Our Founding

World Stage Theatre is proud to be an arts, culture, and community-centered organization where imagination, exploration, creativity, and growth thrive in artists and audiences of all ages and abilities. With a focus on process and a holistic approach, our goal is to teach life skills through the exploration of the arts and help those who wish to pursue professional artistic endeavors hone their skills and confidence. We inspire youth and adults to explore their unlimited possibilities through exposure and experience and recognize the arts as a mirror that imitates life and uses it as a vehicle to educate, heal, unite, uplift, and celebrate our experiences. 

 

Founded in 2006 by Shalanda Sims, World Stage Theatre was birthed out of a desire for change in storytelling, the narrative, accurate, and diverse representation in the arts, textbooks, and Portland Metropolitan community.

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​World Stage Theatre is resolute about being the change we wish to see in the world.  We eliminate financial, exclusive, and elitist barriers that have kept generations of disenfranchised and underserved artists from fully participating in the arts.  We offer a safe space and place for community members of all ages to learn and grow.  For artists to be seen, heard, and celebrated.  To be confident, leaders in any environment.