BIPOC PROGRAM... WHAT THEY WON'T TELL YOU: Months ago after watching their Nightmare Before…read moreChristmas event, I looked into their dance studio and learned about a BIPOC Program they offer. All I knew about it was there was a waitlist. So when over half a year goes by and we get the call that we've been asked to "audition" for their program, I had trepidations because the fact that an audition was required for my 3 year old to do a dance class meant for toddlers seemed elitist to me. If I knew there was going to be an audition for this program from the beginning I would have never waited with baited breath for them to contact me. But since it was focusing on BIPOC students and we had waited so long I figured maybe we shouldn't miss this opportunity. In the audition they are looking to see if your kid can take direction but even more they want to make sure your kiddo can be away from you. More on this topic soon... So we paid the sliding scale tuition and were ready to commit to 10 months of Sunday morning classes. Oh yea.. they never mentioned until after we were enrolled that the schedule is from 9:30-11:15 and that it's two 45 min. classes! Tap and ballet/creative movement. My daughter definitely did not want to do tap class and I would have never signed up for this class but it was part of their program and we had no choice. So day 1 of tap... was a disaster. Lots of fetal positioning, leaving the room, off to the corner, hands over her ears, looking for me, leaving the room again... yea it didn't go well. Quick 15 min. break and then my poor toddler was at it again in ballet. She was a little more energized for this class as there was less banging sounds now and the teacher incorporated some games. So I was hopeful that maybe if we toughed it through the tap and just made it to ballet we could get through 10 months of this. Well after about class 3 of her demonstrating the same behaviors, the studio sends us an email. Not only us, we learned that many parents got this same email, and when talking to the parents the wording was almost identical..."child's behavior is disrupting the flow of class...." Also, if you're sending the same email to multiple families, maybe it's your program and not the kids? All of us parents who talked about getting this email were full of anxiety and stress and were not feeling good at all about their experience with the program. The final straw for me came on the 6th dance class after talking to the families and learning that folks were getting reprimanded for walking into the room to help their kiddo who was having a mini-crisis/meltdown and then the tap teacher repeatedly yelled at my child to "shut the door behind her" as she was leaving the room due to stress. And I watched as the tap teacher told a parent to leave their child alone while they were comforting them at the door, encouraging them to enter the room. That was the last straw and we quit that day. I'm sharing this not to give StepsPDX a bad review but honestly for the families interested in this program. You have to know what's coming if you invest your time. I wish I did.

Came here on a Sunday for Dance Church with some friends, which might sound weird but was really…read moreamazing and fun (google it!). Class starts at 10am and online they say you should arrive 15 minutes early. We did this and no one else was there and we were told we arrived much earlier than people normally do. We got coffee around the corner and came by at 9:57am and now there were a few people present. We paid for our class (card accepted), and put things away in the cubbies. There was NO WATER available which is a big deal for a dance class. There was a water cooler but it was empty. Class was awesome, with good music and great energy. I'd highly recommend it. There were probably about 40-50 people there. It felt very freeing to be able to move however I wanted to, but also helpful to have some guidance / reminders about moving my hands or arms. Class wrapped up by 11:30am. The space is bright and open and clean. Street parking nearby was easy. I'd be happy to come back.

I haven't been into a dance class in about 10 years but I used to go to Vega and was a collegiate…read moredancer before that and let me tell you the experience I had at Vega was so great! Everyone is so supportive and lovely and the studio looks incredible. I highly recommend they have so many different types of classes for everyone. I love that it's an adult setting. And they have air-conditioning! Yay!

I have tried many classes so far and the teachers I liked the best are Nikki, Jeanine, Evie and…read moreTara. I am basically an absolute beginner and I found their classes easier to keep up with. If you are a beginner I would suggest a class that is labeled more workout than choreo because they do choreography in all I have been to. The owners are very nice people and the people who go there are also nice and approachable.

Intimate, friendly, full of vibes. The Milagro is a beautiful venue on the inner Eastside. They…read morefocus on bilingual theatre and cultural arts events with the Latino and Hispanic community. I went for their annual Dia de Los Muertos event and it was amazing. Tears laughter drama heart. I don't speak Spanish but I was able to understand the story as it was presented mostly in English with songs in Spanish. They performers had so much emotion it was beautiful. The venue has nice hangout areas and cute bathrooms (signs are in Spanish FYI). Easily accessible by bus too!

Remember the days 'BC' (before covid)... I barely do, and this happened to be one of my stops just…read morea month before the world changed! I had the pleasure of experiencing Milagro with a friend to attend a several day work training. This place was FANtastic! I love being on the Eastside of the river when I visit Portland, walkable to local eats, free street parking if you are willing to move your car every few hours, and a 'homey' spacious feel for break out groups without the hotel feel. There is even a kitchen area for those food and drinks, again all "BC". Definitely would come back for a work or pleasure event when hosted here!

Portland Opera puts on professional and mesmerizing performances. I was super impressed with the…read moretalent, staging and overall experience. A friend of mine has had season tickets for years and I've been lucky to attend several performances as her guest. Many are intimidated by Opera but once you are in your seat and the performance starts, it's amazing how easily you become mesmerized and absorbed in the story. The artistry is superb.

I am a total opera noob. No reason to pretend otherwise. Having wanted to attend for decades, I…read morehave finally and recently been to two operas, the second one with my children because my ten year old was jealous of my first operatic adventure. He NEEDED to get dressed up for the opera. There was a top hat involved, it was Glorious. The productions are beautiful, the cast is top talent, the sets and costumes are fun and delightful in both color and composition, the accompanying symphony is fun and excellently conducted, and the visionary interpretation of classics that comes across the stage has twice now made me look forward to putting opera in my budget. I don't know if it's the norm for productions, but the fact that there are basic sub titles has made this accessible for anyone wanting to dip their toes in the artistic waters. Including my kids (who are old enough to sit through an opera to be fair). The attitude of the people attending is a celebration of variety. The casual to the epically dressed, it is welcoming and joyful. The extra informational talks don't hurt my feelings when wanting to understand the artistry behind the origin of the work, and it's a no pressure, high entertainment process. I love that they have seats you can return to now if you have to step out so you don't miss the show until you can get back to your spot at the appropriate time. They really do try to accommodate all ages, sensory issues, and interests. They are bringing opera to the people, and the people love it.

This review is for the building/theater space. Very intimate theater setting. Seats are moderately…read morecomfortable. Lots of vibrations is felt in seats from audience. Friendly staff. Building architecture is nice. Clean bathrooms.

I usually see productions upstairs at the Newmark. This theater is much cozier but there really is…read morenot a bad seat. I was able to catch a showing of Cabaret which I heard about thanks to Goldstar. I have seen Cabaret live numerous times including a fabulous production at the Keller a few years back. With that said, I actually prefer smaller productions like this because it seems more powerful. I like musicals ...not musical fans (just being honest) as the crowds are generally pretty douchey. I have had to relearn to walk five times in 6 years so I have a cane. I go out to a lot of shows and the staff throughout this building (which also houses the Newmark) have been amazing every time I go. Just knowing I do not have to deal with staff drama and can easily get in the door and to my seat with minimal issues having people trying to run me down, my having to fight to just get in and around a door, well marked stairs and such...just decent crowd control like sufficient elevators available or not having things that create lines trailing into one spot encouraging large crowds focused blocking walking so folks like me have to "excuse me ....excuse me.... excuse me" and people then slam into me trying to push through. The seats themselves are roomy and you are not stupid close to the person in front of you. More about the wonderful staff... one of the lovely ushers had let me know before the show started that I could move seats if I wanted to because my row was completely full and I was on the very end. When I was going into the theater, I had made a wince look as my knee was mad. I have a ruptured Achille's and it has been super cold so my knee that day decided to be less than content and was angry bending. She looked at me like the are you ok and I said yes, I am ok - it just somedays tries to make me regret getting out and about. I have had all the staff throughout the building see a struggle and offer to help which is so nice and genuinely rare.

I love Deep End Theater -- let me count the ways! Deep End has truly changed my life and become one…read moreof the most important communities I've ever been part of. First and foremost, Domeka is the real deal. She's lived and breathed improv and theater her whole life, studying, traveling, teaching, and learning from some of the greats. In the process, she developed her own approach to improvisation and theater that is deeper than many other styles, focusing more on what we can find in the depth of emergence together than on getting laughs or following any specific rules. She instantly creates a safe, welcoming space for everyone, meets each person where they are, and challenges them to take the next step. Her teaching is organic and approachable: she sets the work in motion, then helps us see how those exercises deepen our improv and stagecraft. Deep End is where I found myself as an actor and improviser. I stopped overthinking and started allowing scenes to emerge--without having to be clever or forced. The magic comes from surrendering to whatever develops: sometimes hilarious, sometimes deeply emotional, sometimes surreal or fantastical. The result is always honest, human, and wildly entertaining. And fun! Domeka has gathered a diverse, talented group of improvisers, and the shows she directs are treasures. I've gone to the same show multiple times and each performance is unique and delightful. She also brings in amazing guest teachers and performers for Skinny Dip, Master Classes, and special events, so the learning never stops. There are so many ways to plug in: Shows (nominal ticket, absolutely worth it--go to the same show more than once!), Skinny Dip open nights ($5 to watch, free to play), three-hour Master Classes on focused skills, six-week classes (two hours/week with a final performance), free intro Workshops, and occasional weekend intensives. For three years the weekly classes have been the highlight of my week--learning, collaborating, playing, laughing, crying, and growing in a supportive space. Deep End isn't about being funny or clever; it's about trusting each other, trusting the work, trusting oneself, and seeing what emerges. I'm becoming a better actor, improviser, and human--deeper in awareness, compassion, and connection. I can't recommend Deep End Theater enough. Try something: go to a Skinny Dip, see a show, take a Master Class, or join a six-week course. You'll leave energized, inspired, and changed--in a good way. I hope to see you there!

Zoom, an improvised show. Fri/Sat til Sept. 26th. Fantastic!…read moreWhat a night. A meditation, a laugh riot, moving themes, wild comedy, great acting. You gotta see Zoom.

I see a lot of performances but last month was my first visit here. The Juliet Letters was…read moreperformed by PDX Opera and Papermoon Opera. I very much enjoyed the space and the staff were incredible especially since I went through it to get there. I left WAY early knowing rain + cars bad. The disclaimer here is that Google is now corrected because I reached out to Artists Repertory Theatre when I discovered the issue and they got Google to correct it. I had never been to the venue before but knew about where it was and I am downtown several times a week in different areas. I've lived here forever and also traffic gets weird off 405 so it is not uncommon to be tossed onto offramps when an accident or something happens. I was using Waze.. address saying 1515 SW Morrison. Coming from Beaverton, I am almost to the tunnel when the freeway STOPS and GPS adds a LOT of minutes. While stopped in the far left lane waiting for traffic to move, I had my window down for a spot of fresh air. A car HITS a pocket of water rolling down the other side of the freeway and my car gets a tidal wave of gray water. So I was VERY awake and DRENCHED... The second I am through the tunnel, FINALLY, there is no traffic. I was pretty annoyed since the horrific traffic ate a half hour and I was now going to be barely in time. I was so hyper focused on getting there that I was not really registering that I was in NW, not SW. I pull up to the Armory. I was so pissed at myself. I was JUST at the Armory for a Portland Center Stage show and thought I must have absent minded typed The Armory into Waze. But Waze was genuinely saying I was at 1515 SW Morrison. FYI - Someone had 'tagged' Artists Repertory Theatre in a photo they too of a fundraiser for Artists Repertory Theatre, held at The Armory resulting in Google having Artists Repertory Theatre IN The Armory. I had to manually enter the address and am doing that AT start time for the opera. I was having an anxiety attack and thinking about just going home but NO, DAMN IT I WILL MAKE IT. I will be late but I did not just go through this for nothing. And I genuinely was excited to see this venue I had never seen. I am so grateful I stuck it out though my adventure was not over yet! Driving the blocks from NW to SW, I was green lights all the way. BUT people randomly would just walk in front of me for zero reasons. Then a Max train genuinely just drifted slowly straight in front of my car when I was green light and they were not... my 5 minutes turned to 10 minutes... But I see an empty parking spot out front which is so great since I am ADA and walk with a cane but see no ADA spots. Everything is covered in wet fall leaves which can be a bit scary for my walking. As I pulled up, the space in front is just being taken. I parked around the corner, in front of a bar next to a truck that pared like they pregamed before hitting the bar. While getting out of the car, in sideways rain with zero light on that street (hysterically there was a light that was on when I came out after the performance but when I arrived it was pitch black) I see a perfect banana peel right where I would step to stand up getting out of my car?? And who says the universe does not have a sense of humor?!? I arrived and security came at me like I was dying because I probably looked like I was! Everyone was AMAZING. The lovely person with the will call list found me so easily and they tucked me right in like a mysterious diplomat with a folding cane who clearly walked into a lake and fought ninjas to get there. I, again, am ADA and try to just tuck in away from people at an end seat. There were five seats marked reserved for us ADA folks (the kind people from the venue had told me the whats what when I got my ticket) and they were all empty. As it was, right before I popped in to rush to my seat, they were apologizing to me that it had already started. I was shocked as I was mortified I was so late! I did make note of the great bar area with some tables and chairs to the right of the performance area for people to be social before and after with vendors selling wares. As I am taking a seat, I see an end one in the very front which I sit behind as the person seated directly to its right left a napkin with something...on it... that looked like chewed food. I was a bit distracted the whole show by that napkin because ewww. When the show ended, I took my program and political sign I was handed during the show as part of the show to get a photo. I chatted with an usher about the opera while I was taking my pictures and I was VERY surprised when I noticed the genuine blood stains on the wood floor next to me. Innocent probably but also MAYBE MURDER (had to).

Seats on the first floor theater are incredibly uncomfortable - they're basically foldup chairs…read morewith a cushion. The show was good minus the loud sneeze I had just as the actor was about to start their monologue :p My apologies to the audience!

I don't live in Oregon anymore, and haven't for some time now. It's disgusting what your previous…read morestaff allowed to happen to my son. He was punched in the face by some kid, yet you threw my son out! How about you do the right thing, that should have been done years ago, and refund my $225 that I saved all year for the privileged of attending this camp to be ridiculed and abused!

From the truly devastating impact of NCLB on our schools that amounted to the destruction of…read morebudgets--that have little recovered--supporting art programs to our film industry that takes little risk and that in 2017 will have produced its 9th X-Men film, it is clear that art in this country is in crisis and really it has been for some time. PAC is an institution that pushes back against this force of pervasive cultural beiging, and it has done so for decades in Portland producing scores of young actresses and actors that now contribute to theater across the city and country. Highly recommended to visit their shows or participate in their classes.