I don't live in Oregon anymore, and haven't for some time now. It's disgusting what your previous staff 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! read more

From the truly devastating impact of NCLB on our schools that amounted to the destruction of budgets--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. read more

In town for the weekend and thought I'd catch a theater show .... Othello the Remix performed by the PAC2019 troupe was just the fresh, edgy, and provocative entertainment piece I was hoping for!! Raw and emotional interpretation of one of the Bard's best with developing new talent from the Portland Actor's Conservatory... I highly recommend making time to see this show! read more

Went to see Othello last weekend, a hip hop version that pretty much blew my mind. The set, the dancing, the production was first class. This is about the fifteenth play I've seen over many years and I'm always impressed and amazed that these are actually student actors, not yet pros. The venue was easy to access and a really good acoustically and fairly intimate experience. read more

I have attended PAC several times over the years when a particular show intrigued me. As with any fully amateur acting company there is going to be some unevenness in the product. As nearly as I can determine they keep the number of actors-in-training to no more than 10 per class, and there are two classes (I think) enrolled here at a time. Most of the acting seems to be done by the most senior class. As result, they don't have the built in advantages of a repertory theater like Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The sets are very plain and simple. Having said that, the latest production of Twelfth Night was absolutely excellent. They borrowed an actor equity guild fellow to play Malvolio, but other than that it was an all student company. By "student" I do not mean someone like my 8 year old granddaughter. Rather, these are people of various ages running roughly from 20 to 40. Twelfth Night has closed, but there is one more show this year, and I fully intend to be there. The $16 per ticket fee was cheap for what I saw. A true bargain. All the seats are within 5 rows of the stage, and the marvelous language of old Bill Shakes is best the closer you can get to it. Attend the New Theater at OSF and see if you don't agree! Histories fairly leap off the stage in that small theater down in Ashland. And a Shakespearean History doesn't always do that as I bet you can guess. Troilus and Cressida is in the small theater at OSF this year. Buy a cookie, or a beer at PAC (both!), as all sales go toward scholarships. Whatever you do, if you're a theater dood, take in the product. GOSSIPY PART: Pat Patton (a zillion years at OSF) and Joann Johnson, an OSF actress were in the audience. They liked this Twelfth Night I am betting. "IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE ... PLAY ON..." PAC can make music. Check it out! read more

Our daughter has been to many summer theater camps, and her experience at PAC's "Summer on Stage" was by far the most enriching and fulfilling. As a professional actress myself, and an acting coach for many years, I was blown away by the quality of training this institution provides. My daughter was receiving full voice, body, improvisation, acting technique, and classical Shakespearean training. Because of the generosity of a benevolent donor, she was awarded a "Summer on Stage Scholarship", which paid for her entire tuition. Better than the magic I saw created on stage after just two weeks, was the enormous boost to her self-esteem, and a love of the craft that can only be imparted by the most dedicated teachers. Hats of to PAC, we'll be back next year! read more

I've been to a couple shows and had great experiences. I also took a beginners acting class and would take another! A great way to break out of the mold of everyday life and to truly express yourself. I believe in what they do here and would definitely recommend going to shows and signing up for classes! read more

I went to this school for the two year conservatory program. It was one of my most life changing experiences. I learned much about myself personally and professionally. This school gave me the building blocks to become a strong actor. Each teacher I had there was a working theatre professional which was great because I knew I was learning relevant information. I will always cherish my time there. If anyone is looking to go to a two year conservatory I highly recommend this place. Thank you, Beth Harper, for everything. read more

Will not go back. Went to a previous show and enjoyed it. Purchased tickets for a show yesterday and arrived 5 minutes after the show started and the door was locked. I understand that they do not want disruptions during the show, but there needs to be a work around. Let people in when the set changes or stand in the back until intermission. There was another group of 3 people that had driven from Tacoma for the show and were delayed by a traffic accident and they were in the same boat that we were. This is unacceptable...especially in todays world when traffic can be a nightmare in the Portland area on a rainy day. read more

I should begin by stating that I am a graduate of the Portland Actors Conservatory, and understand that by giving the school 5 stars, I am basically saying that I have received the best training, which of course I would want everyone to believe. With that out of the way, there are two aspects of PAC that I want to talk about. The first is the 2-year professional actor program. A lot has changed since I attended the school, but only for the better, and I can tell you that the faculty and the classes they teach are top-notch. I was completely new to acting when I signed up for my first class, and honestly did not know what to expect. What I found in that class, and over the next 2 years, was an approach to teach acting that included a myriad of techniques and styles that gave me the tools I needed to doscover myself as an actor and grow from there. I have no other acting education to compare it to, but have no hesitation in giving it the highest rating. The second thing I want to talk about is their season of plays. The second year of the 2-year professional program at PAC largely consists of a 3-play season chosen specifically both to showcase the students and to challenge them in new ways. Professional actors are also brought in as guest artists to work with the students, and help to give them the experience of working on a professional production. Not only are these seasons great for the students, but all the plays I have seen at PAC (note I do not include the ones I was in) were easily the highest quality student productions I have seen. And here I actually do have other experiences for comparison. :) This is not meant to be an attack on student productions elsewhere, many of which are also good. I think the best way to say it is the share a common reaction of audience members after seeing a PAC show: "These are students? No. Are you sure?" I think that says it all. read more

My son attended the Portland Actors Conservatory's Summer on Stage program this summer and it was one of the best things we did. He has attended many camps over the summer and this was the first one that I saw such a fast, positive and lasting change in him. He is a sweet and kind kid naturally but very creative and for those of us who understand that "gift" :-) it sometimes makes kids too unique for others. My son was embraced here not just by the staff but by the other students. They listened to his ideas and input and encouraged him which boosted his confidence by leaps and bounds. It was not just a fluff acting camp either. The students are taught real acting technique and gently taught discipline. Additionally all levels are met on their level and I loved how the classes are mixed to encourage mentorship in the older students and good examples for the young ones. There is a good level of supervision and I truly felt that my son was in a safe place and no form of negativity or bullying was tolerated. I also appreciated how the team is attentive to the needs of the families and went out of their way to ensure that no child is turned away for lack of funds. We received a scholarship and they were so helpful in making sure we were able to receive some assistance. My son's love of the arts and most importantly, reading has grown since this camp. He is so much more outgoing and has learned skills to help him in school. My favorite camp moment: After the showcase at the end of the summer, a kid came up to my son, gave him a huge hug and said "I really hope you come back next summer!" He will definitely be back! read more