Lakewood Center for the Arts/Lakewood Theatre Company

- 368 S State St, Lake Oswego, OR 97034

For residents across the Willamette Valley and the greater Portland metro area, the Lakewood Center for the Arts/Lakewood Theatre Company is a beacon of cultural enrichment and community engagement. Located in beautiful Lake Oswego, this non-profit organization serves as a vibrant, multifaceted hub for all things creative, proudly holding the title of the oldest continually operating theatre company in the region. Since its origins in 1952, the organization has consistently delivered high-quality live performances and comprehensive arts education, attracting over 40,000 theatre-goers annually.

More than just a performing arts theater, Lakewood Center for the Arts is a foundational arts facility. Its mission is clear: to inspire and nurture a love of theatre and the arts. This commitment is realized through a diverse program that encompasses a resident theatre company, a renowned annual arts festival, and year-round educational opportunities in the visual and performing arts. Patrons consistently praise the exceptional talent showcased in the Live performances, with one reviewer noting that the shows “never miss!” The intimate setting and comfy seating only add to the excellent experience, making it a beloved destination for a memorable evening out in Oregon.

The organization’s dedication to diversity in its programming ensures that audiences can enjoy a full spectrum of theatrical experiences—from well-loved classics and full-scale Musicals to original works and lesser-known, challenging productions on the more intimate Side Door Stage. They actively work with new and emerging artists, ensuring the Lake Oswego arts scene remains innovative and fresh. This deep commitment to both tradition and innovation makes Lakewood a cornerstone of the Oregon cultural landscape and a truly valuable resource for all ages, proven to be a Family-friendly choice that is "Good for kids."

### Location and Accessibility

The Lakewood Center for the Arts is ideally situated in Lake Oswego, Oregon, making it a convenient destination for arts lovers throughout the Portland metro area and Clackamas County. The center itself has a rich history, occupying a renovated 1928 school building that has been meticulously adapted to host modern theatre and visual arts programming.

Address: 368 S State St, Lake Oswego, OR 97034, USA

The center is dedicated to ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience for all patrons. Key accessibility and amenity features include:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating: Ensuring all areas of the facility are navigable.
• Assistive hearing loop: Available in the main auditorium to support patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• On-site parking: Including a free parking lot, providing a major convenience for local visitors.
• Amenities: Clean and well-maintained Restrooms are available, and the on-site snack bar offers a variety of beverage options.
• Payments: The center accepts major Credit cards and Debit cards for ticketing, concessions, and class registration.

### Services Offered

As a comprehensive Art center, the Lakewood facility is home to a wide array of programs beyond its role as a Performing arts theater. These services are vital to the local cultural ecosystem and cater to artists and audiences of all ages and interests.

• Mainstage and Side Door Stage Productions: The Lakewood Theatre Company produces 10–12 professional-quality shows annually, including Musicals, comedies, dramas, and experimental works.
• Visual and Performing Arts Education: Offering year-round classes for youth and adults in acting, dance, music, and various visual arts. The facility houses dedicated Dance school, Drama school, and Music school components.
• Youth Outreach Program: Dedicated to creating opportunities for underserved youth in the Greater Portland area to participate in and attend arts programs, including bilingual (English/Spanish) workshops and providing free theatre tickets.
• Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts (Festival of the Arts): An annual, four-day, community-wide celebration featuring juried exhibits, artisan displays, art classes, lectures, live music, and theatre performances, attracting an average of 25,000 visitors.
• Lost Treasures Collection: A unique series of obscure and rarely performed Musicals presented in concert/cabaret style on the intimate Side Door Stage.
• Art Gallery: The center features local art galleries that host rotating exhibitions, including the Visual Arts Open Show during the Festival of the Arts.
• Comedy and Special Events: Hosting monthly stand-up comedy nights and other special events like the 'Wine or Whiskey on Wednesday' (WOW) program for younger audiences.
• Space Rental: Providing meeting spaces, fine art studios, and event spaces for the broader community and other arts groups.

### Features / Highlights

The Lakewood Center for the Arts' distinguished reputation in Oregon is built on several unique and enduring highlights that set it apart from other Performing arts group venues.

• Oldest Continually Operating Theatre: The Lakewood Theatre Company is the longest-running non-profit theatre company in the entire Portland metro area, demonstrating its stability and lasting dedication to the arts.
• Two Distinct Performance Venues: Patrons can enjoy full-scale productions in the main 220-seat theatre, featuring a new stage house with fly lofts, and more intimate, experimental shows or cabarets on the Side Door Stage.
• Cultural Hub Status: The facility is a true Art center, housing not only a Theater company and Theater production facilities but also an upscale thrift shop, art galleries, and studios for various forms of arts education.
• Commitment to New Works and Emerging Artists: The company consistently includes original works in its season and actively collaborates with new and emerging artists and groups, fostering creativity within the Oregon arts community.
• High Audience Satisfaction: The theatre consistently enjoys an average of 85–90% sell-out rate, largely through pre-sold subscription packages, reflecting the audience’s trust and satisfaction with the quality of the productions.
• Deep Community Roots: Beyond its educational outreach, the center serves as a community gathering point, providing facilities and coordinating cultural activities that engage tens of thousands of people annually.

### Contact Information

For booking tickets, inquiring about classes, or getting involved as a volunteer (a role one satisfied customer clearly enjoyed), the Lakewood Center for the Arts/Lakewood Theatre Company can be reached directly:

• Center Address: 368 S State St, Lake Oswego, OR 97034, USA
• Primary Phone (Box Office): (503) 635-3901
• Mobile Phone: +1 503-635-3901

### What is Worth Choosing

For anyone in Oregon seeking a complete arts experience, the Lakewood Center for the Arts/Lakewood Theatre Company is an unparalleled choice. What truly makes this destination worth choosing is its holistic approach to the arts. It is not just a place to watch a show; it is a place to learn, participate, and be inspired.

The value of supporting this institution extends beyond a single ticket purchase. By engaging with Lakewood, Oregon residents are supporting a non-profit organization that actively maintains a multi-arts facility, provides crucial arts education to thousands of students, and enriches the entire region with its annual Festival of the Arts. The combination of a highly professional Theatre company—renowned for high production values and comfortable facilities—with a deep commitment to arts accessibility and youth outreach creates a truly unique and deserving cultural institution. The fact that the theatre is committed to a diverse season, offering everything from crowd-pleasing Musicals to challenging dramas, ensures there is always something captivating for every member of the family, solidifying its place as a cherished cultural gem in the heart of Lake Oswego.

Lakewood Center for the Arts/Lakewood Theatre Company

368 S State St, Lake Oswego, OR 97034, USA