Portland Center Stage at The Armory Presents TRAVEL THE TRAIL a New Way to Experience the Historic Oregon Trail

Portland Center Stage at The Armory, thanks to a grant from Travel Oregon, is using a story produced for the stage as a lens for audiences to explore Oregon's cultural history guided by a "Travel the Trail" vacation itinerary. Consisting of six days of outlined destinations and attractions, the itinerary both educates travelers on the Oregon Trail's history and aids in bolstering the tourism industry in Oregon.

Inspired by Bekah Brunstetter's The Oregon Trail running October 29 through November 20 at The Armory, the itinerary gives theater-goers and tourists alike the chance to explore the region featured in the production, and gain a deeper connection with the story on stage. The "Travel the Trail" itinerary is the first of two travel itineraries that will be released this season as part of Portland Center Stage at The Armory's Northwest Stories series.

THE DESTINATIONS

The "Travel the Trail" vacation itinerary takes travelers from Portland, Oregon to Hells Canyon, Oregon, offering six days of planned destinations and attractions that provide a chance to experience the only section of the Oregon Trail in the Northwest. In partnership with Travel Oregon, Clackamas County Tourism, Travel Pendleton and Baker County Tourism, the itinerary provides recommended stops and activities in each city, such as:

· Seeing The Oregon Trail at Portland Center Stage at The Armory

· Visiting The End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Oregon City

· Seeing Barlow Road and the Pioneer Woman's Grave at Mt. Hood

· Exploring the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum in The Dalles

· Touring the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute in Pendleton

· Visiting the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City

· Taking a jet boat tour of Hells Canyon with Hells Canyon Adventures

The entire itinerary can be viewed at www.pcs.org/TravelTheTrail.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

The "Travel the Trail" itinerary is available to view online via www.pcs.org/TravelTheTrail, and as a printable PDF. Patrons of Portland Center Stage at The Armory will receive the itinerary directly, however the itinerary will also be promoted throughout the West Coast in California and Washington to encourage travel to and around Oregon. Travelers will be encouraged to share their experiences on social media by using #travelthetrail. Additionally, everyone who attends The Oregon Trail will have a chance to enter a drawing for a grand prize, a "Travel the Trail" vacation package, including overnight stays and meals at each destination, admission to each attraction and additional perks.

NORTHWEST STORIES SERIES

New for the 2016-2017 season, Portland Center Stage at The Armory's Northwest Stories series is a celebration of the essence of the region. From fresh looks at history to dynamic explorations of contemporary culture, Northwest Stories blends adventurous storytelling with local impact, all created with the immediacy and vibrancy that only live performance can bring. The "Explore the Great Northwest Stories" travel itineraries work in tandem with the series, providing vacation ideas to enhance the experience of seeing Bekah Brunstetter's The Oregon Trail and the world premiere of Astoria, Chris Coleman's adaptation of the book by Peter Stark.

Bekah Brunstetter'S THE OREGON TRAIL

You have died of dysentery! For those who grew up playing "The Oregon Trail" computer game, dysentery was serious business. In this fresh and funny retelling of our history, two Janes traverse The Oregon Trail. "Now Jane" is playing the computer game in 1997; "Then Jane" is in a covered wagon in 1848. A judgey game show narrator, a domineering sister and two oxen try to corral the two Janes. Fate maneuvers them both to a conclusion that changes their lives and sends them to the end of the trail. The play will run from October 29, 2016 through November 20, 2016. Show times and details may be found at: www.pcs.org/oregontrail. Download publicity photos on Flickr.

ABOUT TRAVEL OREGON

The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors' experiences by providing information, resources and trip planning tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality of Oregon. The commission aims to improve Oregonians' quality of life by strengthening the economic impacts of the state's $10.8 billion tourism industry that employs more than 105,000 Oregonians. Visit TravelOregon.com to learn more.

PORTLAND CENTER STAGE AT THE ARMORY

Portland Center Stage at The Armory is the largest theater company in Portland and among the top 20 regional theaters in the country. Established in 1988 as a branch of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the company became independent in 1994 and has been under the leadership of Artistic Director Chris Coleman since May, 2000. Around 150,000 visitors attend The Armory annually to enjoy a mix of classical, contemporary and world premiere productions, along with a variety of high quality education and community programs. 11 productions are offered each season, in addition to roughly 400 community events - created in partnership with 170+ local organizations and individuals - to serve the diverse populations in the city. As part of its dedication to new play development, the company has produced 20 world premieres and presents an annual new works festival, JAW: A Playwrights Festival. The Northwest Stories series was recently launched to develop and produce works about, or by artists from, the Northwest region. Home to two theaters, The Armory was the first building on the National Register of Historic Places, and the first performing arts venue, to achieve a LEED Platinum rating.

THE 2016-2017 SEASON SUPPORTERS

The 2016-2017 season is funded in part by Season Superstars Tim and Mary Boyle, and Lead Corporate Champion Umpqua Bank. Further support comes from the following Season Sponsors: Regional Arts and Culture Council, The Wallace Foundation and Oregon Arts Commission, a state agency funded by the state of Oregon and the National Endowment for the Arts. Mark Spencer Hotel is the official hotel partner. Further support is provided by Oregon Arts Commission, a state agency funded by the State of Oregon and the National Endowment for the Arts. Portland Center Stage at The Armory was selected as a participant of the Wallace Foundation's Building Audiences for Sustainability Initiative, a four-year effort with a nationwide cohort of 26 performing arts organizations.

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