Theater and Dance 

This page is dedicated to the performing arts with emphasis on theater and dance.  Both are alive and well in Central Oregon.  Interest is high and support for the arts has given rise to innovative approaches and presentations.  Read on to learn about the various groups and troupes performing on the High Desert.  

Among recent additions is B.E.A.T., Bend Experimental Art Theater, which offers a variety of classes to expand the artistic abilities of young actors.  Performances are held at the 2nd Street Theater, about which you can read more below.  Click on the web link above for more information.  And more opportunities for young actors are available through Bend Theater for Young People, with classes for ages 7-18.  Performances are held at Bend Presbyterian Church, 230 N.E. Ninth Street.  Information about this group is available at (541) 419-1395.

Still more opportunities for future thespians are available at Children’s Music Theater Group, in collaboration with Bend Parks and Recreation district.  Classes and performances are held at the Pavilion stage in Bend’s Drake Park.  Five summer performances are planned for this year.  Contact Bend Parks and Rec for more information.

So, the future of Theater seems well in hand.  What about the present?  Read on:

Cascades Theatrical Company is well established and has earned its reputation for professional drama and comedy presentations at a reasonable cost.  “Fortinbras,” a comedy spun off Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,“ was a recent offering. Performances are held at 148 N.W. Greenwood in Bend, and information and reservations are available by calling (541) 389-0803 or clicking the web link above.

For an intimate venue that brings the audience right into the action, try 2nd Street Theater, in Bend.  Ranging from “King Lear” to “The Full Monty” in recent months, presentations at 2nd Street focus on variety.  This venue is also a place for fledgling thespians to try their wings.  For information on current and future productions, call (541) 312-9626 or visit the website by clicking the above link.  

The beautifully restored Tower Theater in Bend is also a frequent site for a variety of drama, lecture, musical and dance presentations.  Information about all upcoming performances can be found on the website. 

Whether listed with Music or with Theater, Obsidian Opera is not to be missed.  Billed as the only opera company east of the Cascades, Obsidian has been bringing musical theater to Central Oregon for over twenty years.  Besides providing entertainment, education and training are high priorities for Obsidian.  Most performances are at the Tower Theater.  For more information call (541) 317-0700 or visit www.towertheater.org.  Alternatively, you can visit the Obsidian Opera website (above) or call (541) 385-7055. 

For a real “departure” in theater production, don’t miss the Crooked River Dinner Train with its enactment of scenes from the wild west, including the Murder Mystery Show and, on Sundays, a very realistic train robbery by the infamous James Gang.  Click the above web link for information and reservations.

And don’t forget, many entertaining performances are presented at local high schools in the area.  Support the efforts of these young actors and artists.  You may be seeing Broadway’s “next big star.”

Most dance performances are presented by local schools of dance, although the Tower Theater does include dance performances in some of its yearly schedules.  Check local listings in daily papers, particularly the Friday “GO” section of the Bend Bulletin.  You’ll find there’s more to do in Central Oregon than you’ll ever have time for.