Our Stories

Portland Ovations Welcomes Genius Black, Nate Henry, Corey Hinton, and Connor Smart to the Board of Directors

Portland Ovations is honored to welcome Jerry “Genius Black” Edwards, Nate Henry, Corey Hinton, and Connor Smart to the Board of Directors. “This is an exceedingly exciting class of skilled and knowledgeable board members with experience in banking, business, law, entrepreneurship, the arts and finance – each with even richer backgrounds and perspectives,” says Aimée M. Petrin, Executive & Artistic … Read more

Drag Storytime Series

Drag Storytime Series Join Portland Ovations, our community partners, libraries, bookstores, and local Drag Queens Ophelia and Chartreuse Money for an hour of stories and art! Glamorous expert storytellers use the art of drag to read books and lead craft projects at local bookstores, libraries, and community centers around Portland. Kicking off our season for … Read more

Contemporary Dance Audience Guide 2023-24

Our Contemporary Dance Audience Guide is an informative and historical look at contemporary dance and Ovations’ history with the art form. Read artist profiles to learn more about who is performing in the upcoming season, see a timeline of Ovations history with contemporary dance, learn about iconic choreographer Alvin Ailey and more. This is a … Read more

National Arts in Education Week

#BecauseOfArtsEd Ovations celebrated National Arts in Education week, sharing information about our robust School-Time Performance series, and some information about each performance! Passed by Congress in 2010, House Resolution 275 designates the week beginning with the second Sunday in September as National Arts in Education Week. During this week, the field of arts education joins … Read more

Portland Ovations Announces Casey Oakes as Associate Director

Portland Ovations is pleased to announce Casey Oakes has been promoted to the role of Associate Director. This well-deserved advancement reflects Oakes’ exceptional contributions and leadership. As Associate Director, Oakes continues to lead development and marketing efforts to great success. “A thoughtful leader and a generous collaborator, Casey is an invaluable member of the Ovations … Read more

10 reasons to be an Ovations Member

Bandaloop

Becoming a Portland Ovations Member offers numerous benefits and reasons to join. Here are 10 reasons to consider becoming a Portland Ovations Member today: 1. Supporting the Arts: Help sustain and support the vibrant arts community in Portland and contribute to its growth. 2. Priority Access: Gain early access to ticket sales, ensuring you get … Read more

Program Notes for “Fiddler on the Roof”

Fiddler on the Roof

A beloved work of musical theater, Fiddler on the Roof is more relevant and vital than ever. Once again, Fiddler shows us how art is timeless, powerful and necessary in society. After nearly eight years and 3,300 performances since its 1964 opening, Fiddler became at its time the longest-running show on Broadway, winning nine Tony … Read more

Program Notes for Octavia E. Butler’s “Parable of the Sower”

Dear Friends, The quote above is from the protagonist in Octavia E. Butler’s seminal and prophetic novel, Parable of the Sower. It is the perfect sentiment to name the powerful energies that came together to bring to Maine Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower, an opera by Toshi Reagon. The conversation began many years ago along … Read more

Portland Ovations Welcomes Four New Members to Board of Directors

Portland Ovations is grateful to welcome Maile Buker, Luisa Deprez, Ken Grady and Nyamuon (Moon) Nguany Machar to the Board of Directors. “We are excited and honored to welcome these new Directors to the Ovations family,” said Aimée M. Petrin, Executive & Artistic Director. “The breadth and depth of experiences, knowledge and perspective this group of community … Read more

Portland Ovations Welcomes Jamie Barilone as Development Manager

Portland Ovations is happy to add a new member to the Ovations team: Jamie Barilone, Development Manager. In her role, Jamie will focus on deepening relationships with Members, grants management, stewarding relationships with corporate partners, and special events management. “I am deeply honored to have been offered this new position with Ovations,” said Jamie. “Working in the … Read more