YPs are dedicated, mature students - ages 13 and up - who seek advanced training through mentorship and exposure to a wide range of theater experiences. The Young Professionals program is dedicated to building a community of theater peers and parents, providing them with resources, information, and guidance.

On the Boards

See where our latest Young Professionals are performing in the area.

YP Only Access (calendars, updates, links, and more!)

Log-in here

Benefits include:

• Annual Meetings – Meet with YP Director to review your resume, set goals, discuss opportunities, and answer questions
• Mentorship & Email Updates – Available for questions, research, YP casting info, updates, advice, and any special requests
• YP Only Website – View event calendar, recommendations, and resource links, plus see where YPs are performing

YP Workshops & Events

• Professional Series: Tickets to professional shows at OCT, Artists Repertory Theatre, Broadway Series, Imago Theatre, Miracle Theatre, and Portland Opera
• Social: Start off the year with a social to have fun, meet fellow YPs, and learn how to best use the program
• Parent Night: Parents are invited to a comprehensive Q&A with staff, plus get info on how to best use the program
• Evaluation Workshop: A fun night of ensemble and solo work, with individual feedback (mandatory for new YPs)
• Behind the Scenes - Alice & Wonderland: Attend tech rehearsal and a comprehensive discussion featuring insight on the challenges and choices when designing a rock opera
• Essential Voice Technique: Improve performance by learning vocal support, breath, projection, and diction techniques
• Alexander Technique: Based on movement, an acclaimed skill that frees actors physically, vocally, and creatively
• Run Your Biz: Info on professionalism, do’s and don’ts, and managing your career (new material for returning YPs)
• Two Director’s Nights: Experience directing hands-on, as director and actor, with director Stan Foote (Levels 1 & 2)
• Improv Night: Laughter-filled learning as you connect improv skills to acting skills with comedian Laura Faye Smith
• Film Acting & Agents: Info on the business of film and representation, with guest agents/actors attending
• Audition Workshop: Resources and info, plus present monologues and resumes for OCT and peer feedback

YP Training Opportunities

• Coaching: One-on-one coaching for auditions and interviews (by request)
• Apprenticeships: Directing, Design, and Tech Apprenticeships on OCT’s professional productions (by interview)
• Assistant Teach [we pay]: Teach alongside professionals during OCT summer 2011 classes (by interview, age 16+)
• Diary of a Worm Teaching Team: Be a part of the informative team on an eco-friendly production – lead backstage tours, provide feedback, and learn marketing skills – earn show tickets and submit for school credit
• Direct Link: We distribute your acting profile to Portland theaters with a personal reference (by request / returning YPs)
• College Consultation: YP only resource links, information, letters of recommendation, and monologue coaching

YP Performance Opportunities

• “YPs Present” Season: YPs are the cast, design team, and crew for 3 productions – challenging work lead by professional director/mentors – paid positions (by audition)
• OCT’s Main Stage Season: YPs are recommended to directors, and cast whenever possible – paid positions (by audition)

YP Add-Ons [Not included in annual fee]

• YP Master Classes: College-level concepts/methods, training, and peer interaction (with tuition, at skill level)
• Headshot Day: Work with Colleen Cahill Studios to get headshots at a reduced price (50% off package)
• New York, NY: Spring Break trip to the Big Apple – see Broadway shows, attend theater workshops, experience the city

YP Certification

• Earn your YP Certificate – Ask for more information

TO INTERVIEW FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS 2010-2011

Contact Dani by August 9, 2010 at the latest! We will set up a meeting this summer. Call 503-228-9571 x 106, or email dani@octc.org. Annual fee: $270

On the Boards

Annabel Cantor will be playing the title role in Shaking The Tree's "The Little Prince" from the amazing book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Here is the run/ticket info.

Suitable for All Ages
Location: Shaking The Tree Studio (1407 SE Stark St)
Friday&  Saturday Evenings at 7:00pm
Saturday&  Sunday afternoons at 2:00

Ticket Prices: $15-20
Box Office: 503 235-0635
More Info: info@shaking-the-tree.com

Sydney Dufka will be playing Pamela in the Coaster Theater's production of "A Talent for Murder" It runs July 21st through October 16th. Tickets can be perched by calling the box office at 503-436- 1242 or at the website www. CoasterTheatre.com

Kevin Burnette will be appearing in the ACMA (Arts & Communications Magnet Academy) production of Celebration, written by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones, as the character Edgar Allen Rich. Shows will run in the new Preforming Arts Center on May 6, 7, and 8, with curtain at 7:00. Matinee on Saturday the 8th. Tickets and Information can be found here: http://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/acma/events.htm

Zack Rice is currently in the Blue Monkey Theater production of "Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog". The play runs Friday and Saturdays at 8:00 through May 1st, 2010 at the Pacific Crest Theater.

Jessica Skinner & Collin Carver are in The Fantastics: http://www.beavertoncivictheatre.org/home/fantasticks

Voice Overs

In Spring 2006, nine Young Professionals took an OCT class called "YP The Real World of Voice-Overs", with actress/voice-over talent, Laura Faye Smith. On the last day, students worked in a professional sound studio to create voice-over demo reels. It was an amazing class that will be offered again this year. Until then, listen to the professional work these YPs created: