About

Portland Center Stage at The Armory is the largest theater company in Portland that produces fully professional theatrical production for the community, and is one of the 20 largest regional theater companies in the United States. The Armory produces at least ten major productions annually in two theaters located inside The Armory: the 590-seat U.S. Bank Main Stage and the 190-seat Ellyn Bye Studio. Established in 1988 as an offshoot of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the company became independent in 1994 and has been under the leadership of Artistic Director Chris Coleman since 2000. An estimated 150,000 visitors attend The Armory annually to enjoy a mix of classical, contemporary and world premiere productions, along with the annual JAW: A Playwrights Festival, and a variety of high quality education and community programs. Eleven productions are offered each season, in addition to roughly 400 community events — in partnership with 170+ local organizations and individuals — to serve the diverse populations in the city. The Armory was the first building on the National Register of Historic Places — and the first performing arts venue in the country — to achieve a LEED Platinum rating.