Classes at OCT
We provide high-quality, year-round arts education, encouraging students to imagine, learn, and grow both as performers and individuals. Our teaching artists foster joy, creativity and imagination by meeting each student right where they are.
With classes for kids ages 3–18, ranging from beginners to college-level training, located in multiple convenient locations throughout the Portland metro area, there’s a class designed to engage students at every experience level. Whether your child is looking for a fun way to express themselves or looking to take their theatrical training to the next level, OCT has classes for everyone!
ages 3–6
Our First Act classes are designed to bring out the best in your child. Exposing kids to a wide variety of imaginative opportunities, these classes not only engage and inspire the youngest performers, but build confidence, resilience, and collaboration skills.
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Creative Dramatics
Use your imagination, share stories, and make new friends while building skills in teamwork, focus, and creative expression. Play theater games, gain self-confidence, and learn life skills in a welcoming environment. This active class focuses on creative movement, collaboration, and physical play.Page to Stage
Using the stories and themes seen on our Mainstage while also creating new stories and original characters we will transform text from page to stage. Develop performance skills such as movement, character creation, basic memorization, and collaboration as you explore storytelling through the art of adaptation.Music and Make Believe
Unleash your imagination as you journey through magical stories and musical moments. Explore singing, movement, and dramatic games while focusing on early musical development and performance. Gain self-confidence, and improve rhythm, coordination, concentration, and collaboration skills in this fun and playful class.STEM on Stage
Dive into the wonderful stories of Iggy Peck Architect, Ada Twist Scientist, Rosie Revere Engineer, and more in this imaginative class. Bring science and engineering to life as you combine STEM learning with theatre and life skills! Spark your scientific curiosity, creative problem-solving, and critical thinking skills as we explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics paired with performing arts.Young Actor’s Workshop
A beginning acting class for our young performers! Develop focus, basic memorization, and character creation skills as you use your imagination to discover the building blocks of acting and performance. Through theatre games and exercises we’ll develop confidence, concentration, collaboration, and oral communication skills through storytelling and scene work. -
Classes are offered year-round in eight-week terms, with classes occurring once each week, Mondays through Thursdays + Saturdays. Additionally, week-long classes will be offered during school breaks (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer).
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Class costs range from $140–$280 per class per term. Scholarships are available for those with a financial need.
ages 7–12
Second Stage classes build on previously-learned skills, designed to bring a new level of acting education to your child’s repertoire. Classes target age-appropriate theatrical skills to develop and refine your child’s abilities.
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Beginning Acting
Explore movement, voice, and improvisation in a great class to bring out the actor in you! Use theater exercises and entry level techniques to create unique characters and make strong dramatic choices. Build confidence and creativity and communication skills in this class for beginning students.Musical Magic
Discover the joy of musical theater as you explore singing skills and basic choreography. Make the most of your voice and grow as a musical performer using hits from Broadway’s most popular shows. Build skills in coordination, creative expression, and collaboration in this fantastic first musical class for the aspiring singer!Create and Perform
Throughout this class you will go through the process of staging an original play. Using theater games and activities, you’ll learn how to tell a story using a script and how to put that story on stage. This is a highly collaborative, creative class that focuses on writing, movement and scene work. A great class for students who want to work together to create an original theatre piece.Intermediate Acting
Take your acting chops to the next level. For the experienced actor looking for the next challenge. Create complex characters and improve focus and performance techniques, while exploring skills that help you connect to scripts and fellow performers. Emphasis on creating believable characters physically and vocally, script analysis, improvisation, communication, and ensemble building.Sing, Dance, Act
Become a triple threat! Combine vocal training, dance skills, and acting through song while performing some of Broadway’s best. Build self-confidence and your resume as you develop skills in creative movement, coordination, self-discipline, and collaboration. Work towards a shared goal with your ensemble as you develop an all new musical showcase. Then have a blast in a final showcase that will leave them standing! A great class for students who have a love for singing and musical theater.Improv Jam
Learn to let go and act in the moment while strengthening your acting skills. Learn games and exercises that develop essential performance skills including collaboration, creative thinking, and comedic timing. Think on your feet, create memorable characters, and build confidence through the fun and challenge of improv. An essential class for any student interested in theater!On Camera
Gain experience and self-confidence as you learn the fundamentals of acting for the camera. Using on- camera techniques, you’ll develop skills in film acting from how to slate, hit your mark, take direction, and more. Learn to focus and stretch your imagination while you build your toolbox for acting on screen! -
Classes are offered year-round in eight-week terms, with classes occurring once each week, Mondays through Thursdays + Saturdays. Additionally, week-long classes will be offered during school breaks (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer).
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Class costs range from $140–$280 per class per term. Scholarships are available for those with a financial need.
ages 12+
Our Teen Acting Academy offers advanced training for teens, targeting specific areas of learning and building on previously learned abilities, take their skills to the next level. Acting Academy is a great option for teens interested in auditioning for Mainstage productions, the Young Professionals Company, or other professional opportunities.
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Audition Pros
Sharpen your audition skills, build your focus, and learn how to showcase your strengths. This class builds self-awareness and self-confidence while working on the skills you need for giving great professional theater and screen auditions. Strengthen audition skills such as slates, cold reads, prepared pieces, and ensemble work, and enhance acting skills through scene and monologue work. Emphasis on creating believable characters physically and vocally, script analysis, improvisation, and ensemble exercises. Great for students who plan to audition for school or professional productions.Advanced Acting
For the experienced actor looking for the next challenge. Practice a variety of skills and techniques that will hone your craft. This fast-paced class is designed for the actor who is ready to take their training to the next level and pursue theater in a more serious way. This class has an emphasis on creating believable characters physically and vocally, script analysis, improvisation, finding presence, and ensemble building. Please note that work outside of class may be required.An Actor Prepares
Advance your monologue/scene work skills and sharpen audition techniques. Focus on the building blocks of acting: Character, Relationship, Objective, and Where. Use technique-based exercises to examine the text and strengthen your monologue performance while improving your communication skills, and self-confidence. A great class for students who are interested in the Young Professional’s program or pursuing theater outside of school.Improv Troupe
Be part of your own improv troupe! Learn to let go and act in the moment with your ensemble of actors, with games and exercises that develop essential performance skills. This class for actors of all ability levels will focus on quick thinking, active listening, communication, collaboration and play.Musical Theater
Built for the singing actor, this class is an intensive study for students who want to bring next-level skills to their musical theater performances. Learn how to make the most of your voice featuring songs from the Broadway cannon and perform a variety of dance styles and choreography for musical theater. Improve rhythm and character development through movement and voice. -
Classes are offered year-round in eight-week terms, with classes occurring on Friday evenings and Sundays. Additionally, week-long classes will be offered during school breaks (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer).
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Class costs range from $210–$560 per class per term. Scholarships are available for those with a financial need.
ages 14+
The award-winning Young Professionals Company is made up of dedicated theater students–ages 14 and up–who seek advanced training through exposure to a wide range of college-level workshops, professional development, resources, and information.
Participation in the YP Company requires an annual audition, application, and enrollment in at least two Teen Acting Academy classes each year.
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Teens in the YP Company are required to enroll in at least two Teen Acting Academy classes each year. YPs are also invited to attend exclusive college-level workshops, master classes, and special events.
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Classes are offered year-round in eight-week terms, with classes occurring on Friday evenings and Sundays. Additionally, week-long classes will be offered during school breaks (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer).
YP workshops and special events are held year-round and are invite only.
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The cost to participate in the YP Company is $875 annually. This fee covers all events, workshops, and one Teen Acting Academy class. All Young Professional actors, production team, and apprentices, are paid for their work on YP Productions.
Scholarships are available for applicants with a financial need.
What is the OCT difference?
We believe that theatre skills are life skills. By introducing acting styles and techniques into our curriculum, students come away with an understanding of what it means to be an actor and how that can be applied both on and off stage. Developing strong life skills such as self-awareness, empathy & teamwork, and creativity is at the heart of our work in our classrooms.
How do we do this?
We greet each student as they arrive individually, making them feel special and seen right from the start.
Our classes focus on building skills that allow students to grow not only as performers, but also as individuals.
Rather than relying on technical aspects (such as costumes and props) or focusing on a single script or performance, we center in on each student’s individual creativity.
Our students learn how to be comfortable using their bodies, voices, and imaginations while working collaboratively to create or tell a story.
Individualized Learning Pathways
Students participating in classes at OCT can receive guidance on classes to take based on their experience, interests, and how they would like to grow within the arts. OCT students and families have the opportunity to make relationships with our Education staff to create a pathways for personalized artistic development to ensure your family has access to high quality theater education throughout your child’s journey in the arts. OCT has never turned a child away from our programming due to financial barriers and we are committed to working with your family to ensure that there is an opportunity to engage in our classes.
Families love our classes!
Class locations
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The Hanna Building
Located at 541 NE 20th Ave (next door to OCT’s previous location in NE Sandy Blvd), the Hanna Building is home to OCT’s administrative offices and rehearsal/classroom space. Students should enter the building on 20th Ave through the main doors, then head upstairs to Suite 220. Check out our walkthrough video here!
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Multnomah Arts Center
Find OCT in SW Portland at Multnomah Arts Center! Located in Multnomah Village, classes are held in the Cottages (located at the corner of SW Capitol Highway & SW 34th Ave). Multnomah Village offers a variety of nearby hangouts for parents looking for a quick bite or drink while waiting for students.
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Curious Comedy Theater
Located off Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in NE Portland, classes at Curious Comedy Theater are held in the main theater space (enter on the east side of the building off MLK Blvd) or the Annex Theater (enter on the west side of the building from the rear parking lot).
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Build Confidence
Classes encourage children to step outside their comfort zones in a safe space, building confidence and resilience!
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Grow With Your Peers
Develop and strengthen teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills while working intimately with a group of peers.
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Refine Your Craft
Classes range from beginner to advanced skill levels meaning your child can grow, no matter their experience!
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Have fun!
Create new friendships in a fun, engaging, and supportive place surrounded by caring teachers and families.