YP Readers Series

A Young Professionals Company Production
May 15–18, 2025

The Young Professionals Company takes you behind-the-scenes for a unique perspective on three different scripts: A youthful musical, a classic Greek tragedy, and a contemporary drama! Staged Readings provide audiences with an opportunity to see the production process in a completely different way. Performance, storytelling, and exciting bonus content, featuring 21 Young Professional designers and cast members!

pay-what-you-can tickets!

OCT is committed to making theatre experiences accessible to all families: all tickets to all performances in the Readers Series are pay-what-you-can pricing. (To help offset production costs we suggest a $10 minimum donation.)

  • Zombie in Love – the musical

    by Michelle Elliot and Danny Larsen

    Originally commissioned by OCT in 2013, this sweet story will make you believe in love after life. A heartfelt musical about celebrating the weird in all of us.

    Saturday, May 17 at 2:00 pm
    Sunday, May 18 at 11:00 am

    Recommended for ages 6 and up.
    Runtime: approximately 60 minutes

  • Eurydice

    by Sarah Ruhl

    A reimagining of the classic myth of Orpheus through the eyes of its heroine. With contemporary characters, creative plot twists, and poetic language, this is a fresh take on a timeless love story.

    Friday, May 16 at 7:00 pm
    Sunday, May 18 at 2:00 pm

    Recommended for ages 12 and up.
    Runtime: approximately 80 minutes

  • Why we have winter

    by Alexa Derman

    High school couple Anna and Helen are grappling with the fallout from a sexual assault. A play about emotional impact and loving, even when it hurts.

    Thursday, May 15 at 7:00 pm
    Saturday, May 17 at 7:00 pm

    Contains themes of sexual violence and self-harm. Restricted to ages 14 and up.

    Runtime: approximately 90 minutes

  • During a staged reading, actors read directly from scripts, performing (in this case) with minimal use of production elements: lighting, makeup, costumes, sound design, and more. Some stage directions will also be read to help describe the action.

  • Zombie in Love
    Saturday, May 17 at 2:00 pm
    Sunday, May 18 at 11:00 am
    Runtime: approximately 60 minutes.

    Eurydice
    Friday, May 16 at 7:00 pm
    Sunday, May 18 at 2:00 pm
    Runtime: approximately 80 minutes.

    Why We Have Winter
    Thursday, May 15 at 7:00 pm
    Saturday, May 17 at 7:00 pm
    Runtime: approximately 90 minutes.

  • Tickets for this production are all pay-what-you-can tickets! (recommended minimum $10 donation per ticket)

  • Shaking the Tree Theatre
    823 SE Grant St.
    Portland, OR 97214

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ZOMBIE IN LOVE
Book & Lyrics by Michelle Elliot Music & Orchestrations by Danny Larsen. Adapted from the book ZOMBIE IN LOVE by Kelly DiPucchio, Illustrations by Scott Campbell © 2011 Kelly DiPucchio, Scott Campbell. Available from Atheneum Books for Young Readers. By special arrangement with Gurman Agency LLC.

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. Learn more…

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