26-03-2025
Oregon Children's Theatre to put programs on hold amid $1 million fundraising campaign
PORTLAND, Ore. () — The Oregon Children's Theatre is the latest organization to put its programming on hold due to economic problems.
The state's largest youth-focused nonprofit theater company announced that it will pause operations on Sept. 1, after its summer camp season concludes.
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OCT reported that it would need $1 million to maintain its operations through the year, and to ensure its ability to reopen at a later date. Leaders said the upcoming hiatus will help the nonprofit as 'it begins an organizational restructuring.'
In a statement, Producing Artistic Director Jenn Hartmann Luck said the organization must be intentional in its next steps in order to ensure its long-term success.
'We have been facing these challenges for many years, and in order for us to create a way forward we must stop and assess who we are as an organization, what we need in order to continue producing shows and providing educational programming, and create a financial model that works so that we can come back stronger, ready to serve the youth and families in our community,' Hartmann Luck added.
The pause will impact all of OCT's productions and education programs, including its mentorship and training program for teens involved in theater.
The organization first revealed its financial issues last June, when it launched a to support its production of 'Cat Kid Comic Club: the Musical.' Although the campaign allowed the theatre nonprofit to hold sold-out shows at Portland'5 Centers for the Arts' Newmark Theater, leaders said the money was not enough to sustain future performances at the venue.
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OCT's most recent donation campaign is more dire, by the end of December. In addition to the fundraiser, the group is hoping to secure grants and additional sources of revenue through other organizations, partnerships and sponsorships.
According to the nonprofit, operations will not continue if the fundraising goal isn't reached.
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