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

  • “Most of all, I remember how Echo Theater taught me to pursue what I love, and reassured me that the pursuit of love would be met with a warm, enthusiastic community of supporters and mentors who believed in my success.”

  • “Echo became a safe space for me to explore new possibilities and ideas through physical movement collaboration, and ensemble work with others. I was provided the space and guidance I needed to find my own voice. Letting go of my fear of failure was one of the most freeing things I have done in my life.”