community service initiative: accesspac

Portland Actors Conservatory has announced the launch of a Community Service Initiative, AccessPAC, which seeks to provide greater connectivity between Portland Actors Conservatory and the theatre community within the Tri-County Portland Metro area by making Conservatory resources available to the community at large. Programming under the Community Service Initiative includes:

PAClab low cost rehearsal/performance space packages awarded on a competitive basis

PACscratch an “open mike”-style night of performance for all theatre artists curated by alumni

The continuing development of PACstage, the Conservatory’s alumni performance program

Kicking off the Community Service Initiative launch is PAClab, a low-cost, self-production program that serves emerging independent theatre artists, theatre companies and groups by offering affordable rehearsal and performance space for theatremakers to develop and show their work in various stages of development.

We also are proud to honor our ongoing outreach programs:

Play Reading Group The Play Reading Group is much more than a book club. It brings individuals together who are interested in both literary and performing arts. It gives members an opportunity to experience the creative process, from reading the words on paper to watching those words come to life. Discussions are lively and informative, as members share their opinions with one another, both after the reading and after the viewing of each play.

Guest speakers such as the writers, directors and actors of the plays being read are also invited to provide further insight and clarification of the message, the process and the art of each play.

A series of six plays will be read and viewed. Three of the plays will be our own Conservatory Season productions, and three will be in support of other local theatres. The only requirement for membership to the Play Reading Group is purchase of tickets to the Conservatory's Season of Plays; Play Reading Group members are offered a discounted rate.

For more information or to join the group, drop us an email.

School Partnerships Under the current financial climate, many of our schools arts education budgets have been cut, leaving educators with limited resources. The Conservatory recognizes that our next great actors are being trained by the drama teachers in our local schools, and that for a select few, the Conservatory is their natural next step for training at a professional level.

As the only nationally accredited, independent school of acting in Oregon, acts as a resource to the area school districts and the individual teachers. Resources available include: low cost tickets for groups attending our Season of Plays, on-site Conservatory level workshops for juniors and seniors as an integrated part of their curriculum, introductory presentations for middle school students, and professional development opportunities for teachers.

For more information on school partnerships, please contact Philip Cuomo, Executive Director.

What is AccessPAC?

Community Service Initiative at Acting Conservatory Makes Space Available to Artists (Press Release) June 30, 2011

Partner Links

PAC is proud to have many community partnerships that serve our students and connect us to the vibrant arts landscape in Portland.

Portland Area Theatre Alliance - New in town? Looking to connect? This is the motherload for local resources and citywide auditions.

Vanport Square Studio - Singing performance classes with Michelle Kopper Seymour

Hipbone Studios - Performance space rental, home of ScratchPDX

ScratchPDX - Monthly open performance night