Portland Actors Ensemble

This troupe of actors played MacBeth in the coolest venue. Lone Fir Cemetery. We were welcomed by some of the oldest residents in Portland and felt very comfortable amongst them all.
We arrived at 5pm and got seats right up front. No one was there, except the actors and catering company setting up. We brought blankets and event chairs along with picnic items, wine and dessert.
Note that there is also a caterer for those that want a picnic basket full of goodies. The website allows you to preorder or you can purchase them there as well. Beer And wine are also available.
The weather was fantastic. A bit cool once the sun went down so bring a blanket and jacket. We were very comfy.
Practical matters are covered quite nicely. Park just outside the cemetery, lots of spots. Porta potties are clean and located near the SW edge, in an out of the way spot.
We luckily read a short description of the play on line, however Portland Actors Ensemble also handed out a program describing the plot, etc
The played flowed well. The actors voices projected loudly, were funny and sobering all at the same time:). I guess you must laugh or you’d cry with all the sad events going on. Shout outs to Lady MacBeth (Cecily Overman), Witch number 1 (Zoe Randol) and Duncan (Matthew Faranda) who also played a hilarious Porter. All performances were very good. You could just tell this group was having a great time.
I will go see another one. We donated around $ 100 and bought a t-​shirt to support the group.
This is a Portland winner. We will attend again.

These guys put on a variety of shows– but last night I went to The Tempest at Lovejoy Fountain Park.
A great ensemble doing Shakespeare the way it should be done– outside. The performance was playful and skillfully done.
This is the ensemble’s 42^nd summer of free Shakespearean productions in our parks. What a blessing!
It was really cool to go to a park that I had never been to-​hidden amongst some rather tall apartment complexes.
Lovejoy Fountain Park is a beautiful space and perfect for the Tempest– as they are in and out of the fountain and able to climb up the stairs to the top for effect– important because I really think the isolated island is more than just a setting– it is a character in The Tempest.
If you go to this park– keep in mind that it’s all cement and water. I recommend maybe a pillow or a chair as well as a blanket to keep you warm– the building’s shadows make it much cooler than it would be in most of our parks.

Who can turn down free Shakespeare! It runs throughout the summer and some of their plays have interpreters for the deaf. Remember these are unpaid actors that enjoy what they do, so no fancy schmancy sound systems! Bring a snack, drink, low to the ground chairs because some of the parks only have cement.
People show up in droves so come early to sit up front. Please bring a couple bucks per person to donate so they can continue to offer this wonderful program with interpreters for the deaf and at different locals!
Portland Actors Ensemble are always humble and kind when asking for donations. Bravo!

Romeo and Juliet at Lovejoy Park is a fun way to catch a little culture and fresh air all in one night. Shakespeare in the park runs on Friday and Saturday nights at 8PM. The show is free, but they gladly accept donations.
You will only find cement at this park, so bring a cushy chair to rest your tush for the 2-​hour show. We showed up an hour before the show and the place was already filling up, so show up early to stake your claim.
Although the show was a bit amateur, it is impressive to see the ensemble of actors who dedicate their time to make Shakespeare economical and accessible to the city of Portland.