Portland Theatres Unite in ‘Go See A Play’ Revival Campaign

In response to recent industry challenges and the slow return to audiences from pre-pandemic levels, four theatre companies in Portland are launching a groundbreaking joint marketing campaign - Go See a Play. Envisioned by Artists Repertory Theatre, Portland Center Stage, Portland Playhouse, and Profile Theatre, and funded by a grant from Oregon Community Foundation, the effort aims to invigorate the city's performing arts scene.

The Go See a Play campaign recognizes the vital role the arts play in bringing communities together, reflecting society, and fostering creativity. Now, with the impact of financial challenges and declining ticket sales, the urgency for a cohesive response has never been clearer. The campaign hopes to remind Portland of the transformative experiences only live theatre can offer.

"Recovery requires unity. We believe that the challenges facing our theatres cannot be addressed in isolation. By coming together as a community, we can amplify our message and ensure that our theatres remain an integral part of Portland's cultural fabric," said Ela Roman, marketing and communications director at Portland Playhouse.

Leslie Crandell Dawes Communications and Marketing Director, Artists Repertory Theatre, added, “Upon the revelation that we were all vying for the same patrons in our quest for donations and ticket sales, the idea  coalesced: rather than engaging in fierce competition, it was vital that we unite our efforts, forging a collaborative front to elevate and bolster one another. The vitality of our downtown hinges on a thriving cultural landscape. The power of theatre does just that - the power lies in the stories we tell and in the shared experiences. Together, we can build a stronger community , drawing upon our collective strength."

Katie Watkins, Director of Marketing and Communications  at Portland Center Stage, expands: "Our core belief is unwavering: community above competition. We firmly hold that a win for one theatre is a win for all theatres, and the communities they serve.

"The economic ripple effect of robust theatres is profound.

"Portland builds economic momentum when theatres are packed. Hotels, restaurants, shops, and cafés experience a surge in demand, which can be directly linked to theatregoers.”

Eboni Lovell, communications director at Profile Theatre, concludes, “The magic of theatre isn't just about the performances on stage; it's audiences, artists, and patrons coming together. As we unite, we don't just rebuild — we push Portland's artistic scene to new heights.”

The Go See a Play campaign can be found at www.pdxtheatre.org, which will be live on November 6 for seven weeks. This user-friendly website will help Portlanders discover the offerings from Portland’s theaters, featuring single images of plays currently happening in theaters in and around Portland.