Information for Parents
Portland Theatre Brigade is a youth-empowering theatre education program. The young people who participate gain professional theatrical training and experience along with lifelong personal benefit.
- Evangel McVicker, member of Portland Theatre Brigade
Brigade members learn confidence, voice, poise, movement, dance, music, culture, diversity, teamwork, discipline, responsibility, rrespect, and cooperation. They use and refine their writing, reading, speaking and memory skills, and gain an understanding of the theatrical trade.
Participation
Membership is by audition. All 7 to 15-year-olds in the Portland area are invited to apply — there is no need for headshots, resumes, prepared monologues, or previous experience.
A good candidate for Theatre Brigade can listen and follow directions, gets along reasonably well with other children and adults, and has an interest in and aptitude for performing. If you are not sure whether a child is a good fit for Brigade — audition! There is no cost or obligation to audition and the audition experience itself can be very beneficial.
Commitment
Due to the nature of the program, all students who are accepted are asked to commit for the complete season in order to join. It is essential that Brigade members be willing to make Theatre Brigade a priority in their lives. They are expected to attend all rehearsals except in the case of contagious illness or family emergencies; and actors who miss a performance are responsible to ensure their parts are covered. This practice ensures successful performances, while contributing to the responsibility and independence our members gain.
A Theatre Brigade season begins with auditions in September and concludes with the final performance in mid-June.
Cost
Brigade strives to remain accessible to all. Through the generosity of volunteers, donors and sponsorships we are able to provide the full nine-month program for an affordable and all-inclusive tuition fee.
This includes:
- Weekly professional acting instruction
- Three-day overnight cabin retreat (food and lodging included)
- Six Saturday classes
- Winter-break African arts program
- Citywide tour
- Equipment and supplies
Tuition for the 2008-2009 season is $600 per student. Prepayment discounts, payment plans, and scholarships are available to qualified families. Complete payment terms and schedule will be provided at enrollment.
Scholarships
The 2008 Scholarship application deadline is Friday, October 3. If you wish to submit your scholarship application early to avoid missing the deadline, doing so will not have any negative influence on your child's audition. However please do not pay your tuition deposit until you have been notified that your child has passed the audition.
> Download a scholarship application
Locations
The Brigade operates out of two rehearsal locations which also serve as "home base" during our touring season.
North Brigade
Primarily serving families in North and Northeast Portland, the North Brigade is based at the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center on Interstate Avenue near Killingsworth.
Southeast Brigade
Primarily serving families in Southeast Portland, the Southeast Brigade has historically rehearsed at Laurelhurst Studios. We will be moving to a new location for the 2008-09 season, to be announced soon. We are hoping to stay as close as possible to the core Southeast area.
Schedule
Brigade members attend two-hour weekly rehearsal classes mid September through mid-June, afternoon from 4 to 6. North Brigade rehearsals are Tuesdays and Southeast Brigade rehearsals are Thursdays.
Special events during the year include:
- A multi-day overnight cabin retreat in November
- African dance and drumming workshop during Winter Break
- Six Saturday classes
All special events are scheduled at times that Portland Public Schools are not in session. Workshops and special classes take place at the IFCC.
Many Brigade performances take place in schools during school hours. Brigade teachers, volunteers and parents work together to ensure students are transported properly and miss a minimum of class-time. Some performances take place evenings and weekends.
Parent Participation
Portland Theatre Brigade operates far below cost. We keep our cash tuition very low - approximately $15 per week - to ensure that all families have the option to participate. Because tuition alone can not cover our costs, we ask families to make additional contributions to support our program in the manner that works best for them. Tax-deductable cash donations, in-kind contributions, volunteering or fundraising are all ways that parents can help.