Performance requires a place. A place to make, to practice, to gather, and to share a visceral experience. Smaller itinerant companies and individual artists are dependent on access to high-quality, affordable performance, rehearsal, teaching, and office spaces. Over the last several years, venue after venue has closed or downsized. There is a scarcity crisis that limits opportunities. Covid has compounded the problem. There is no shortage of creative sparks lighting up Portland. They just need the right place to land, catch, and burn steadily. The vision of the Cuomo Theatre Collaborative is to provide this place at 2257-2259 NW Raleigh Street.
The CTC offers a strong and unique network of programming, resources, and opportunities for the community: compelling productions of scripted work, innovative devised pieces, and community events; accessible performance, rehearsal, and office space; robust technical infrastructure, including a recording studio, design lab, and broadcast equipment; a 10-month training program in contemporary performance; a year-long Mentorship Company for emerging theatre makers; and a co-producing model to subsidize projects by independent artists and smaller companies. With all of this, creative sparks from artists of all backgrounds will find a promising, radically inclusive place to land; a vibrant, supportive environment in which to ignite; and a sustainable home for self-expression where we can all gather around the fire.