Wow... Light Opera of Portland is doing a performance of The Gondoliers. I am severely disabled and…read morehave a pretty limited income. I try hard to stay going out, being supportive best I can of the arts. Light Opera of Portland is listed as offering Arts for All and to contact them for ticket arrangement. I emailed and received an email back they were passing my information on to someone so they could arrange a ticket. After 2 weeks, the event was getting closer. I emailed again stating that I had heard anything... crickets... I was going to the symphony next door at Arlene Schnitzer. I figured I would just go to the box office... however, they informed me that Arts for All tickets were not available, per Light Opera of Portland until 2 hours before the show. She also said she just turned away another disabled person for the same things. She said LOOP what's aware that the only seats remaining for the shows were ADA, that those exact seats were $27 versus $5 and that they realize those of us with disabilities are not able to jump through the gauntlet of crowded will call lines or get to a show 2 hours ahead to sit around very unfriendly seats, praying we can get a seat to a show... maybe or if the trek of trying to find parking downtown or walking blocks from public transportation just to get into the venue. Those of us with disorders like MS, Lupus and a long list of varying tissue disorders swell and suffer from pain when stresssed. The arts are healing but not when we are made to feel this unwelcome. If you are not going to actually offer Arts for All tickets, please don't. Do not sign up stating that you are welcoming to people with disabilities, including income when it is clear, very clear that you are not welcoming.

We saw A Christmas Carol here on December 21st 2017 and it was a cute little play. A Christmas…read moreCarol is one of my favorite holiday movies and plays to see during the holiday season and my family and I have made it a tradition. Let me start off by saying if you have kids or don't like sitting through a long show this is PERFECT! There was only one act and there really isn't a bad seat in the theater. The people who volunteer or work here are very pleasant and greeted us with big smiles. The seating is ok. I would not be comfortable in these seats for very long. Take into account I also have Chronic Illnesses so I get more uncomfortable than most, HOWEVER they actually were not that bad, there was plenty of room in front of you which I LOVE! And even though the theater is small they don't pack you in there, so you definitely don't feel cramped in. Again if you are on the fence about bringing your kids to a play here this is something that is a plus. Also they do have WONDERFUL accommodations for the disabled. This is something I take notice of because of my illness, so when I notice these things I always try to include them. One thing to keep in mind is that because the theater is small some of the "effects" can be more overwhelming such as the smoke, or laser lights. The smoke used in some of the scenes definitely bothered me and some of the others I was with. But not a big deal. The sound is INCREDIBLE! Dont worry about not hearing, again because it is a smaller space you are really right there, but they do have a good sound system that really makes you feel as if you are right in with them. I thought that was pretty cool! Now as for the actual play, I personally thought it was about a C+. It was definitely a cute, and the acting and singing was fun! However being such a big fan I noticed a lot of stuff that was off, Ebenezer Scrooge was definitely different. No top hat! Lol but that totally ok! New and different are always good! The actor who played him did a great job! Same with Bob Cratchet. The ghost of Christmas past had a really good voice, and the ghost of Christmas present was cool, but I wish they would have spent more time with Christmas present as he is the most fun! Marly was extraordinarily talented! In fact probably one of the more of the bunch. Someone made a comment that they felt that the parts didn't necessarily fit the characters, that the people choose their parts. I could see that. Even though they were all very talented some of them just didnt seem to fit that part. But I suppose that isnt something you would notice unless you are a theater geek, or professional (like the person in our group who made that comment) All in all I would recommend this if you are looking for something cool to do with kids during the Holidays. I'm not sure if I would go back to see this again, but I am definitely glad I went to see it. I would recommend seeing it at least once! Its a CHRISTMAS CAROL! with that said Merry Christmas, to one and all!!

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.

I sincerely love Tears of Joy Puppet Theatre! Their plays are beautifully crafted works of…read morephenomenal puppetry from around the world. It's amazing to watch children's faces while they experience the magic of puppetry. In a world of hi-tec animation, the puppetry of Tears of Joy and their arts outreach programming still connect with the imagination of today' youth. I'll be honest, I know this first hand having worked in their After-school outreach program. Plus, ToJT is in it's 40th year! Hell yah local theatre keepin it going!

I just attended a performance in Kirkland, WA of "The Reluctant Dragon" performed by the Tears of…read moreJoy Theatre. The ticket was $28 for a 45 minute performance which seems kind of steep. The performance itself was mediocre. There were so many spots that could have been made funnier, more informative or clearer but it seemed like the performers had a hard enough time simply getting the puppets through their paces. For the most part, their speech was clear, but there were points when I know my 4 1/2 year old son couldn't understand the performers because their speech was so affected or they talked too quickly. That was all passable but the absolute worst part was when they opened up a question and answer session at the end. They obviously had no liking or understanding of children and wanted to be done. It was a very quiet and polite batch of kids, each raising their hand to ask a question of one of the puppeteers. I saw one boy (maybe 6 years old??) raise his hand and when called on by the woman performer, began to tell her about a spaceship model that he had made and had turned into a puppet and before he was finished, the woman said, "That is a statement and not a question" and ignored him, turning to another kid. Good lord. It's not like he took forever in getting his idea out. How about responding like, "That is very interesting. Would you like to ask a question about one of the puppets that I am holding?" I could see her dislike and disrespect for kids all over her face. She ignored my son the entire time, who was patiently waiting to get called on (there were only 7 kids in front of her and only 2 had their hands up at any given time). I am so happy that my son enjoyed the evening and didn't see that side of it. If this theatre company is going to put on shows aimed at kids, AND interact with kids at the end, they need to employ puppeteers who are more human friendly.

It was very nice to see a puppet show after decades. The puppets were made differently than the…read moreones I watched as a kid back in India. The artists were awesome with and great voices. The kids seemed to have enjoyed the real life interactions with the artists.

What a fun little theater! If you want to support your local improv community, this is where you…read morewant to be. Located in Down Town Vancouver, parking isn't an issue as long as you give yourself plenty of time to find some. The website is easy to navigate and tickets are reasonably priced. The venue feels like an old school theater, and the staff were friendly! There are a few snacks and drinks at the concession stand, priced just right. I watched an improv comedy show & had an absolutely wonderful time. The performances were great and involving the audience was awesome! I'd gladly return for one of their seasonal shows!

I saw a play here earlier this month (Marsha, done by the North End Players). They are an excellent…read moregroup of performers. The play was very well done. I was blown away, as I Had other expectations when I'd heard that this was an all volunteer group. The venue is a little discouraging, but I seriously recommend overlooking it because the play will be well worth it. It is in a church basement (reminiscent of the one your grandma probably used to play bingo in) and is set up with card tables that have plastic flowery table covers on them. Popcorn and drinks/snacks were available for very little cost.

Such a great space! It can be a touch challenging for parking. There is plenty, it is just that you…read moremay need to do some walking due to the entrance facing a street without parking spaces and due to it's positioning, the street parking is a blocks away with a few spaces only right in close. The space is very open for them to really arrange depending on the performance or use. I just recently saw an amazing performance there and it felt very intimate, even with the space pretty full. Keep your eye out for AWOL because the performances they produce or perform are always such a treat.

Jaw-dropping, eye-popping, spine bending --- electrifying aerial and dance performance! Feels a…read morelot like a Cirque du Soleil performance except you are seated close up --- way more intimate seating. You could rub elbows with the dancers! The aerial dancers were spinning and hanging from the rafters and or performing floor movements with a spirited and haunting musical set while interpreting the muse before sleep fading into a dream world. A superb story with balance of music, choreography and flying dancers! Wow! And what power and grace with passion and flexibility these amazing dancers displayed flying through the air. Wow again! You'll be amazed and you should definitely treat yourself to a one-of-kind AWOL performance! Go AWOL! Fly!

I was able to see my great Niece (Brooklyn Rutledge) perform I Willie Wonka Jr.. The Alpenrose…read moreOpera House, was a fabulous venue.

I first learned of Journey through a friend when my daughter was just a toddler. Her first…read moreencounter was watching the shows, which she absolutely loved! All the shows are top notch productions--my mother has said that they exceed her expectations for what she would expect at the 5th Avenue. The best part is that all shows are cast with students from the program. When our daughter turned 6, she begged to join the Journey Troupers. She has not missed a class or camp since in the last 5 years. A veteran family of seven shows now, we are hooked. This is the most interesting and challenging volunteer work I've participated in--I have learned and grown as much as my daughter. The staff is amazing and all the families and volunteers are pulling for one another. The classes teach students foundational and advanced skills alongside what it means to be a good citizen and team player. It is a magnificent confidence builder for any child. Because the students cast and crew all of the productions during the year, even the most stage shy kids can play a role backstage or onstage. I'm so glad we found Journey and look forward to many more years to come.

Love this place and Michelle Kopper Seymour! I have been taking classes at Vanport Square Studio…read morefor a year and it has really changed my life. I've always wanted to sing, but wasn't sure I had talent. I've learned that talent is about "doing the work"...this studio is about developing your unique voice and your capacity for sharing it with others. Choose your own music, be accompanied by wonderful pianists, and learn from an amazing coach.

Michelle is clearly passionate about helping people to "find their voice". You can't go wrong with…read moresomeone so positive and affirming of the inner talents we all have.