Artists Repertory Theatre

Artists Repertory Theatre, commonly known as Artists Rep or ART, is Portland, Oregon's oldest professional theatre company, established in 1982. It has gained a significant reputation in American theatre, known for its intimate and provocative theatrical productions. The theatre has a rich history of regional, national, and world premieres, showcasing new and challenging works that adhere to the highest standards of stagecraft. As a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT) since 2016, ART is the 72nd theatre to join this prestigious group. It is also an Associate Member of the National New Play Network (NNPN), emphasizing the theatre's commitment to new play development. Plays that originated at ART have gone on to be staged in prominent cities across the United States and internationally, including New York, Chicago, and London. The theatre's contributions to the arts have been recognized with various awards and accolades, such as the Dramatists Guild Foundation Award, the Edgerton New Play Award, and NEA funding. Additionally, ART has been honored by the Mellon Foundation National Playwright Residency Program, and its plays have been listed among American Theatre Magazine’s Most-Produced Plays. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ART pivoted to digital mediums, a move for which it was honored with the Creative Innovation Award by the Oregon Media Production Association (OMPA) in 2021. This recognition underscores the theatre's adaptability and innovative spirit in the face of unprecedented challenges. The theatre is led by Artistic Director Jeanette Harrison and Executive Director J.S. May, and it prides itself on being a home for a diverse community of artists and audiences. ART's commitment to local talent is evident through its Resident Artists program, which features professionals from various theatre disciplines who contribute significantly to the theatre's creative output and identity. ART also acknowledges the systemic racism and oppression within the industry and society at large and has made a public commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression. The organization actively works to create positive change through its practices, policies, and the art it produces. It invites accountability from artists, audiences, and colleagues as it strives to fulfill this commitment. The theatre is located on the traditional lands of various Indigenous tribes, including the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin Kalapuya, and Molalla, who lived along the Columbia River. Artists Repertory Theatre is affiliated with several organizations that support and promote the arts and culture sector. These include the Professional Non-Profit Theater Coalition (PNTC), Actors' Equity Association (AEA), the Cultural Advocacy Coalition, The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF), Partners in Diversity (PiD), Business for a Better Portland (BBPDX), the Oregon Arts Commission (OAC), the Oregon Cultural Trust (OCT), the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC), and Theatre Communications Group (TCG). These affiliations reflect ART's dedication to fostering the arts, supporting cultural diversity, and engaging with the community both locally and nationally. Over the years, ART has presented a wide array of productions, with recent seasons featuring plays such as "The Children," "The Chinese Lady," and "The Great Leap." Its production history is a testament to its role as a cornerstone of Portland's cultural community, offering a platform for storytelling that challenges, entertains, and inspires.