Award-winning actor and director Beth Harper founded the Conservatory in 1985 as a school for actors to bridge the gap between academic training and the considerable demands of professional theatre and film. From its humble beginnings in a converted dental office in the Hollywood District to its current location in the historic Firehouse Theatre in Southwest Portland, the Conservatory has grown to encompass a full range of theatrical training, celebrating the process of "discovering the actor in every person and the artist in every actor."

Since 1985, the Portland Actors Conservatory has pursued its mission of providing comprehensive actor training taught by professional actors and directors for the novice to the professional in a creative and supportive environment where artists discover the truth of the moment through the exploration of theory and technique and the art of performance. A repertory season of professionally-produced plays features the Conservatory Ensemble and presents audiences with vital theatre-going experiences.

Portland Actors Conservatory provides a variety of programs and classes for adults and children, from beginners to professionals. We offer a full two-year Conservatory Program, the Conservatory Season, a Studio Program for adults, and our Summer On Stage program for young actors.