Your Support Can Transform Lives at The Actors Conservatory

Theatre reminds us how to be human. Let's practice being human together.

Allow us to tell you a story about Nancy, a student who came to the Conservatory to study the craft of acting and discovered so much more.

“I am braver than I ever thought possible. No one who knew me in 2019 would ever believe that I would ever feel comfortable standing on a stage or in front of a camera much less speaking in a voice that fills a space. No one. Not a soul. And the beautiful thing is that I build on that bravery as I go forward in my life ... I am making art that I would not have made had I not learned to be brave.”

Since our founding The Actors Conservatory (TAC) has had a singular mission: To provide comprehensive and rigorous actor training by engaging the mind, heart and spirit of the artist while cultivating a culture to inspire our students to make a lifelong commitment to the performing arts.

Our goal, to celebrate and honor our 40th year is to raise: $44,440

As we celebrate our 40th year of actor training, we welcome you to celebrate with us. We encourage you to join the TAC family and recognize the importance of arts education and the faith we all place in the abilities of a well crafted artist to take us on an extraordinary human adventure.

The Conservatory has pursued a course that no other institution in the State of Oregon or our region can claim: a nationally accredited freestanding institution that employs working theatrical professionals to teach and mentor the next generation of trained artists.

Ways your contribution can help:
$100 Provides essential materials for an actor’s training.
$250 Covers one student's supply fees.
$500 Funds a workshop as we reach out to local high school theatre programs
$1,000 Funds a scholarship for a talented student in need.
$2,500 Supports a faculty member for one semester
$5000 Sponsors a second year production

TAC was founded in 1985 as The Training Ground, became Portland Actors Conservatory in 1994, in 2008 earned accreditation and national recognition through the National Association for Schools of Theatre (NAST), and continues today as The Actors Conservatory under the artistic leadership of Michael Mendelson.

Acting is as complicated as life itself: as nuanced, as textured, and as true to the live human experience as we can manage, no matter the style. It is a calling. We encourage students to think for themselves, trust their instincts, invest in their imaginations- the actors greatest asset- and push their creativity, which leads to the revelation of a full and vibrant life on stage. Our hope is to be the catalyst that nurtures and inspires the next generation of extraordinary students to become the leaders of tomorrow’s American theater.Theatre is what reminds us how to be human, a strong training program lets us practice being human. Let’s take the journey together.

Grant Byington, a guest artist in our 2024 Professional Lab production of Hamlet shared these thoughts:

"I did want to say how incredibly terrific working on Hamlet has been for me. I got to work with experts from the community I've always admired and was introduced to a whole new set of truly fine, dedicated actors. You have renewed my faith in the survival of this art form (I'm not kidding, here ... ), and I drove home yesterday filled with hope. You have given me a huge gift. And I will be forever grateful."

Our future together looks bright. Thank you for your partnership and considered generosity.

Sincerely,
Michael Mendelson

Photo Credits: Yoonie Cho and Max Bernsohn as Gertrude and Hamlet in the 2024 Spring Professional Lab production of Hamlet. photo courtesy of David Kinder