facility

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The Conservatory's historic Firehouse Theatre is located just above Portland's city center at the foot of the Goose Hollow neighborhood near downtown. Built in 1906, our two-story brick building was an active fire station until 1964. The Firehouse was subsequently converted by the City's Parks and Recreation Bureau to the Dance and Drama Center in 1966. The building served this capacity, under the direction of artistic director Florine Weiss, until Portland Actors Conservatory took up residence in 1991. The extreme upstage wall of the theatre still retains the original architecture and functionality of the Firehouse doors.

Students of the Conservatory, Studio and Summer On Stage programs study both in the intimate 70-seat Firehouse Theatre, as well as in the spacious Acting Studio. Our annual Season of Plays is also produced in the Firehouse Theatre.

The Conservatory's cozy quarters allow students to interact with staff and faculty on a daily basis, housing offices, studio space, and theatre in one location. We have an onsite library, as well as a warm and inviting green room with a full kitchen. Our space gives students and performers a place to work as well as a home in which to relax.

The historic Firehouse Theatre has two spaces for rent: our upstairs studio space for rehearsals and small presentations, and the 65-seat Firehouse Theatre for rehearsals and performances (the latter of which is fully ADA-accessible).

theatre Rental Information

The theatre has state of the art lighting and sound systems which are included in rental cost. A lovely air-conditioned lobby, green room and kitchen, large AEA compliant dressing room and backstage bathroom are also included.

Renters are required to provide proof of 501c status to qualify for our nonprofit rates. Firehouse Theatre renters of must also provide the following: proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance, 50% of the rental fee, and a $200 refundable deposit. Theatre renters must provide his/her own box office and front-of-house staff.

Dimensions are as follows:

Stage: 21'x40' modified proscenium. Wood-sprung masonite.

studio rental information

The studio is a spacious rehearsal room with lots of natural light, mirrors, sound system, seating, a piano and a marley floor over finished hardwood.

Studio rentals are handled on an hourly basis.

Studio: 25'x40' finished hardwood covered with 1/8" black marley floor cover.

Please contact Administrative Assistant Jenny Moore by emailing jenny [dot] actorsconservatory [at] gmail [dot] com with inquiries and questions.

*All non-PAC technicians and staff working for the renter must meet with PAC's Technical Director prior to use of The Firehouse Theatre.

scenic equipment
4' x 12' masking flats ("Tormentors")

Lighting Equipment
(Included in the cost of a performance rental):

Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC) Express 24/48 lighting control console
ETC 24 channel 2.4 KW Dimmer Pack with 200 Amp service
24 ETC Source Four PARNel fixtures
19 ETC Source Four ellipsoidal instruments with 36 degree field angle lenses
5 ETC Source Four ellipsoidal instruments with 50 degree field angle lenses
12/3 SO Cable (several lengths), cube tabs, 2-fers, 32 circuits, 2 nondims
*Note: PAC's Auditorium has 6 battens; 4 above stage and 2 above house

Sound Equipment
(Included in the cost of a performance rental):

Pioneer Dolby RTS VSX-D711 Multi Channel Surround Sound Receiver
Two stereo amplifiers
4 Channel Switcher
Four pairs of speakers

Items not included in the cost of a performance rental, but available for a separate fee:

Stage-width, black velour travelor curtain - $200 per event
Stage-width, rust velour travelor curtain - $50 per event
Travelor curtain track installation - $175
Sky blue cyc - $175
Hollywood style flats and platforms - $10-$25
Black soft borders ('teasers') - $45 each per event
Properties from PAC's stock (prices vary and are negotiable)

Portland Actors Conservatory is conveniently located near Portland State University and the 405 freeway, blocks from the Portland Streetcar and MAX stops, at the foot of Southwest's Goose Hollow neighborhood.