We’re Not Slowing Down

A note from our Executive Director

Like so much of the past year and a half, autumn feels like it’s flying by. But as I look forward to the winter season and the warmth it brings, I keep thinking back to our Video Release Party in September. If you joined us for that event, I’m sure you remember the beauty of the four videos. Each had its own artistry and its own distinct message, from the drumming collaboration with Oregon Symphony Orchestra, to the original music video performed by Mixed Ensemble, to the gorgeous ballet collaboration with Oregon Ballet Theatre, and of course the animated short. Each video demonstrated the fierce commitment our artists have to their craft.

Like any accomplished artists, our students are using the tools they have at their disposal to deliver their messages to their community. In the past that meant stepping onto a stage or hanging a picture on a wall. Now that means making videos, recording one’s own voice, and bringing handmade drawings to life in the digital realm.

I’m inclined to tell you that PHAME students have acclimated to the current moment . . . but that word implies passivity or perhaps tranquility, and falls far short of expressing the grit that goes into thriving in uncertain times. PHAME artists have not slowed down. If anything, they are going faster, learning new skills, asking new questions, braving new frontiers. And they’re doing it together, building new bonds with each other and with partners in our community.

During September’s release party, I was particularly struck by the poem that accompanied the animated film. Titled “Wide Rivers Can’t Be Crossed (As Long as You Think You Can’t Float),” it was written by Niko Boskovic, who joined PHAME as a student this summer. The poem illuminates a frequent experience for many people with disabilities: being made invisible in plain sight; being reduced to an “other” who is denied their own voice. The pandemic could have continued this commonly occurring situation. And yet in a time of continued seclusion and separation, our students continue to find their voices and share them in new ways, and their voices, art, and stories matter more than ever.

As we progress into this season of gratitude, I want to say thank you to all of you who make up the PHAME community. I had no idea that twenty months into a pandemic our organization could feel so strong. We have this strength because of you—your dedication, and your support. Because of you, we find ourselves looking to the future with fortitude, hope, confidence, and excitement. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for being a part of PHAME.

—Jenny R. Stadler, Ph.D.

Another Original PHAME Production Is On Its Way

We asked PHAME Teaching Artist Matthew Zrebski to share an update on our next original production

Smiling white man wearing a hat and brown collared shirt in a domestic space.

I’ve had the immense pleasure over the past year of working with PHAME’s innovative “Playwrights Lab” students on crafting the script for 2022’s summer musical. This invigorating process required that we determine how to synthesize many ideas from these writers’ diverse voices. From the general concept, to characters, to story lines, to lyrics, to movement: the writers poured forth content along with a framework for building the show.

Always with a sharp sense of humor, students decided I’d be assigned the role of “Play Mixologist.” Rather than have different writers pen separate sections of script, I would take their rich work and combine material, all with the intent of honoring the collective goals. In this way, everyone’s talent is represented in the script at all times—their written words, their ideas, and their feedback—a fabulous array of ingredients yielding a “mix” that becomes a new musical titled: The Call.

Picture this: On an empty stage, in a landscape of possibility, sits a payphone. Sometimes it rings. Sometimes a person dials. Always, on the other end, is someone who has been part of an unresolved moment in a character’s life. From these calls, the characters’ worlds break open into memory, dreams, confrontation, and reconciliation. One by one, the characters must confront and explore risk, mystery, breakthrough, compassion, trust, light, and confidence…all answering the call to find strength, and ultimately, empowerment.

— Matthew B. Zrebski

Matthew B. Zrebski is an award-winning director, playwright, composer, script consultant, teaching artist, and producer. He served as the stage director for PHAME’s first original production, Up the Fall (2015), and he co-write and directed In a Single Breath (2017).

Check out our new music video for Answer the Call. PHAME’s Mixed Ensemble performs this original song written by Playwrights Lab. This song, and many more, will be part of next summer’s original production.

Don’t Miss Katie Carlsen’s Art Show at Community Vision

We’re excited to be partnering with our friends at Community Vision to exhibit the work of PHAME artists in the front window of their Seven Corners Collaborative Building. First up is longtime student Katie Carlsen, who is currently exhibiting a selection of her ink and pencil drawings. This partnership is the brainchild of two Directors of Community Engagement: our very own Rob Smith, and Community Vision’s John Canda. We’re excited for future exhibitions!

Visit the show: Katie’s work is on view through December 30 at 2475 SE Ladd Ave #240, Portland, OR 97214. The exhibition is viewed from the street, so it can be seen at any hour.

What’s It Like to Make Videos for Online Events at PHAME?

Brian Peccia shares his experience

In summer 2020, we launched a new student event: an online Cabaret featuring live and prerecorded performances by PHAME students, for PHAME students. One student who has repeatedly submitted stellar Cabaret videos is Brian Peccia, whose videos mash together pop culture, social commentary, cool video effects, and humor.

We asked Brian to share a few thoughts about his experience making his videos:

I make videos that are kind of funny, comedy musical things.

On process:

There’s making the words for the songs, writing the songs, making the background, building the puppets, acting and using the green screen. We set up the camera on a ring light, make the puppets with cardboard, string, eyeballs, building the stage with paint, props, cardboard. [My family and friends] do it, too, and I am the director.

On sharing his videos with the community:

I’m famous making videos! They’re excited [at PHAME]—I know Matthew likes them. I feel good and a little bit excited, and happy. I share it with my friends. I put my videos on Instagram, too.

What he’s planning for the next Cabaret:

It’s a comedy drive-through with different characters and celebrities.

Thank you, Brian!

Join PHAME for Our Winter Concert!

DIgital collage of a snowy scene with circles displaying the faces of PHAME students. A wooden trail sign is labeled with Winter Concert and December 15. Two squirrels make funny appearances.

This year’s concert will be online on December 15 at 6:30 PM, and will feature fabulous performances by PHAME artists. Learn more and reserve your free ticket today! All are welcome. (Fall Term students do not need to reserve a ticket)

Winter Term Enrollment Starts Soon!

PHAME’s Winter Term will run January 10–March 17, and we’ll announce our list of online and in-person classes later this month.

If you or someone you know has been thinking about becoming a PHAME student, now is a great time to schedule a Prospective Student Interview. Get in touch with Rob Smith by calling (503) 764-9718 ext. 2 or email him at rsmith@phamepdx.org.