Spring Term 2024

April 1 - June 6

Try something new with PHAME this spring!

Spring is the time for new beginnings—try something new with PHAME! Want to dive deeper into theatre arts? Check out Commedia (that’s the class that uses masks!). Are you interested in taking your storytelling to the next level? Join our new Playwrighting class and work on PHAME’s 2025 summer project. Are you curious about video? Our MetroEast Video Cohort is the perfect fit for you.

With excellent classes, weekly Visiting Artist Workshops, CC Hallways, an online Cabaret, and more, there is so much happening at PHAME this spring. Join us!

All students registering for in-person classes are asked to please review our Wellness & Covid Policies. Note that PHAME no longer requires proof of Covid vaccination, however we strongly encourage our community to be vaccinated for Covid and the flu.

How to participate

Sign up for classes and workshops

We have an excellent lineup of art classes this spring, meeting in person at Grace Church and online. We’re also offering three stand-alone workshops at The Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton. Find the full list of offerings in our course catalog.

Come to weekly Guest Artist Workshops on Mondays

Every Monday we’ll have a visiting artist hosting a workshop or sharing their art. These events are free and open to current students. Learn more about each event and sign up to attend.

Attend PHAME events

Spring Term events include a Cabaret and Get PHAMEous.

Join an online meetup

We’re hosting one online hangout (CC Hallway) and one Meditation session each week of Spring Term. These sessions are free and open to current students. No sign up needed.

 

Types of Classes

PHAME classes generally fall into three categories: Exploratory Classes, Technique Classes, and Lab Classes. Course descriptions will indicate which category the class falls under. Technique and Lab classes do require prerequisites or instructor approval, but we don’t want that to be a barrier to participation. Interested students are encouraged to reach out to the instructor—if the student isn’t ready for the class yet, the instructor can help them understand what steps to take to be ready for the class in the future.

  • Exploratory Classes focus on developing creative skills and expanding your artistic community. These classes will help you explore the basic foundations of different art forms and are a great way to try out something new or grow your daily artistic practice. Students are welcome to take these classes as many times as they like. These classes require very little work outside of class.

  • Technique Classes are for students who already have a foundation of skills in an art form and want to dive into a specific topic and gain technical expertise. These classes will help grow students’ personal art practice. Students in these classes will also sometimes be asked to work on projects and assignments outside of class. These classes will often share work with the larger PHAME community, and may participate in collaborations with other classes. To register for a Technique Class, students must have taken the listed prerequisite class, or get instructor approval.

  • Labs are designed to explore advanced concepts and specific skills related to a particular art form or performance skill. They also may provide opportunities for students to share their work outside of the PHAME community through performances, shows or screenings. These classes require a significant amount of work outside of class meeting times, and students need to bring a strong work ethic, a collaborative team-based mindset, and plenty of creative energy. Because these classes focus on larger projects, students in Project Labs and Ensembles are strongly encouraged to enroll in the class for the whole school year.


    Entry into a Lab class requires permission from the instructor. Instructors for these classes will send invitations to students who they have already identified as a good fit for the subject matter, however each student must still list the class on their registration form. Students who do not receive an invitation for a lab may contact the instructor about either setting up an audition or providing work samples for consideration. Students who have not been approved by the instructor will not be placed in the class.

  • Online classes meet on Zoom and students can join these classes from anywhere with an internet connection. Sometimes we even have students joining from the East Coast! We assign each of our online classes a tech support person and you’re welcome to give them a call if you have trouble getting into the class.

    In-person classes are held at Grace Church in NE Portland. Any student participating in in-person classes or other programming is expected to comply with PHAME’s Wellness Policy & Covid Requirements, which includes requirements for staying home when you’re sick, as well as additional safety protocols that go in effect if virus rates rise in our area.

    Hybrid classes allow students to join the class online OR in person. On the registration form students will register for the online option or the hybrid option. Students who choose the online option must attend online; students who choose the hybrid option may choose each week whether to attend in person or online. Students who choose the hybrid option are expected to comply with PHAME’s Wellness Policy & Covid Requirements when they are on campus.

Weekly Schedule (Classes, Events, & More!)

The weekly schedule is a great way to see what’s happening at PHAME this term! Classes marked with ** require a prerequisite class or instructor approval.

Classes marked “Grace” meet in person at Grace Church, 1535 NE 17th ave, Portland, OR 97232.

Mondays

11:00 AM-12:15 PM—Improv Theatre (Grace)
11:00 AM-12:15 PM—Drumming (Section 1) (Grace)
12:45 PM-2:15 PM—Guest Artist Workshops (Grace)
2:30 PM-3:45 PM—Vocal Studio (Section 1) (Grace/Hybrid)
2:30 PM-3:45 PM—**Commedia dell'arte - Technique (Grace)
3:00 PM-4:15 PM—Yoga (Online)
4:00 PM-5:15 PM—Songwriting (Grace/Hybrid)
4:00 PM-5:15 PM—Improvisational Dance (Grace)

Tuesdays

11:30 AM-1:00 PM—**Visual Art: Printmaking - Technique (Grace)
11:30 AM-1:00 PM—**Mixed Ensemble - Lab (Grace)
1:30 PM-2:45 PM—Drawing  (Online)
1:30 PM-2:45 PM—Ballet (Grace)
1:30 PM-2:45 PM—Drumming (Section 2) (Grace)
3:15 PM-4:45 PM—**Rock Ensemble - Lab (Grace)
3:15 PM-4:30 PM—**Voice Acting - Technique (Grace)

Wednesdays

11:00 AM-12:15 PM—Kick It Up (Online)
11:00 AM-12:15 PM—Radio Drama: Post Production - Technique (Grace)
11:00 AM-12:15 PM—Digital Photography (Grace)
12:30 PM-1:45 PM—Acting (Online)
12:45 PM-2:00 PM—Broadway Dance (Grace)
12:45 PM-2:00 PM—Playwrighting (Grace)
2:30 PM-4:30 PM—MetroEast Video Cohort (Grace)
2:45 PM-3:45 PM—CC Hallway (Online)
3:50 PM-4:20 PM—Drop-In Mindfulness & Meditation (Online)
5:30 PM-6:45 PM—Memoir Writing (Online)

Thursdays

10:45 AM-12:00 PM—Musical Theatre (Section 1) (Grace)
10:45 AM-12:15 PM—**Comedy Troupe - Lab (Grace)
12:30 PM-1:45 PM—Mixed Media Sampler (Grace)
12:30 PM-2:00 PM—**Dance Evolution - Lab (Grace)
12:45 PM-2:00 PM—Musical Theatre (Section 2) (Online)
2:15 PM-3:30 PM—Puppet Making (Grace)
2:15 PM-3:30 PM—Vocal Studio (Section 2) (Grace)
4:00 PM-5:15 PM—Choir (Grace/Hybrid)

Classes & Workshops We Offer

Course Catalog

The course catalog has everything you need to know about taking classes and workshops at PHAME! Students who have taken classes or workshops with PHAME over the last year will be mailed a copy of the course catalog a few weeks before the priority registration deadline. You can also download a copy using the buttons below.

 
 

Class Description Videos

Jump over to our Class Description Videos page to hear PHAME Teaching Artists describe their classes.

 

Spring Term Workshops

We’re excited to offer a series of three Musical Theatre workshops at The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton this spring. These workshops will each focus on a different style of musical. Sign up for one, two, or all three!

These workshops are great for any PHAME student looking to enhance their musical theatre knowledge and skills, and are also a great way for new students to get to know PHAME. These workshops are open to students of all experience levels.

Workshops are taught by PHAME Teaching Artists and are $30 each. Tuition Assistance is available. Maximum capacity: 15.

Workshop #1: Friday, April 12, 12:30-2:30 PM: The 1990s

Workshop #2: Friday, May 10, 12:30-2:30 PM: The 2000s

Workshop #3: Friday, May 31, 12:30-2:30 PM: The 2010s through today

Registration and deadlines information:

To register for a workshop after Spring Term has started, please email Alex at ageffel@phamepdx.org.

The last day to add or drop a workshop is seven days before the workshop date. Students who drop a workshop less than seven days before the workshop date, or who sign up but do not attend the workshop, must pay the full price of the workshop. Students are encouraged to register for workshops early, as these will fill quickly.

 

Key Dates

Tuesday, March 5:
• Priority Deadline for registration forms (by 9 AM)

Monday, March 25:
• Last day to register or add a class without a fee
• Last day to drop a class and only pay the $10 registration fee
• Tuition Assistance Forms due (students must apply once a year, beginning again each fall)

Sunday, March 31:
• All students taking online classes receive their Zoom links no later than this date

Monday, April 1:
• Spring Term begins

Thursday, April 4:
• Spring Term Happy Hour (4:30-6:30 PM, at McMenamins Broadway Pub)

Friday, April 12:
• Last day to drop a class and only pay 25% (or $10, whichever is higher). After this date there are no refunds and students must pay 100% of tuition owed.

Wednesday, May 15:
• PDX Jazz Performance (5:30-6:30 PM, at Grace)

Monday, May 27:
• PHAME closed in observance of Memorial Day (no classes)

Wednesday, May 29:
• Online Cabaret (6:30-8 PM)

Thursday, June 6:
• Spring Term ends

Friday, June 7:
• Get PHAMEous (6-8 PM)

All times are Pacific Time.

Events

Happy Hour

Thursday, April 4, 4:30-6:30 PM at McMenamins Broadway Pub
Address: 1504 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232

We're kicking off the term at the McMenamins on Broadway from 4:30-6:30 PM. We'll have light appetizers for the group and will just have fun spending time together off campus. All students (and their support people and family members) are welcome!

TriMet LIFT users: Please schedule TriMet LIFT pickups from McMenamins Broadway Pub. Your pick up window should be 6:30-7 PM.

PDX Jazz Performance

Wednesday, May 15, 5:30-6:30 PM at Grace Church in Parish Hall

Join us for a live jazz performance! PDX Jazz will be performing "The American Refrain: Jazz in Modern Music." A celebration of jazz, this hour-long performance with narration walks the audience through the tenets of the genre; building community, storytelling, fighting for social justice, and improvisation. The performance highlights the modern evolution of jazz and how it has shaped the music we listen to today.

Doors will open at 5:15 PM. Students who arrive early can wait in the Student Lounge.

This event is free and open to students and their families/ support people.

TriMet LIFT users: Please schedule your TriMet LIFT pickups from Grace Church. Your pick-up window should be 6:30-7 PM.

Cabaret

Wednesday, May 29, 6:30-8 PM Online

Students share short performances in this fun and casual online event. A sign up sheet will be shared with students via email in the month before the event.

Get PHAMEous Open House

Friday, June 7, 6-8 PM, at Grace Church and Online

Our Get PHAMEous open house is a great way to see what students have been working on in a selection of classes, and to connect with PHAME students, staff, and supporters. No tickets required—Get PHAMEous is free, all ages, and open to the public. More information coming soon!

Free Weekly Programing

The following opportunities are free and are open to any student registered for Spring Term classes. No registration is required.

Links for online weekly programming will be shared in an email at the beginning of the term. You can also request the links from Alex by emailing them at ageffel@phamepdx.org.

Weekly Guest Artist Workshops

Mondays, 12:45-2:15 PM, in person at Grace Church
No workshop on Memorial Day.

We are thrilled to again be welcoming a guest artist every Monday this term to present free workshops for PHAME students. We’ll be covering a range of topics including theatre, writing, and more. A flyer and sign up sheet will be available at the CC desk. Students may also email RaChelle to sign up at rschmidt@phamepdx.org.

  • If you have taken part in a Write Around PDX workshop this year, don't miss your chance to get your story published! Writing submissions for the anthology that will be published by Write Around PDX are due on Monday, April 8, 2024. In this workshop, we will will go over your writings and prepare paperwork needed for submission packets. All students who have taken part in any of the Write Around PDX workshops this year are eligible to submit their writings from the workshop. If you would like extra help or have questions, join us on April 1, or contact RaChelle at rschmidt@phamepdx.org.

  • This group will meet with Write Around PDX every second Monday for the whole school year. Interested students are encouraged to come every month, however that is not required. Space is limited; be sure to sign up!

    • Do you have a story you want to tell?

    • Do you want to explore your voice using different writing styles?

    • Do you want to find a space to write and share freely each week?

    • Do you want to write with others in a supportive environment?

    Join Write Around Portland (a local nonprofit that supports writers) and PHAME for a monthly, hands-on workshop. This workshop is devoted to generative writing and the transformative power of writing in community. Using the acclaimed Write Around Portland model, this workshop incorporates exercises to inspire the writing life, including freewriting; work with writing elements; strength-building feedback and early-draft revision. Open to writers of all levels and experience.

  • If you are interested in being on screen or behind the scenes, come take an introductory filmmaking workshop with Ashley Song, co-owner of Desert Island Studios, a Portland-based studio facility and production company. This workshop is designed to provide a high-level overview of each step of the filmmaking process with a special emphasis on the many roles required for this highly collaborative arts industry.

  • Whether you are looking to expand your improvisational dance skills or just get some afternoon movement time, join us for this workshop with Echo Theater Company! DanceAbility is a method of exploring self-agency, creative movement, and connection to others through improvisational dance. Through guided exercises, students explore their relationship to their bodies, the space around them, and other dancers by making choices and following their intuition. DanceAbility classes are adaptive and create a learning environment open to and informed by all bodies present. No prior dance experience needed.

  • Whether your exposure to jazz comes from legendary icons like Duke Ellington or contemporary cover artists like Postmodern Jukebox, come celebrate Jazz Appreciation month with us! This workshop teaches students about jazz music's most important contributors, past and present, and its connection to visual art, a creative medium connecting to every student at every skill level. Students will discover how visual art in jazz plays a significant role in mirroring and shaping American culture by creating their own jazz album cover as well as interpreting jazz music, its emotions, and its message as visual expression. This interactive learning experience uniquely combines music, visual art, and American history. Student artwork is exhibited annually at the Portland Art Museum.

  • Join us for an introduction to this jaunty and joyful partner dance co-taught by PHAME's own Outreach & Events Coordinator! If you have ever dreamed of being on Dancing With the Stars or time-travelling to the big band era of the 1940's, this is the class for you! No prior dance experience or dance partner required, but please come in comfortable closed-toed shoes.

  • This group will meet with Write Around PDX every second Monday for the whole school year. Interested students are encouraged to come every month, however that is not required. Space is limited; be sure to sign up!

    • Do you have a story you want to tell?

    • Do you want to explore your voice using different writing styles?

    • Do you want to find a space to write and share freely each week?

    • Do you want to write with others in a supportive environment?

    Join Write Around Portland (a local nonprofit that supports writers) and PHAME for a monthly, hands-on workshop. This workshop is devoted to generative writing and the transformative power of writing in community. Using the acclaimed Write Around Portland model, this workshop incorporates exercises to inspire the writing life, including freewriting; work with writing elements; strength-building feedback and early-draft revision. Open to writers of all levels and experience.

  • Performance information to be announced.

  • The Sights & Sounds of Ghana Drumming takes students on a journey into the world of West African percussion while heightening their awareness and understanding of African cultures. The program features a complete family of authentic Ewe drums, bells and shakers, and integrates numerous Education Standards. Students are introduced to several Ghanaian instruments, learn a greeting in the Ewe language and get on their feet for some traditional dancing!

 

CC Hallways

Wednesdays, 2:45 PM-3:45 PM Online

CC Hallways are free online hangouts that happen every week of the term. Come say hi, check in with PHAME friends, and participate in a structured activity led by a Campus Coordinator.

Drop-In Mindfulness & Meditation

Wednesdays, 3:50-4:20 PM (with Teaching Artists Lea Mulligan & Billy Grossman), Online

In these calming and informative weekly sessions, students will learn simple and effective techniques for living fully in the present moment and clearing the mind. If you plan to join a Mindfulness & Meditation session, please be on time.

 

Information About Campus Location

All venues have wheelchair-accessible entrances and bathrooms. Questions? Please email Alex at ageffel@phamepdx.org.

Grace Memorial Church (All Spring Term In-Person Classes)

Address: 1535 NE 17th Ave., Portland, OR 97232.
Phone (to reach the on-duty Campus Coordinator): (503) 764-9718 ext. 22.

Please enter and exit only through the red doors on NE 17th at Weidler (the doors with the ramp).

Parking: We share a parking lot with Grace Church, and you and your support people are welcome to use it. The parking lot is located behind the church at the corner of NE 16th and Weidler. There is also limited free and pay parking on the surrounding streets.

Public Transportation: The neighborhood is served by multiple bus lines including the 17, 77, and 8, and the MAX is close by on the other side of Lloyd Center Mall.

 

Patricia Reser Center for Arts (Musical Theatre Workshops Only)

Address: 12625 SW Crescent Street, Beaverton, OR 97005. The Reser is a brand new arts building located on SW Crescent St. between SW Rose Biggi Ave. and SW Hall Blvd. in Beaverton.

Public Transportation:

  • Max Blue Line: Take the Max Blue line to the Beaverton Central Stop. The Reser is across the street from this stop. Continued.

  • Max Red Line or Busses 20, 52, 53, 54, 57, 58, 61, 76, 78, and 88: Take the Red Max or any of these busses to the Beaverton Transit Center. This stop is a quarter mile east of the Reser. From the stop, go northwest on SW Lombard Ave. and take a left immediately after you cross the train tracks. Continue on this path until you cross SW Hall Blvd. Now continue on SW Crescent St half a block; the Reser will be on the right.

Parking is available in the Beaverton Central District Garage, located on the west side of the building. Cost to park is $1/hr.

 

Questions?

Email Enrollment & Campus Operations Manager Alex Geffel at ageffel@phamepdx.org.