June Monthly Meeting

Portland Center Stage, Marissa Wolf

At this inspiring luncheon, Marissa Wolf, Artistic Director of Portland Center Stage (PCS), shares her journey as a woman in theater leadership and the vital role PCS plays in Portland’s cultural and civic life. Now in her sixth season at PCS and recognized as one of Willamette Week’s “25 People Shaping the Arts in Portland,” Marissa offers a compelling narrative of how the arts — and women’s voices within them — shape our community.

Marissa highlights PCS’s evolution from a branch of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival to Portland’s largest professional theater company, now housed in the beautifully restored and sustainably designed Armory. Under her leadership, PCS has become a national hub for bold new work, launching world premieres by women and BIPOC playwrights, including Lauren Yee, Christina Anderson, and Kristina Wong. These stories reflect and uplift diverse perspectives, challenging norms and inspiring dialogue.

More than just a stage, PCS is a platform for connection. Each year, it welcomes over 150,000 visitors and produces over 400 community events that engage youth, amplify local artists, and foster partnerships with service organizations across the city. Marissa emphasizes how PCS not only entertains, but also empowers — particularly women and girls — by opening space for their stories to be heard and celebrated.

In her presentation, Marissa speaks to the power of storytelling as a tool for empathy, equity, and transformation. With creativity and purpose, PCS is not just telling stories — it’s building community and inviting women to lead the way.