Inspiring a curious and imaginative community where the experience of the performing arts is a vital part of everyday life.
Portland Ovations stands in solidarity with Black and brown artists, colleagues, and citizens in our communities and around the world. We join those who express outrage and grief for the killing of George Floyd, the too many who came before him and the centuries of injustice perpetrated upon people of color. As an organization that [...]
Posted Wednesday, June 3, 2020 Our last activity is a way to celebrate the school year that is wrapping up. While it might not feel like a celebratory time, dancing is important for a few reasons. As an art form, it has been a form of resistance for many oppressed cultures. Dance also asks us [...]
Posted Monday, June 1, 2020 The end of the school year is a time for reflecting. Today’s activity, Alphabet Relay, is an energetic way for kids to reflect on this unique school year - from what was challenging to how much they’ve learned and discovered. DOWNLOAD THIS ACTIVITY AS A PRINTABLE .PDF EXAMPLES [...]
Experience International Contemporary Ensemble, live streamed in your home! Thursday, May 28, 7PM on Youtube FREE REGISTRATION Dear Friends, When we embarked on our work with International Contemporary Ensemble (I.C.E.) we knew it would be wholly unique and unforgettable for Ovations audiences. At that time we imagined a modified version of their [...]
Posted Wednesday, May 27, 2020 As the school year winds down, we’ve got a few more activities to bring some joy and movement to your distance learning. Two by Three by Bradford allows students to practice focus, listening, and awareness starting with the simple act of counting to three. This activity comes from theatre practitioner [...]
Posted Wednesday, May 20, 2020 Today’s activity, Cross the Room If... is a tried and true warm-up game typically used as a way to get to know new people. But for classroom and distance learning, it is a great way to share opinions and thoughts and spark deeper discussion. Depending on how you choose to [...]
Posted Monday, May 18, 2020 Today’s arts integration activity, This Setting Needs..., combines imagination, observation, and detail-oriented thinking to challenge kids to create a 3-D, one-of-a-kind environment. This activity is a great way for students to show their knowledge of a book, an environment or a moment in time. It can also be a fun [...]
Posted Wednesday, May 13, 2020 Today’s activity, Object Metaphor, invites students to make comparisons between a random object and another topic. How are you like a potato masher? Whether silly or serious, students will practice flexible and metaphorical thinking while making comparisons. Flexible thinking – being open-minded and adaptive to different ways of learning - is [...]
Posted Monday, May 11, 2020 “When I Say One” asks you to get up, move, and be in the moment. Actors use this activity as a warm up for their bodies, voices, and minds. Kick start your week with it - and keep playing it all week long. Each time you play, add a new [...]
Posted Wednesday, May 6, 2020 It’s time to turn those Recipes for Me into a performance! The second part of this activity invites students to create and direct movement for the different parts of their recipe. They’ll create their own mini performance in a matter of minutes. The directions for the activity are shared in two [...]