Program Overview

At PHAME, our Performance Program places adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities center stage—literally. We’ve performed for audiences across the region, including at TEDx Portland, Portland Opera, Portland Center Stage, and Revolution Hall.

Our performance program gives students professional performance experience while shining a spotlight on the talents of people with I/DD.

Auditioned Ensembles

We believe in creative excellence, self-determination, and the dignity of risk, and students in our auditioned ensembles rise to that challenge, taking ownership of their artistry and telling their stories through music, comedy, and (coming soon!) dance.

Ensembles are part of PHAME’s Education Program, and are directed by PHAME Teaching Artists. Students audition for ensembles in June, and commit to weekly rehearsals in fall, winter, and spring. Ensembles perform at PHAME events, and can also be hired for outside events (book our performers here).

We currently host three ensembles:

• Almost PHAMEous: A lively comedy troupe that sharpens improv, wit, and stage skills.

• Chameleonica: An EDM jam band.

• Rock n’ Roses: A 15-20 member choir that specializes in pop and rock music.

Ensembles are open to current PHAME students.

Annual Events

PHAME hosts three annual events that showcase our performance program: our Winter Concert (December), our PHAMEtastic Gala (March), and our Disability Pride Celebration (summer). These events showcase our ensembles, as well as students in select other classes. Additionally, each June we host our Get PHAMEous Open House, an event that showcases students in a wide variety of PHAME classes. A casual and joyful event, Get PHAMEous is an opportunity to see our Education Program up close.

Keep an eye on our events page for upcoming events.

Major Productions

Every few years, we present an ambitious theatrical or concert experience. Recent productions include:

2023: Stop Making Sense, a multimedia tribute to Talking Heads at Revolution Hall

2019: The Poet’s Shadow, an original rock opera created by PHAME artists in collaboration with Portland Opera

2017: in a single breath, a living performance collage of memories and moments written and directed by Matthew B. Zrebski in collaboration with PHAME artists.

Learn more about summer projects.

See PHAME in Action!

Check out these performance videos.