Portland Center Stage

==Portland Center Stage at The Armory== '''Portland Center Stage at The Armory''' ('''PCS''') is the largest professional theater company in Portland, Oregon, and is renowned for its diverse blend of classical, contemporary, and world premiere productions. Founded in 1988 as a branch of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, PCS became an independent entity in 1994. The company is housed in the historic Armory building, located at 128 NW Eleventh Ave, Portland, OR 97209. ===History=== PCS's journey began with its establishment as OSF Portland, a northern offshoot of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival based in Ashland, Oregon. The company's inaugural performance took place on November 12, 1988, with George Bernard Shaw's ''Heartbreak House''. Initially producing five to six shows per season, PCS experienced steady growth under the guidance of artistic producers Dennis Bigelow and, later, Pat Patton. In September 1993, the decision was made for PCS to operate as an independent theater company, leading to the appointment of Elizabeth Huddle as the producing artistic director. PCS continued to expand its offerings, including the launch of the JAW New Play Festival in 1999, which focuses on the development of new works and community engagement. The turn of the millennium saw Chris Coleman take on the role of artistic director, introducing creative initiatives and overseeing significant growth, including the receipt of a substantial grant from the Meyer Memorial Trust. The company also expanded its production schedule, presenting works in multiple theaters. A pivotal moment in PCS's history was the 2006 opening of its new home at The Armory, following a 36.1 million renovation. The Armory, originally constructed in 1891, became the first building on the National Register of Historic Places and the first performing arts facility in the country to achieve a LEED Platinum rating for its sustainable design. In recent years, PCS has continued to evolve under the leadership of Cynthia Fuhrman and Marissa Wolf, with a strong emphasis on producing new work and engaging with the community through various events and programs. ===Facilities=== The Armory,