Portland Actors Conservatory & PETE's OPUS 3 Opens Tonight

Portland Actors Conservatory collaborated with PETE (Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble) to create an innovative and immersive theatre experience. Inspired by August Strinberg's Ghost Sonata, Opus 3 opens tonight, April 11 at the historic Firehouse Theatre.

PAC second year students under the guidance of PETE developed this whimsical story viewed in a surrealist world.

"Opus 3 is an experiment in collective imagining," explained lead faculty and PETE member Jacob Coleman. "The world is dreamlike and continues to evolve as sound and lighting are filtered in."

Everything from the staging of movement to the directorial process is a collaborative effort.

"Our Conservatory training focuses on the importance of the ensemble," Producing Artistic Director Beth Harper said. "This project was such a perfect marriage of cooperation and creativity. The magic of theatre is in the collaborative effort. It was another illustration of how our students put theory into practice."

Through the work of PAC's resident design team: Tim Stapleton (scenic), Jeff Forbes (lighting), Chris Mikolavich (sound), and Jessica Bobillot (costumes) the audience is introduced to this dream world from the moment they enter the building.

Traditional seating has been re-imagined to more fully invite the audience into this surrealist world.

"Like a dream not everything fits perfectly," said Rebecca Lingafelter, PETE member. "Through striking imagery, movement and sound this world is created. The audience shares an intimate experience and witnesses a simple love story."

Opus 3 runs April 9 - 27, Thursday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Preview performances are April 9 -10. Opening night on April 11 includes a reception following the performance at Portland Actors Conservatory's Firehouse Theatre, located at 1436 SW Montgomery St., Portland, Ore., 97201. Tickets are available online at www.actorsconservatory.com or by calling (503)274-1717. Ticket prices range from $5 - $25. Student, senior and group discounts are available.

In support of advancing arts education there will be a special fundraising performance on Saturday, April 26. A reception with music, hors d'oeuvres and drinks will take place immediately following the performance. All proceeds benefit youth scholarships and student programming. Tickets are available through our box office.