Pictured: ETC Pro Lab – photo Phoebus-Foto; Wobby Dance – photo Mako Barmon Photography; Chisao Hata – photo Glisson Imaging; Rose City Rope Queen – Phoebus-Foto; Echo Theater Company – Casey Campbell Photography; Noelle Simone – photo Curvy Girl Photography; Echo Theater Company – Casey Campbell Photography; ETC Pro Lab – photo by Curvy Girl Photography
Produce at the Echo!
Looking for a welcoming venue? Echo Theater accommodates audiences up to 140 persons in auditorium-style seating.
Echo Theater is also unique in that it offers trapezes, and mats, and a booming sound systems, and a state-of-the-art projector (and an older, but big movie screen)!
We are now offering a different kind of production model — a partnership, really — in which our co-producers bring strong creative ideas, and ETC supplies a well-equipped, accessible, “artist-ready” space for performances, rehearsals, and film shoots. This includes options for adding on extras like box office staff, access to our ticketing system, access to technical support, and marketing resources on our website, social media, mailing list, and local advertising. We are calling it a Co-Production Model.
What does that mean?
- Co-production offers the space at reduced rates with less up-front expenses so that applicants settle up after ticket revenue is received.
- Applicants retain 80% of their box office proceeds. The rest covers Echo’s facility costs, including a two-hour technical consult and facility manager during the show.
- Option to contract with our team: Technical Director Lara Klingeman may be available or can advise on reliable and talented light and sound technicians. Other services like Box Office or Front-of- House staff may also be available.
- Option to use our ticketing system and avoid setting up with a third party.
What makes us a great venue?
- A bustling neighborhood with plenty of restaurants nearby
- Wheelchair accessible facilities
- Gender neutral bathrooms
- Modular seating
- Accessible by major bus lines.
- Seating capacity = up to 156 (see COVID-19 notes below): 60 built-in seats, 96 folding chairs.
The Process
Next committee review in mid-August 2022 for projects scheduled September 1st or later.
Proposals will be read and considered by our curatorial committee for equity and alignment with ETC’s mission and values, along with other criteria like strength of vision, marketing plan, etc. The committee includes members of the ETC board/staff, as well as the Portland arts community.
Our mission is 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.
We value:
- Affordability for Artists and their Patron
- Empowerment
- Equity
- Diversity
- Uniqueness
What makes a good proposal?
- The curatorial committee includes a multitude of viewpoints and tastes, so we are never looking for just one thing. We aim to support artists of many genres, especially those that speak to the inclusiveness and collaborative nature of performance.
- Alignment with our mission and values, include (but are not limited to) supporting BIPOC artists/themes, as well as supporting the stories and the work of women, LGBT+ persons, and artists with disabilities. Equity in the arts will be a driving factor.
- Capacity to produce – can you put together a budget, raise the funds needed, coordinate your own marketing efforts, and deliver a great production?
- We recognize that everyone has to start somewhere, therefore, a limited number of projects will be selected annually that require deeper mentorship by the Director of Operations & Community Engagement.
How to start?
To get started, interested artists/producers/organizations will submit their ideas and plans by completing a brief application (link below), including a budget and marketing plan. After receiving your application, we will reach out to you with next steps.
If you have questions about the application process or support materials, please contact us.
In certain cases, we may be able to accommodate your production on a shorter timeline.
Any questions? Please email rentals@echotheaterpdx.org
Interested in using the Echo to teach a workshop? Contact us at hello@echotheaterpdx.org.
Apply Now