OCT Reimagined

Every child deserves access to safe, imaginative spaces where they can truly belong.

Our revitalized mission

Oregon Children’s Theatre creates welcoming, imaginative spaces for all children across Oregon and SW Washington. Through exceptional theatrical and educational programming, we inspire curiosity, resilience, and connection.

We envision a future in which every child has meaningful access to the arts, participates in shaping vibrant, thriving communities, and experiences true belonging.

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the absence of safe, creative spaces for our children is detrimental to their mental health and well-being.

During our programming pause, we began researching what challenges today’s youth and families are experiencing, and discovered several startling facts:

  • Half of all long-term mental health challenges begin by age 14.

  • Since 2020, youth anxiety has risen by 29% and youth depression by 20%.

  • 8 in 10 parents say their children struggle most with loneliness and a lack of belonging.

we believe that Every child needs access to safe, accessible spaces where they can be their true, authentic selves.

This belief, supported by research from leading child development organizations, is the foundation for OCT’s revitalized mission and vision for a future where every child experiences true belonging.

Our Five Guiding Stars

Through conversations with our families, teaching artists, community members, and organizational leadership, we identified five key commitments we believe are critical for our success moving forward:

We will expand into new communities, removing financial barriers, and welcoming new audiences.

Accessible programming for all children

We will strengthen partnerships and practices that ensure every child and family feels at home.

inclusive, safe spaces of belonging

We will honor children as unique individuals and support their well-being through the arts.

Whole-child development

We will empower youth with the skills to listen, empathize, collaborate, and make a difference.

Social changemaking

We will build on our legacy to deliver exceptional experiences for youth, families, and educators.

National leadership in Theatre for Young Audiences

Our 2026–2029 strategic goals

Expand education programs beyond Portland metro area

We will define and refine our core education programs, and identify opportunities for expansion throughout Portland and SW Washington.

further Develop in-school arts education programs and residencies

We will engage with schools & educators to develop curriculum-aligned residencies, workshops, after-school programs, and other service opportunities.

Reestablish a pathway
to productions

We will explore opportunities for partnership-based productions; we will explore pursue small, local performances as well as the potential for regional touring productions.

it starts now—

OCT’s Next Act

  • This year, we are laying a strong foundation on which to rebuild OCT, including conducting market research and financial feasibility studies, defining our education pedagogy, and aligning with strategic partners for programmatic expansion.

  • Next year, we will continue building and strengthening the things that are working. We will begin pursuing new programs and diversifying our services to our community.

  • In Year 3, having built a strong foundation and solidified our programs, we will launch another phase of expansion and growth for both education and productions.

We cannot do this important work without you.

support our renewed vision today!

Donate Now

other ways to support

Now it's time to take action to ensure OCT's vision for a future where every child finds a safe space of belonging comes to life. We are more energized than ever to begin this next phase of our rebuilding, but we cannot do it without you. 

  • Our Board of Directors is actively seeking new members to support us during this period of growth and revitalization, particularly in these areas of expertise:

    • Nonprofit Professionals

    • Fiduciary & Finance Professionals

    • Educators & School Administrators

    • Commercial Real Estate

    • Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs

    • Public or Government Agencies

    • Healthcare Professionals

    • Artists & Artistic Leaders

    Additionally, we are seeking volunteers for our Board Advisory Committees. These advisory committees provide key insights in key areas, including Strategic Planning, Finance, Fundraising & Development, and Board Governance. 

    If you are interested in joining, or volunteering to serve on an advisory committee, please contact Board President Katie Slavin. 

  • Help sustain our momentum as we rebuild: while we have almost reached our $1M fundraising goal, our next phase of growth will require additional funding and support. Your major gift or multi-year pledge creates a solid foundation for us to stand on as we move forward. If you are interested in a major gift or multi-year pledge, please contact Jenn Hartmann Luck.

  • If you are interested in a business or corporate sponsorship, making a gift of stock, donating by check or donor-advised fund, or another way to support OCT, click here to learn all the ways possible to give. Still have questions? Send us an email!

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