh bells, holiday carols and cheer, Hough’s latest dance spectacular is a show-stopping event for the whole family. Fans will be thrilled and delighted as Hough and his cast of phenomenal dancers bring your favorite holiday tunes to life through dance, from the well-sung classics to modern pop hits, with the incredible choreography, exciting stage production and dance mastery audiences have come to expect. Creative team and Emmy winners, Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo, also known as NappyTabs (Jennifer Lopez’s ‘All I Have’, Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour, Grammys), co-create, direct and supervise choreography for the tour.

The Imperfecta Gallery, in collaboration with North Pole Studio, is proud to present The Island of Misfit Toys. This exhibition presents work by Portland-based artist Davis Wohlford. Every year, Davis Wohlford's art practice gives form to an evolving cast of handmade toys. Inspired by the fictional place of The Island of Misfit Toys, its characters occupy the margins of conventional narratives, finding possibility in their differences and agency in their own stories. Hand-sewn, machine-stitched, felted, painted and sculpted from wood and assembled from found objects, Davis's endlessly resourceful approach to materials yields creations that suggest personalities and histories beyond their physical forms. These are not simply objects to be observed; they are created to be played with, loved, and to inspire one's imagination. The toys welcome you to explore an alternate world of their own, an immersive world that Davis builds and shares with his audience. This year, that world expands into performance. Handcrafted puppets take the stage alongside a musical accompaniment, while familiar fairy tales are dismantled, reimagined, and given unexpected trajectories.

Opening Reception: November 5, 5–8 p.m.

Davis Wohlford is a prolific, lifelong artist and the co-founder of North Pole Studio. His work is deeply influenced by characters, stories, and fables that resonate with him and bring narratives to life through diverse media. Davis' works depict a vast array of interconnected characters and fantastical subjects who inhabit North Pole Jr., a self-constructed, multidimensional magical land that Davis has developed over time. His art is a window into this imaginative world, where whimsy and complexity coexist, and every piece is a chapter in an ongoing narrative. Davis is also deeply engaged in re-imagining classic books and movies, exploring playwriting, filmmaking, and animation. This multifaceted creative practice reflects Davis's belief in the power of storytelling as a means of both personal expression and universal connection. Whether through the visual richness of his paintings or the dynamic exploration of narrative in his written and filmed work, Davis Wohlford's art reflects his boundless imagination and his desire to craft worlds that invite others to explore and find meaning in the stories he creates.

November 15, 2026

Family Series

Alice McLerran’s classic children’s book The Mountain that Loved a Bird tells a heartwarming story of unlikely friendship between a barren mountain and a visiting bird named Joy. Experience Portland-based composer Caroline Shaw’s musical interpretation of the story as the book is narrated live in this celebration of friendship that teaches us the transformative power of kindness and care.

• Su-Han Yang Harold & Arlene Schnitzer Associate Conductor
• Pam Mahon Narrator
• Dance West Jason Davis, Artistic & Technical Director
• Pacific Youth Choir Chris Maunu, Artistic Director; Amber Schroeder, Associate Conductor
• Oregon Symphony

This concert is part of the Family Series, and is eligible for the Choose Your Own Series (Portland only).

This concert is part of the 2026/27 Sounds Like Portland festival.

Step into a slippery world where the line between truth and fiction is all in the packaging. It’s 1936, and a pair of passionate filmmakers has landed their next big project: a sweeping Spanish Civil War film with the potential to change American hearts and minds. It just happens to be bankrolled by the KGB. Spain by Jen Silverman is a seductive and tense thriller about the power of art to change the world — for better and for worse.

by Jen Silverman, directed by Josh Hecht

One of the most ambitious productions in recent Profile history, Spain is a grand cross-disciplinary spectacle featuring multiple partnerships with arts organizations throughout Portland, including live opera developed in partnership with Portland Opera, and both recorded and live music performed by musicians with 45th Parallel.

In this live Dungeons and Dragons show, comedians and performers take to the stage to play some theater games, share some jokes, and play some D&D.

This season of Magic Tea Party, you will join Dungeon Master Juliet Mylan, who will lead:

• Cosmo Reynolds (as Joey, just some guy with a ukulele that frequents Portland open mics)
• Jenna Britann (as Holbrook, a 165,786,084 yr old dilophosaurus),
• Riley McCarthy (as Enoch "Nucky" Fallstar, an apostle of the doomsday cult Threshold of Paradise with some unorthodox powers)

Audience members will take part in controlling the players' fate as they navigate an AU magical Portland in a series of side quests to gather magical artifacts for MOMSI (that's Magical OMSI for the layperson). The show can include strong adult themes and language, so if you bring your 8-year-old, just know they may learn something you were hoping to discuss with them after they hit puberty. Recommended for ages 16+ and parental guidance for those younger.

Small concessions booth with snacks, sodas, seltzers, beer, and wine available at the show. A coffee shop is located in front of the theater, and beverages are welcome in the theater. Tickets are GAYAF (Give As You’re Able Friend) with a suggested donation of $20 to compensate the performers and keep this independent LGBTQ theater running.

Presented by Portland Dance Collective, this showcase will feature a rich variety of local dance artists alongside original works created for this event.

Independent choreographers include Celeste Gutentag, Kelly O'Connor, Kiri Maasen, Jess Zoller, and Willow Swanson, with performances by ELXR, ShapeScape, and Portland Dance Collective.

Suggested ticket price is $25 for general admission.

Click below to view all options and pay-what-you-can.

• November 21st at 7pm

• November 22nd at 4pm

Ever wonder what happens when exes meet for dinner? Douglas Lyons’s Table 17 dives into just that, bringing you Jada and Dallas, two people revisiting their past relationship. What begins as a simple catch-up quickly unravels, moving between humor and honesty. You’ll discover their spark, the eventual unraveling, and the lingering question: what if?

Directed by Charles Grant, this play invites you into a single night holding years of love, mischief, and unspoken words. It’s set in Bianca’s Restaurant, where your seat is part of the world. Choose a floor table, a riser, or a traditional theatre seat. You’re in the story. Go see it!

Do You Feel Anger? lives in the familiar world of water coolers, staplers, and office conference rooms — but Nelson-Greenberg's language quickly reveals something far stranger underneath. When Sofia, an empathy coach, arrives at a debt collection agency as part of a lawsuit settlement, she finds a workplace where toxic masculinity has so thoroughly warped the atmosphere that even the most basic concepts — feelings, empathy, basic human decency — have become alien and absurd. The play is laugh-out-loud funny, populated by an unusual cast of characters whose skewed logic and bizarre non-sequiturs mask something genuinely unsettling. What emerges from the sensitivity training sessions is not reform, but a portrait of how pervasive and deeply embedded the patriarchy can be — and how it distorts everyone it touches, including those trying to resist it.

Visit the Do You Feel Anger? web page to learn more about this production, including additional dates, cast and crew information, photos, and more as we get closer to opening night.

Do You Feel Anger? is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Learn more about the Theater Arts program at Portland State University's School of Music & Theater.

The 4th Annual MOST Pageant

Saturday, November 7th

Doors 6pm, Show 7pm

Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door

The MOST Pageant returns in thanks to our sponsors The Property Weirdos, Outrage Onstage, Demand Drag, Greg Lemix, and more!

9 extraordinary drag and burlesque entertainers will push their artistry to the limits, as they compete for fame and fortune ($500 and bookings and 2 drink tickets!) The contestant who brings the most extreme, bold, extravagant, avant-garde, out of this world, over the top, never before seen, mind blowing package will win the title of The MOST! This year’s contestants were chosen for their exemplification and commitment to mostness in their approaches to fashion, performance and living art. An esteemed panel of judges will be evaluating each contestant on their creativity and presentation to determine who will take the crown. Come ready to cheer and tip your favorite performers!

Who will be The MOST?

Anna Karenema

Baby LeStrange

Boujee Cherry

Harlow Quinzel

HOTTBOXX9000

Max Little

Seven

The Artist Formerly Known As Given

Tomboy

Glass. Kill. Bluebeard. Imp. is a collection of four short, surreal plays by acclaimed English playwright Caryl Churchill. Premiering at London's Royal Court Theatre in 2019, these darkly imaginative works weave together myth, fairy tale, and contemporary horror. Moving between collective voices and intimate encounters, Churchill explores violence, power, desire, and the stories we tell to make sense of a fractured world. By turns funny, haunting, and unsettling, the plays invite audiences into a landscape where the familiar becomes strange, and ancient myths reveal modern anxieties without explanation or comfort.

A girl made of glass. Gods and murders. A serial killer's friends. And a secret in a bottle.

Four short plays by Caryl Churchill

Directed by Samantha Van Der Merwe

Anthony Hudson reads from his new collection of performance works Lamp Black: Plays and Other Grievances at Portland Art Museum in the American Art gallery (Level 2, Room 211), paired with Moses Soyer, Girl with a Cigarette.

Followed by book signing at The Shop at PAM.

A major collection of performance works by artist and agitator Anthony Hudson.

Lamp Back: Plays and Other Grievances collects nearly a decade of work by Anthony Hudson, a queer Indigenous artist and agitator also known as Portland, Oregon’s premier drag clown, Carla Rossi. Whether fumbling with a lamp in a satirical takedown of land acknowledgments or confronting the history of redface in pop culture, Hudson alternates between Rossi’s cackling “ghost of white privilege” and more earnest, vulnerable confessionals as himself—all with a deep commitment to bitter humor and brutal honesty. In these performance works, a mixed-race Native boy plays a pilgrim in his kindergarten Thanksgiving pageant. A young artist recounts the racism in their favorite musical and the larger American theater system. A drag queen storytime goes disastrously wrong and calls for an exorcism with a plunger. Kate Bredeson’s unflinching introduction speaks to Hudson’s work through a cultural and historical lens and illuminates the importance of his project to filet the American Empire.

Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian

ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.

As the trailblazers of progressive Irish dance, Trinity Irish Dance Company has spent 35 years redefining the art form through the vision of Founding Artistic Director Mark Howard. This family-friendly program, featuring live music from the company’s own folk-rock band, draws from new and classic Trinity repertoire. Highlights will include the Portland/Northwest premieres of “Pasture Bedtime, Bleating Hearts,” a whimsical work by Portland’s own Ashley Roland and Jamey Hampton of BodyVox; “Séseacht,” choreographed by renowned tap dancer Michelle Dorrance in collaboration with the company; and “The Sash,” choreographed by Mark Howard, Chelsea Hoy, and Stephanie Martinez. Trinity has sold out stages across Europe, Asia, and North America—a tradition kept restlessly alive through their distinct artistry.

Step into autumn’s splendor as the garden transforms with the colors and textures of chrysanthemums, a flower of nobility and longevity in Chinese culture. Stroll among 81 mum varieties, cascading displays along the waterfall, and sweeping floral sculptures that transform the garden into a living gallery.

From dazzling floral artistry to hands-on learning opportunities, Chrysanthemum Festival is one of the garden's most anticipated annual celebrations—and an unforgettable way to experience Lan Su in fall. Explore this beautiful flower and time of year.

Nov. 5-8 — Nights of the Golden Flower: Immerse yourself in the illuminated works of 18 talented local floral artists and featured designer Toni Tibbits as they interpret this year’s theme, Golden Blooms Upon Autumn Waters. Plus, enjoy gentle music by Lulu Guzheng Studio, dance performances by YZ Dance Academy, floral jewelry-making, and all-ages fun as you wander among glowing lanterns and vote for your favorite designs of the showcase. Sensory Night November 14.

The Understudies, Portland’s hottest new musical improv group, is debuting their one-hour fully improvised musical, The Understudies: A Fully Improvised Musical. It’s curtain time, but the musical’s principal cast has all mysteriously fallen ill! Can the Understudies fill in and perform a show they’ve never even heard of, much less practiced? Come enjoy a fully improvised musical comedy filled with drama, epic songs, joy, dance, and a heaping helping of laughs.

21Ten Theatre is a cozy 40-seat black box theater in Southeast Portland, providing an up close and personal experience with some of Portland's most talented performance artists.

The Understudies are Sean Arlo (Dropped Notes, Curious Comedy), Whitney Kemper (Mouth Stuff, Kickstand Comedy, Curious Comedy), Lydia Manning (Slydia, Bike Play, Kickstand Comedy), Heather Riggs (Mouth Stuff, Kickstand Comedy), Megan Monroe (Kickstand Comedy, Curious Comedy), Wren Reynolds (Kickstand Comedy), Brantley Bacon (pianist extraordinaire, No Soap Radio, Los Mal Hablados), and Bloom Davis (Kickstand Comedy).

Puppet show presented by Venezuelan Americans, Melissa and Carlos Bertran. A bilingual (Spanish/English) story from Venezuela. In this story, the tiny heroine thinks herself much too fine to accept the proposal of a common mouse. Instead, she sets her sights on 'worthier' matches, such as the sun, the wind, and the mountain. Yet, her search for the perfect suitor brings her right back to the romantic little mouse who first proposed. This show was developed with the guidance of Venezuelan Americans and features Venezuelan music. A truly bilingual experience!

Espectáculo de títeres presentado por los venezolano-estadounidenses Melissa y Carlos Bertran. Una historia bilingüe (español/inglés) de Venezuela. En esta historia, la pequeña heroína se cree demasiado fina para aceptar la propuesta de matrimonio de un ratón común. En cambio, fija su atención en pretendientes "más dignos", como el sol, el viento y la montaña. Sin embargo, su búsqueda del pretendiente ideal termina llevándola de vuelta al pequeño ratón romántico que fue el primero en pedirle que se casara con él. Este espectáculo fue desarrollado con la guía de venezolano-estadounidenses y tiene música venezolana. ¡Una verdadera experiencia bilingüe!

A one-clown kaleidoscope of beauty, tradition, and tyranny — where a pansori diva, a K-beauty fanatic, and a self-proclaimed dictator collide in a hilarious search for identity and power.
In Take Me to Your Leader: The Seoul of a Clown, beauty, ritual, and absurdity collide in a one-clown fever dream. From the haunting rhythms of pansori to the fluorescent glow of a K-beauty altar, Monel Chang (aka Moldy Melon) shape shifts through characters both divine and deranged: a folk diva, a skincare-obsessed disciple, and a dictator throwing themself a birthday party.

Part satire, part spiritual exorcism, and entirely clown, this genre-defying solo performance unpacks the obsessions that bind — from perfection and purity to power and control. With live sound, ritual gesture, and a face full of toner, The Seoul of a Clown invites audiences into a surreal search for identity, laughter, and liberation.

Knowing that there is beauty to be found in the shadows of the night, Natasha Riot, the producer of the monthly show Burlynomicon, called the coven together to create a weekend-long festival to celebrate all things dark and decadent and on the fringes...and thus the Umbrae Noctis Festival was born.

Now in its 3rd year, you will find gloriously ghoulish drag and burlesque performances that will transfix your senses all weekend, all set to the feelings and sounds of darkwave, post-punk, goth, deathrock and punk. Artists from all walks of life and from all parts of the world will gather to share their beauty with you, including 2026 Saturday night headliner Throb Zombie with performances that will leave you breathless.

Please see the website for each night's cast.

The Paradise Band – Sade Tribute is an electrifying act that features Madison Rose, who captures the grace and romantic mystique with uncanny likeness and vocal delivery to the band’s namesake singer, Sade Adu. Each performance highlights dancing, timeless hits, and Music Director Brian Foxworth’s masterful finesse, each element making this concert a night to remember.

Taberna Flamenca offers the best of Southern Spain in SE Portland. Enjoy authentic Spanish Tapas, a delicious selection of sangria and Spanish wines, and an exhilarating live flamenco performance featuring special guest dancer Amelia Moore of Oleaje Flamenco (Seattle, WA).

• Reserved seats include tapas and dessert from Bar Botellón.
• Dinner (bento) available for purchase by Bamboo Grove Hawaiian Grille.
• Offering special sangria cocktails and Spanish wine.

Featuring:

• Amelia Moore - Dance
• Nela McGuire - Dance
• Yeshe Wingerd - Vocals
• Brenna McDonald - Guitar

Join us to discover and celebrate Día de los Muertos, an important Mexican holiday honoring loved ones.

We will tell stories, create block print artwork, and experience a vibrant performance by Folkloric Ballet of SW Washington. We’ll also share traditional pan de muerto and other festive treats. Come explore, create, and celebrate together!

Events are offered in partnership with La Casita Art Gallery & Cultural Center.

Participe con nosotros para descubrir y celebrar el Día de los Muertos, un importante día festivo mexicano que honra a los seres queridos.

Contaremos historias, crearemos grabados en bloque y presenciaremos una interpretación vibrante del Ballet Folklórico del Sudoeste de Washington. También compartiremos el tradicional pan de muerto y otras delicias festivas. ¡Venga a conocer, crear y celebrar junto con nosotros!

Los eventos se ofrecen en colaboración con La Casita Art Gallery & Cultural Center.

The World’s MOST Iconic Ballet — With a LIVE Orchestra!

The legendary tale of Swan Lake takes flight in a breathtaking production from World Ballet Company, as fate and magic entwine in a timeless battle between good and evil. Performing with a Live Orchestra, and featuring a cast of 50 international dancers, over 150 radiant hand-sewn costumes, and stunning hand-crafted sets, this spellbinding ballet captures every heart-pounding moment — from the Dance of the Little Swans to the Black Swan’s 32 fouettés, and every pirouette in between.

With Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score soaring through the air and played LIVE, immerse yourself in this mesmerizing journey where dreams, heartbreak, and hope unfold right before your eyes.

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (including 20-minute intermission)
Audience: For ages 5 & over

*About the Company: Based in Los Angeles, and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, World Ballet Company presents the most beloved and iconic ballets of our time in cities nationwide. Driven by the belief that ballet is for everyone, performances appeal to newcomers and seasoned ballet goers alike. The company attracts many international artists and comprises renowned professional dancers representing over ten countries.

To date, World Ballet Company has traveled to more than 300 cities, reaching an audience of more than 500,000 fans.

Make it a group experience! Special pricing is available for groups of 10 or more.

Cliffbanger is musical improv like you’ve never seen—in-your-face, unpredictable, and ridiculously fun! No scripted storylines or predictable arcs—just razor-sharp comedy, top-tier musicianship, and on-the-spot songs (and choreography!) that will make you laugh ’til your stomach hurts. We start with one audience suggestion—and that’s all we need. From there, it’s fast, fearless comedy with catchy songs and harmonies that have no business being that good.

High-energy, unapologetically funny, and unlike anything else. This is musical improv… that hits.

Featuring:
Rachel Rosenthal, Sam De Roest, Emily Larkin, Lauren Van Kurin, Lena Roper — and Mont Chris Hubbard on keys!

Directed by Rachel Rosenthal
Musical Direction by Mont Chris Hubbard

An empty space. Enter the Poet. He has a story to tell—one he’s been telling for thousands of years, drifting through countless taverns and across countless stages. He invokes the Muses and fills the empty space with a tale at once grandly mythical and strikingly familiar.

Is this a story of antiquity or a story of today?

Told entirely by two performers, a poet and a musician, Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare’s An Iliad remixes Homer’s tale, bridging the ancient with the contemporary. In turns humorous and tender, violent and harrowing, An Iliad is a vital examination of the human compulsion towards war, a passionate interrogation of the toll war has on our humanity, and a testament to the power and potential of storytelling.

“An Iliad is pure theater: shocking, glorious, primal and deeply satisfying.”—Time Out New York

Saturday, November 28 at 11am

Sunday, November 29 at 11am

Sunday, November 29 at 2:30pm (Sensory Friendly Performance)

Saturday, December 5 at 11am & 2:30pm

Sunday, December 6 at 11:00am

Saturday, December 12 at 11am & 2:30pm

Sunday, December 13 at 11am & 2:30pm

Saturday, December 19 at 11am & 2:30pm

Sunday, December 20 at 11am & 2:30pm

Tuesday, December 22 at 11am

Wednesday, December 23 at 11am

Saturday, December 26 at 11am & 2:30pm

Sunday, December 27 at 11am & 2:30pm

Tuesday, December 29 at 11am

Wednesday, December 30 at 11am

Saturday, January 2 at 11am & 2:30pm

Sunday, January 3 at 11am & 2:30pm