Our Stories

Portland Ovations Introduces Expanded Accessibility Services at Select Live Performances 

American Sign Language interpretation at Wabanaki Stories

PORTLAND, MAINE —June 9, 2026  Portland Ovations is pleased to introduce Audio Description as an available Access service for select Ovations performances this season. This new service provides guests with a headset to wear for the duration of the performance, listening to a narrative that describes actions, characters, settings, and other visual details, making the performance more accessible for people who are blind or visually impaired. This season, … Read more

Experience TALAGA: Where Dance, Performance, and Community Meet

Dear friends, Since 2023, Portland Ovations has been in partnership with Maine-based foundation Ellis-Beaureguard Foundation (EBF), based in Rockland, to deliver their annual Choreographer’s Award, which includes presentation by Portland Ovations as part of the national prize and recognition. It is a highly competitive process that draws submissions from across the country. The invaluable partnership with EBF … Read more

No Ordinary Encore: A Completely New Nightingale Program Debuts March 22 with Henry Kramer, Blake Pouliot, and Dr. Thomas Wolf

Dear friends, It’s rare Portland Ovations engages with the same artist in subsequent years given the wealth of talented artists in our midst. However, working with Dr. Thomas Wolf on his The Nightengale Sonata series is a special gift. This dynamic series – which changes program, instrumentation and guest musicians with each sharing – offers us virtuosic playing, … Read more

Statement on Recent Cancellations

Dear Friends,  They say things come in threes. For Portland Ovations that means three successive cancellations: Mali Obomsawin’s Sugarcane, an evening and School-Time Performance of Les Ballets Africains, and FLIP Fabrique’s Blizzard. With great regret, Obomsawin cancelled the remainder of her tour of Sugarcane due to the emotional energy required to perform this work about the devastating loss of First Nation children. Both Les Ballets Africains … Read more

“Kinky Boots” Community Drive

Did you know that Kinky Boots was inspired by a true story?  In the 1990’s, Steve Pateman inherited W.J. Brooks Ltd, a struggling shoe factory that had been in his family for four generations and went on to completely reinvent their customer base—and community—by making fabulous footwear that was functional for all. We are anticipating … Read more

“TINA – The Tina Turner Musical” Community Drive

Did you know Tina Turner used her legendary voice to fight hunger and support kids worldwide? From lending her talent to We Are the World and Live Aid—raising millions for famine relief—to supporting UNICEF and children’s hospitals, Tina’s impact went far beyond the stage. Her music lifted spirits, and her generosity helped nourish futures. We are anticipating a … Read more

Portland Ovations Announces Community Seats Program — Providing Free Performance Tickets to Community

PORTLAND, MAINE —September 17, 2025  Portland Ovations is grateful to be able to share with the public our Community Seats program, providing complimentary and reduced-price performance tickets to partners and their constituencies across Greater Portland. Ovations believes the power of live performance cultivates community in a positive way.  “Thank you again for helping us make … Read more

Portland Ovations Welcomes Atiim Boykin, Sherouk Fetaih, Bryan Matluk, Joy McManigal, and Liz Cotter Schlax  to the Board of Directors

Portland Ovations is honored to welcome five new members to the Board of Directors: Atiim Boykin,  Sherouk Fetaih, Bryan Matluk, Joy McManigal, and Liz Cotter Schlax.  “I am excited to welcome an exceptional group of new Board members whose leadership, and deep community ties will help propel our mission forward,” says Sayad Moudachirou, Ovations Board President. “Their talent and passion … Read more

Celebrating Mary Campbell’s 20 Years with Portland Ovations!

As a valued Member of Ovations, you likely already know how remarkable Mary is. Whether you’ve spoken with her when calling our office or met her at a performance or event, Mary embodies everything Ovations stands for: community, art, and excellence. Over the past 20 years, Mary has been instrumental in shaping our organization, serving … Read more

Maine Based Dancers Join Los Angeles Dance Company CONTRA-TIEMPO on stage at Merrill Auditorium

Portland Ovations welcomes Los Angeles-based dance company CONTRA-TIEMPO to Portland for a multi-day residency connecting with community, educating youth dancers, and rehearsing with Maine-based artists, all culminating in the February 6 performance of joyUS justUS at 7 PM at Merrill Auditorium, ASL interpretation by Holly Maniatty.  CONTRA-TIEMPO, a bold, multilingual, activist dance- theater company, inspires … Read more