Fall Term 2024

September 30 - December 12

Dive deeper into your creative pursuits with PHAME this fall.

It’s the start of a new school year and we can’t wait to get back to making art together! This term’s class list is PACKED with PHAME favorites like Drumming, Musical Theatre, Drawing, Vocal Studio, and so many more. Whether you’re looking to dive deeper into your artistic interests, or want to try something new, you’ll find tons of options for taking your creativity to new heights.

Mark your calendars for Back to School Night, the Halloween Dance, and our Annual Winter Concert (this year it’s at Portland Center Stage!). It’s going to be a great year at PHAME and we’re so glad you’re here.

All students registering for in-person classes are asked to please review our Wellness & Covid Policies. 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 fall, meeting in person at Grace Church and online. We’re also offering a Musical Theatre workshop 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

Fall Term events include Back to School Night, a Halloween Dance and the Ring-A-Ding-Ding Winter Concert.

Join an online meetup

We’re hosting one online hangout (CC Hallway) and one Meditation session each week of Fall 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. Labs focus on larger projects; therefore, students in these classes are strongly encouraged to enroll in the class for the whole school year and are expected to have strong attendance.

    Entry into a Lab class requires permission from the instructor. Students who are interested in joining a Lab or Ensemble are encouraged to contact the instructor about either setting up an audition or providing work samples for consideration. Students who are approved for a Lab must still list it on their registration form; students who have not been approved by the instructor will not be placed in the class.

    Students who auditioned in our group auditions in June have received the results of their audition via email.

  • 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—Playwrighting - Technique (Grace)
2:30 PM-3:45 PM—Vocal Studio (Section 1) (Hybrid)
3:00 PM-4:15 PM—Yoga (Online)

Tuesdays

11:00 AM-12:30 PM—**Visual Art: Wearable Art - Technique (Grace)
11:00 AM-12:30 PM—**Mixed Ensemble - Lab (Grace)
1:00 PM-2:15 PM—Ballet (Grace)
1:00 PM-2:15 PM—**Music Fundamentals - Technique (Grace)
1:15 PM-2:30 PM—Drawing  (Online)
2:45 PM-4:00 PM—Drumming (Section 2) (Grace)
2:45 PM-4:00 PM—Voice Acting (Online)
2:45 PM-4:15 PM—**Rock Ensemble - Lab (Grace)

Wednesdays

11:00 AM-12:15 PM—Musical Theatre (Section 1) (Grace)
1:00 PM-2:15 PM—**Radio Drama Technique - Playwriting (Online)
12:30 PM-1:45 PM—Acting (Grace)
1:00 PM-2:15 PM—Musical Theatre (Section 2) (Online)
2:15 PM-3:30 PM—Filmmaking: Music Video (Grace)
2:30 PM-3:45 PM—Broadway Dance (Online)
3:50 PM-4:50 PM—CC Hallway (Host: Tess) (Online)
4:55 PM-5:25 PM—Drop-In Mindfulness & Meditation (Online)

Thursdays

11:00 AM-12:15 PM—Mixed Media Sampler (Grace)
11:00 AM-12:30 PM—**Comedy Troupe - Lab (Grace)
12:45 PM-2:00 PM—**Dance Evolution - Technique (Grace)
12:45 PM-2:00 PM—Storytelling (Grace)
2:20 PM-3:35 PM—Improvisational Dance (Grace)
2:20 PM-3:35 PM—Vocal Studio (Section 2) (Grace)
2:20 PM-3:35 PM—**Acting: Working with Scripts - Technique (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.

 

Fall Term Musical Theatre Workshop

We’re excited to offer another Musical Theatre workshop at The Reser in Beaverton this fall on Friday, November 15, 12:30-2:30 PM.

Join us for an engaging musical theatre workshop designed to explore the fundamentals of performance in a fun and supportive environment. Whether you’re curious about musical theatre or looking to refine your skills, this workshop is perfect for all levels of experience.

Workshops are $30 each. Tuition Assistance is available. More information about The Reser, including the address, is on page 36. Maximum capacity for each workshop: 15.       

Registration and deadlines information:

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.

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

 

Key Dates

Tuesday, August 27:
• Priority Deadline for registration forms (by 9 AM) 

Monday, September 23:

• 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)

Wednesday, September 25
• Back to School Night: Online option: 3-4 PM on Zoom.
In-person option: 6-8 PM at Grace Church (new students are invited for a
special welcome from 5:30-6 PM)

Sunday, September 29:
• All students taking online classes receive their Zoom links no later than this date

Monday, September 30:
• Fall Term begins 

Friday, October 11:

• 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.

Tuesday, October 29:
• Halloween Dance, Grace and Online (6-8 PM)

November 25-28:
• PHAME campus closed for Thanksgiving Break; no classes

Tuesday, December 10:
• Ring-A-Ding-Ding Winter Concert (6:45-8:30 PM, Portland Center Stage)

Thursday, December 12:
• Fall Term ends

All times are Pacific Time.

Events

Back to School Night

Wednesday, September 25

  • Online option: 3-4 PM, online

  • In-person option: 6-8 PM at Grace Church (new students are invited for a special welcome from 5:30-6 PM)

We’re kicking off the school year with our annual Back to School Night! Catch up with PHAME friends, meet some new ones, learn about what’s happening at PHAME this year, and (in-person option) enjoy yummy pizza. The link for the online option will be shared with registered students in September.

Halloween Dance

Tuesday, October 29, 6-8 PM at Grace Church and Online

Join your PHAME friends and DJ Lamar for a fun and costume-optional dance party! Students have the choice of joining in person or online. For students joining in person, the cost is $5 cash at the door.

Snow Globe Time Machine Winter Concert

Tuesday, December 10, 6:45-8:30 PM at Portland Center Stage
Address: 128 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

PHAME’s annual Winter Concert is back and better than ever! Take a swinging trip in the PHAME time machine as we travel back to a mid-century winter clam bake, where the cats are cool and the music is hot. With performances by PHAME’s music ensembles and soloists, as well as comedy and dance, this show is going to be a gas! Ticket options and more information coming soon.

Free Weekly Programing

The following opportunities are free and are open to any student registered for Fall 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

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.

  • As smartphones improve their video, photo, and audio capabilities, they become more valuable recording devices for documenting people’s lives and stories. With improvements in camera and software technology, smartphones are capable of taking photos that rival professional quality DSLR’s. By taking this workshop, PHAME members will build a photography skillset that will help them take higher quality photos to share with friends, family, and their community. They say the best camera is the one that’s in your hand. Time to put it to the test!

  • Join local Stop Motion Animator Aarica North for a hands-on introduction to the craft that breathes life into inanimate objects! Students will learn about the basic principles and techniques of stop motion animation and leave with the knowledge and inspiration to continue creating and exploring on their own.

  • 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.

  • Dive into the rich tradition of Japanese drumming at our upcoming Taiko workshop, featuring a special guest instructor from enTaiko! This hands-on session invites you to explore a unique blend of music and physical expression. Whether you're new to drumming or have some experience, you'll be guided by an expert dedicated to sharing this ancient art form.

  • If you're an actor, singer, dancer, or any type of performer, auditions are an inevitable part of your journey. While auditioning can often feel daunting and intimidating, being well-prepared with the right tools can make the process much smoother and more enjoyable. In this fun and insightful workshop, we'll discuss what essentials you need for your "audition kit" and how to use them effectively to help you land the role. If you're planning to audition for the Revels, attending this workshop is highly recommended to ensure you're fully prepared and ready to shine!

  • 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.

  • Ariel Baska, horror and documentary filmmaker will share their current work in progress, Monstrous Me, and discuss the format of the video essay, discussing the skills required to write, visualize, and edit work in this format. They will share tools and language to help with exploring this deeply personal art form.

  • Come check out OUR Little Free Diverse Library (LFDL)! OUR LFDL is a justice and community centered book sharing box/shelf/space where anyone can "Take a book. Share a book". It embraces the inclusive mission of Little Free Library's Read in Color program. Wendy Shih 施文莉 (she/her/她) is a volunteer library steward who is passionate about increasing diverse and inclusive book access in our community. She recently received a Todd H. Bol award for outstanding achievement and was named one of the "Best of Portland 2024" by Willamette Week. Wendy uses her library to help build inter and intra community solidarity. She believes in reading diverse and inclusive books as a means to a more understanding and compassionate society. During this session, she will invite discussion on how books can serve as mirrors, windows and sliding glass doors. Students will also have the opportunity to browse the library and pick out a book to keep. PHAME encourages students to bring books to swap or donate to the library, but this is not required to participate!

  • No classes the week of Thanksgiving, November 25-28

  • If you're an actor, singer, dancer, or any type of performer, auditions are an inevitable part of your journey. While auditioning can often feel daunting and intimidating, being well-prepared with the right tools can make the process much smoother and more enjoyable. In this fun and insightful workshop, we'll discuss what essentials you need for your "audition kit" and how to use them effectively to help you land the role. To be best prepared for this workshop, come with a monologue, a song and either a resume or informal list of shows in which you have performed (this includes PHAME productions).

  • 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.

 

CC Hallways

Wednesdays, 3:50 PM-4:50 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, 4:55-5:25 PM (with Teaching Artist Lea Mulligan), 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 Fall 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 Workshop 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.