IMPULSE Opens At Oregon Children's Theatre, 1/19

After last season's sold-out shows, Impulse is ready to take the stage again to create fast-paced comedic scenes and games-all based on audience suggestions! No scripts, no costumes, and no pre-planned scenes. Get ready for quick wits and lots of laughter.

Directed by Blake Wales, the show features eight members of OCT's Young Professionals Company: Isaac Ellingson, Emma Fulmer, Sylvia Grosvold, London Mahaley, Hank Sanders, David VanDyke, and Claire Voilleque. Additional support provided by Eli Carey (Production Assistant) and Katie Witteman (House Manager).

Blake has been involved with Oregon Children's Theatre since he was a child. He was student and former Young Professional in his early years and is currently a teaching artist and director for the company. Blake is also the Acting Academy Associate at O.C.T. He received his BFA from Adelphi University in New York and has partnered with various domestic and international non-profits to teach improv and administer arts programming. Blake also works as an American Sign Language interpreter for local improv groups in hopes of making the comedy landscape in Portland more accessible.

The Young Professionals Company is comprised of dedicated theater students ages 14-18 who have been selected to participate in a year-long mentoring program where they receive advanced training

through exposure to a wide range of college-level workshops and professional development. Each season, the company presents three shows and other public performances. The Young Professionals Company is dedicated to building a supportive community of theater peers, providing them with resources, information, and professional on-the-job experience.

Founded in 1988, Oregon Children's Theatre has served well over two million children, teachers, and families. Its mission is to create exceptional theater experiences that transform lives. OCT is Oregon's largest non-profit professional children's theater company and a resident company of Portland'5 Centers for the Arts. Performances are held weekdays for school audiences and on weekends for family audiences. OCT serves more than 120,000 children of all ages each year. OCT offers numerous school services including study guides, teacher professional development opportunities, in-school workshops, and an extensive outreach program. In partnership with Kaiser Permanente, the Educational Theatre Program provides free touring productions that promote healthy living. OCT's year round Acting Academy offers theater classes for children ages 3-18 and Young Professionals Company.