ABOUT US
ECHO'S HISTORY
In 2013, Echo Theater Company assumed management of the historic Echo Theater from DoJump, maintaining what has become an important hub of arts and culture in the iconic Hawthorne District of Portland. Education Director, Wendy Cohen, and Director of Operations and Community Engagement, Aaron Wheeler-Kay, are former Do Jump! Performers and have worked in this unique hybrid of performance styles for a combined 40 years.
Photo by Casey Campbell
OUR MISSION
To create space for collaboration, empowerment and the joyful celebration of community using movement and ensemble theater traditions, imaginative play, and aerial arts to help people of all abilities discover their potential, encourage perseverance and embrace their humanity.
The ETC School encourages physical confidence, freedom, and grace in a creative, non-competitive atmosphere. Students of all ages and abilities develop strength, balance, flexibility, and creativity while working with others to explore the intersection of circus, movement, and storytelling. We support a faculty of teaching artists, who cultivate their students’ abilities, model through performance and are life-long learners themselves. Our faculty and youth performance groups create unique, professional performances aimed at bridging generational and cultural gaps while celebrating the collective potential of all people.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This land has a story, and holds the stories of all who have lived on it. We recognize we are on the stolen land of the Cowlitz, Clackamas, Kathlamet, Multnomah, Tualatin, and the other Tribal Nations who were the original stewards of this land.
Despite centuries of colonial theft and violence, we are fortunate that this area is rich with descendants, who preserve cultural practices and continue to demonstrate talents and gifts amidst the backdrop of systemic oppression.
Meet the Team
LEADERSHIP
Phil Busse
Executive Director
Wendy Cohen
Education Director
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Helen Kalk
President
Marnie Glickman
Director
Tyne Morrell-Wilson
Vice President
Joe Eichenauer
Director
Brianna Kalk
Secretary
Liv Allison
Youth Representative
Bobby Fouther
Director
Ned Hayes
Director
PRODUCTION & CREATIVE
Aaron Wheeler-Kay
Creative Manager
Drew Simpson
Production Coordinator
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Sequoia Allen
Program Manager,
Echo West
Lissa Halsinger
Program Manager,
Echo Theater
Emma Christensen
Human Resources Manager
Josie Mae
Outreach Manager
Hannah Raschke
Front Office Coordinator,
Echo West
Destiny Thompson
Front Office Coordinator,
Echo Theater
Amy Stewart
Marketing Coordinator
Our Teachers
TESTIMONIALS