Artists Repertory Theatre Expands Resident Artist Company

Artistic Director Dámaso Rodriguez honors the name and intention of Artists Repertory Theatre by expanding the Resident Artist Company to include 20 of Portland's most lauded professionals from a variety of theatrical disciplines. This significant step follows former Artistic Director Allen Nause's creation of an acting company in 2008 and Rodriguez's addition of five artists in 2013.

"Theatre is an art form born of collaboration and a theatrical experience is created by the innovative and inspired work of many disciplines," said Rodriguez, Artistic Director. "Artists Rep honors this core company of Resident Artists by recognizing their creative contributions to our theatre."

This step marks a notable reframing of who and what a resident company can be for a theatre organization, and vice versa. Rodriguez envisions that the Resident Artist Company at Artists Rep will provide an artistic home for theatre professionals where both artist and company can mutually benefit. Artists Rep productions will feature the work of a core group of accomplished Resident Artists, each with a shared history and a shorthand for collaboration, working alongside guest artists from Portland and beyond.

These Resident Artists not only populate the stages and back stages of Artists Rep, but also work year-round at theatres elsewhere in Portland, the region and throughout the country. Together, they will drive the expansion of Artists Rep's education and community engagement programs, and they will contribute to artistic programming by developing new work and piloting new programs with the support of Artists Rep's administrative staff and board of directors.

These artists represent a diverse mix of actors, designers, directors and writers who are crafting acclaimed careers through a combination of talent, drive and entrepreneurial spirit. They are educators, activists and community leaders who play a major role in defining the cultural landscape of Portland.