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A Look Back at Portland Center Stage in 2011

Ted and Julie Vigeland partying in style at Portland Center Stage's 2011 Annual Gala

Portland Center Stage is constantly hosting events to recognize and thank some of its generous sponsors. Here’s a look at a few from this past year! Ted and Julie Vigeland joined hundreds of others who celebrated in style at Portland Center Stage’s 2011 Annual Gala. (Photo credit, Joni Shimabukuro)

Now in its 24th season, Portland Center Stage (Chris Coleman, Artistic Director) is the largest producing theater in Portland. Established in 1988 as an offshoot of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, PCS became an independent theater in 1994 and has been under the leadership of Artistic Director Chris Coleman since May 2000. Portland Center Stage’s home since Fall 2006 — the Gerding Theater at the Armory — is the first historic rehabilitation on the National Historic Register, and the first performing arts venue, to achieve a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Platinum rating. PCS also offers a variety of education and outreach programs for curious minds from six to 106, including discussions, classes, workshops and partnerships with organizations throughout the Portland metro area.

Artistic Director Chris Coleman welcomes sponsors Ellyn Bye and Cindy Potter, during the Opening Night Dinner in May 2011

Every year, PCS pulls out all the stops for their Annual Gala. In 2011, the theme was “It’s a Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod World”, an homage to the 60’s and all its psychedelic glory. The Gala is a celebration of what PCS has accomplished in the past year, and a way to build energy and enthusiasm for the year to come. Tickets begin at $350, and guests are treated to food, dancing, entertainment and a live auction. Next year’s gala is already in the works, with a theme that recognizes the Blues and its Southern roots, and ties in nicely with their last show of the season It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues. PCS knows how to throw a party, which means next year’s Blues Gala will be an event you won’t want to miss.

The Armory was transformed into a 60's party. Guests danced the night away on the glowing dance floor.

Guests enjoyed a live auction in the Gerding Theater. Auctioned items ranged from a weekend in Oregon wine country, to a luxurious week in beautiful Kauai. Frank Piacentini was an enthusiastic bidder.

Shoshana Bean wow'ed guests with her performance at the Annual Gala.

2011 was a year of great theater and patron appreciation at Portland Center Stage. To thank their generous sponsors, PCS invites them to Opening Night Dinners – a private party with a catered dinner in their beautiful Armory, followed by the show. Here are some photos from this years Opening Night Dinner before the premiere of One Night WIth Janis Joplin in May 2011.

The Armory's Mezzanine is transformed into a scene straight from the production "One Night With Janis Joplin" with tie-dye place mats and flower center pieces. Catering was done by Art of Catering.

As another way to thank their sponsors, Portland Center Stage invites them to On Stage Dinners held only once a year. This year’s dinner was held on stage of A Christmas Story, right in the middle of Ralphie’s living room. Lucky for these guests, Ralphie wasn’t in attendance with his Red Ryder B.B. Gun!

Guests were treated to food by Vibrant Table while dining on the Gerding Theater’s stage, surrounded by the beautiful sets from A Christmas Story.”

The choir from Kings Way Christian School from Vancouver, Washington entertained guests who attended the On Stage Dinner

The Choir entertained guests in the Gerding Theater during the “A Christmas Story” On Stage Dinner.

Cate Garrison and Roy Schreiber enjoy a catered dinner during the On Stage Dinner

If you would to donate to Portland Center Stage and participate in these great events click here to learn more about their donor opportunities!

This article was written by Portland Society Page contributor, Rebecca Ames.

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As the editor of Society Page, it’s my privilege to collaborate with Development Officers in the nonprofit community to honor patrons who make a difference. I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) I’m also a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. As a volunteer with the National Charity League, I’ve seen first-hand the transforming power of authentic community involvement.