2026 Teen Ensemble (ages 13 & up)

The Teen Ensemble at STT is a welcoming theatre community for teens who want to explore the world of theatre. Whether you’re an experienced actor looking for a challenge, or are new to theatre and want to experience performance in a safe and fun environment, the training we provide goes beyond the stage.
Financial Assistance is available for all classes! Please contact us if you are in need of help.

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Workshops & Classes

Improv for Ensemble

$38.00

Sold out

Instructor: Dani Baldwin

Sunday October 25 – 10am-12:30pm

Fun for actors, non-actors, and everyone in between! Explore improvisation through exercises and games that strengthen performance, build confidence, free creativity, and uplift ensemble. A welcoming, no-pressure approach to improv for all levels.

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Dialects in Action

$45.00

Instructor: Val Landrum

Sunday November 8 – 10am-1pm

Develop authentic American regional dialects through vocal placement and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), then apply these techniques to heighten character work and strengthen performance. A fun workshop for stage, film, and voiceover actors of all experience levels.

Val Landrum began her teaching career in Chicago with Steppenwolf Theatre and Second City. Having moved to Portland 25 years ago, she has taught a variety of different acting techniques for Portland Actors Conservatory, Oregon Children's Theatre, NWCT, Portland Center Stage and Artists Repertory Theatre. She has been a dialect coach for several regional and local theatres including PCS, ART, NWCT and OCT. A professional actor since she was 4 yrs old, she received most of her early training at the Piven Workshop, Steppenwolf Theatre and SITI Company. Val has worked regionally and internationally and was a Resident Artist with ART for over a decade where she was in over 20 productions. She has also worked locally for PCS, Portland Playhouse, Third Rail, Profile, and Shaking the Tree as the Fig in Forbidden Fruit. 

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Classes are offered for all experience levels

Beginning
​Best for those with little or no theater training. Classes introduce or expand upon basic skills, vocabulary, and concepts. 
Intermediate 
Best for those who have taken multiple classes and/or have experience in shows. You understand basic vocabulary, skills, and some methods. 
Advanced
Best for those with a lot of theatre training and who need a challenge! Consider these classes similar to college-level training.
All classes are designed to build confidence and have fun... We work as an ensemble because we are stronger together!
Not sure what level you’re at? Contact us and we’ll make sure you’re in the perfect class for your experience and goals!

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From our Education Director, Dani Baldwin

I’m beyond excited about starting a theatre program for teens at Shaking the Tree Theatre. STT’s bold, innovative, and creative approach to making art is the perfect space for youth to explore their place in the arts. Through classes and workshops, we’ll provide a supportive and fun environment to expand individual skills and build a theatrical community. 

​Please reach out to Dani with any questions about our offerings or scholarship information: [email protected]

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General Information

All classes will check in and out of Shaking the Tree’s main office located on the corner of SE 8th Ave and Grant St.
​Look for the beautiful mural. The entrance is on SE 8th Ave.
Street address: 2136 SE 8th Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Travel, mobility, ADA and restroom questions?

​Check out our Accessibility page HERE

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For families new to the Central Eastside Industrial Neighborhood 

Check out what Travel Portland has to say about our unique and artsy neighborhood, and then go and explore the surroundings. We've curated a map of our favorite places to hang out. 

Here are some of our favorites (also listed in the map)

​Coava Coffee  
Upper Left Roasters
Ice Queen
Hat Yai
Aprisa Mexican Cuisine
Hawthorne Asylum Food Carts
Cartopia Food Carts
Ranch Pizza

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Cancellation and Refund Policy

We understand that plans can change, and we want to make our policies clear so families know what to expect.

Transfers

• You may transfer into a different class or program within the same term up to two weeks (14 days) prior to the first day of your current class.
• There is no additional fee to transfer into a class of equal value.
• If transferring into a class of higher value, the difference will be charged. If transferring into a class of lower value, the difference will be credited or refunded.
• All transfers are subject to availability.

Cancellations

• Cancellations must be made at least two weeks (14 days) prior to the first day of the program to be eligible for a refund.
• Cancellations made less than two weeks before the start date are not eligible for a refund.
• Refunds are not granted due to dissatisfaction with casting, role, or featured performance opportunities.
• Refunds are not granted due to illness.

Cancellations by Shaking the Tree
In the rare event that The Teen Ensemble @StT is cancelled, families will receive a full refund.