It's amazing that I just attended my first show here! I go to a lot of performances and have…read moreregularly attended performances most of my life. Echo Theater is also located in a really convenient spot for me to go to shows! I was very surprised at how wonderful this space is... conveniently, they are able to transform the space to accommodate whatever they are performing. I also , appreciate a snack bar that has a decent array of snacks, though, I confess I was hoping that they had just soda (even just a coke) but I was amused at seeing Capri Sun. I was able to see one of the last showings of Death of a Drag Queen and was completely blown away. When a single performer is able to captivate the audience for over an hour... it speaks to incredible writing, directIon and performance... all of which were clearly present. It also makes me want to come back here to see what else they have going on.

I've been taking classes at Echo since January 2024. I first signed up on my roommate's…read morerecommendation, and I'm so glad I did. Training at Echo, I have become stronger both mentally and physically, made awesome new friends, and been inspired to express myself creatively in ways above what I ever imagined. I was totally new to acrobatics before, but now, I feel confident moving in the air, and have even performed in front of an audience! I have taken lyra, mixed aerial, harness, and circus fitness classes at Echo, and every class has been challenging, energizing, fun, ebullient, and creative. The instructors are positive and encouraging, offering modifications and additional explanations to meet students where they're at. Amy especially is the best -- she cultivates a whole class atmosphere that is collaborative, silly, and uplifting. She prompts students to tap into playful creative energy while also leading a workout that will sculpt your entire body! I love that Echo provides opportunities for student performance. At Student Showcases, Echo invites students to bring to the stage whatever they are working on in an incredibly supportive, warm, and empowering environment. Designing and rehearsing a piece with your friends is a bonding experience that challenges you to grow personally and in your circus skills! If you're looking for genuine, authentic, positive people, this is your place. The community at Echo Theater makes it so special. Students cheer each other on in class, design performances together, and form lasting friendships. As a nonbinary person, I really appreciate that the queer community is well-represented at Echo and pronouns are respected. Echo feels like the least-gendered space I've encountered in Portland -- where we're all just a bunch of humans making shapes in the air! I also love that a wide age range is represented in my classes. I am inspired by adults older than I am who are still moving, experimenting, and challenging themselves with fitness! I highly recommend taking classes at Echo if you're interested in aerial, tumbling, dance, or any movement arts. Echo is absolutely the place for trying something new and going outside your comfort zone. My heart lifts every time I walk into the building, anticipating an hour and a half of pure joy (and also sweat and chalk). Sign up for a class, you'll be glad you did :)

We were visiting from Boston and had the best afternoon here. We were able to build, craft, paint,…read moreand even meet a bearded dragon. Ms. Molly was amazing. Highly recommend.

A slightly rainy day led us to here with our kids that are 12 and 7, and what a fun surprising…read morefind! Much better than watching hours on end of tv and the little one agreed with me exclaiming they want to come back. In fact, he didn't want to leave. I have been wanting to introduce them to coding and they learned a bit on the LEGO coding section. So much to do, reasonable pricing, and want to get the kids into the summer day camps! Also going to see if this is something my company would hire for the bring your kids to work day.

Groove Nation is such a hidden gem in this town- from the performances that never cease to impress,…read morethe obvious bonded relationships & close community built, the leadership skills, confidence, & worth built into each participant, to the skills acquired from their warm & professional staff. It's clear they truly care; not just about making each participant, team & show or competition *look* good, but also feel good about themselves in the ways that truly matter. If you're looking for family, for fun, & growth, you'll find it here!

Looking for your kiddo to make friends? Socialize? Gain trust with other amazing adults? Learn new…read moreskills, flexibility, and exercise? Look no further!! Groove nation is all of that and more. My daughter has blossomed at groove nation. She's taken skills such as team work, communication home with her. She's gained confidence, made friendships, & we've gained a village here of new friends! We're so beyond grateful to be apart of groove nation.

I always know I am in for a good time when I see a Bodyvox show. I love that their performance…read morespace is in an area where you can find parking and is not horrific traffic as well but close enough in that a wander before or after a show for a spot of food or drink is also a great plan. I like that their shows seem to explore a bit of the dark and the light - it feels right. I also love the way that they use the space very creatively. As an ADA person, it means a lot that I have easy to get in an out of seating. Even just easy in and out of the building! And the staff there have always been so kind and welcoming.

The show that I watched was absolutely terrific, this review is for the venue. I do not recommend…read morethis venue. The program specifically encouraged attendants to arrive an hour early to enjoy drinks. Staff was incredibly awkward and passive-aggressive. I don't know where they expected people to congregate, there was hardly any room at all in the lobby, and the show is completely sold out. I left before I had a panic attack, and came back about 10 minutes before the show to find a seat, in a completely crowded and full theater, great good for them! The show itself was brilliant. But I had to endure 10 adjacent giggling wiggling man-children kicking my seat and causing the whole row to shake. Again, they're not the venue's fault, but when a show is full to capacity like this, the seats being latched together will really try your patience. I did see a woman in front of me stand up and look all around to see if she could find another empty seat, before asking the man next to her to stop leaning on her. Kudos. If I could offer any suggestions, the venue should have at least some signage telling guests where they can and cannot go in the building if the staff will not open their mouths even once. Also, if you're going to ask people to come early for drinks, don't put them in a secret cooler somewhere, have an actual bar set up. In the room where people are allowed to be. Atmosphere: 2/10

I think I've found my happy place! I attended my first Northwest Children's Theater production…read moretoday, and I loved everything about the experience. The bright and cheery environment, the excellent customer service, and the outstanding production left me feeling elated for hours after leaving the theater. I watched a brilliant jazz musical version of Alice in Wonderland today. What stood out to me most is the production didn't begin and end with a traditional raised and lowered curtain. Patrons experience the magic of theater from the moment they step foot in the building. Actors hand out stickers and welcome folks into the building. There are costumed characters in the lobby, and today, the Mad Hatter did crowd work in the audience for a full 15-20 minutes before the production began. By the time he walked up to the stage, the audience consisting of adults and children alike, were smiling and laughing and fully swept up into a joyous experience. I don't remember the last time I was this happy. The production was everything I'd hoped it would be. The costumes and set design well first-rate, the live music was exceptional, and the performers sold me on the fact that I, too, had found myself in Wonderland. It was truly heartwarming to see the actors mingling with the crowd in the lobby after the performance. To be six years old again, and have a chance to meet the Mad Hatter or Alice in person? It's just too precious! Northwest Children's Theater... I am a fan!

Daughter attended 2 weeks of summer camp here with a couple of friends and absolutely loved it. It…read morewas very well organized. The teachers were very good with the kids. And they put up a wonderful production at the end. I was worried that parking would be hard at rush hour in downtown. But you can park in the structure attached to their building and they'll validate the parking for you. We'll be returning next year for sure.

We had such an amazing experience with Dragon Theater Productions! Shout out to Jason for being so…read morepatient with me after all my follow-ups and delays--even without a deposit, he still showed up with his incredible team and made everything come together. Spider-Man was an absolute blast! Despite the expanded suit and the toasty weather on Sunday, he gave his all and truly impressed everyone. Multiple parents even said he was the best Spider-Man they've ever seen. Huge shout out to him for the energy and dedication he brought! I also want to apologize because I forgot the name of the lovely young lady who came to do the face painting, but she was amazing! She commanded the children's attention with ease, and her designs were not only adorable but also unique. The kids loved her, and the parents couldn't stop talking about how talented she was. Thank you again for making my boy's wish come true. I'm definitely booking Spider-Man for his birthday! The prices are the prices and honestly, I'd pay more if I could because the experience was priceless. Forever grateful!

Book them. We had…read moreSleeping Beauty and Jasmine come to our home for my daughter's 7th birthday party. The princesses were amazing--so great with the kids. Sleeping beauty was very sweet and Jasmine was super fun. They also had a party director with them who facilitated the whole thing. She was absolutely fantastic. She knew exactly what she was doing and kept the party running smoothly, transitioning from one activity to another with the kids. I booked everything through Jason and he was so helpful and reliable. I didn't know what I was getting into as I've never booked anything like this before. I figured I'd give it a try and see what happened. And I really couldn't be happier with how the day turned out. My daughter and her friends had such a wonderful time.

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 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!

We went and saw "The very hungry caterpillar" and it was amazing! Our children (9, 6, 3) all loved…read moreit for various reasons. The costumes, sets, designs and everything was amazing. What a beautiful tribute to Eric Carle. Thank you!

Twenty years old... still young at heart…read more That's OCT's motto as they head into their 20th Anniversary season. My children have been to a number of their productions, mainly on school trips, but my family has seen two productions this season. Yesterday we saw "Einstein is a Dummy" in the Winningstad Theatre and I was really impressed. OCT stages their productions in the Winningstad and Newmark Theatres in Hatfield Hall and there is so much to like. **Fun plays - the upcoming 2008-2009 season includes James and the Giant Peach (one of my favorite childhood books), Petit Rouge (a Cajun Red Riding Hood musical), and Click, Clack, Moo (my kids both love that book). **Different productions are suited for different ages - they tell you up front which performances are best for the whole family while others are better for a specific older age range. (Einstein fell in the older category). **Acting Academy - they offer acting classes and camps if your child is 'theatrical'. **Education - Workshops for teachers and free or reduced-price tickets for schools as well as scholarships for students attending their Acting Academy. **Staging - subject matter and performance were well suited to children but very professional. Performances are typically between 40 and 60 minutes. **Access - after the performance the cast comes to the lobby immediately to answer questions, take photos and sign autographs. It is just a brilliant way to introduce the little one to the arts without trying to force them to sit through a show for adults. If you are a donor, they have additional benefits like backstage tours and autographed posters. I'm so glad we have this theatre company in Portland. Bravo!