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Phame Academy is a non- profit and is a 501(c)(3) organization.
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About Us
PHAME'S HISTORY:
Started in 1984 by Carol Stady as PHAME,
(Pacific Handicapped Artists, Musicians, and Entertainers),
the organization became PHAME Academy, a 501c(3) non-profit organization, in 1992.
As a strong supporter and active participant in the Special Olympics,
Ms. Stady observed over and over again that many young people who were eligible
to participate instead chose to "sit on the side lines" and would not or could not participate.
Professionally trained in the performing arts (music, theater, and dance), Carol came up with the idea of
making it possible for the reluctant sports participants to instead turn their energies to live performance.
In spite of the serious doubts of many who believed that it was not a possible goal to attain,
in December of 1984 she produced The Nativity Story at The Old Church (Portland, OR.), the entire
cast consisting of special needs students and performers.
The result was an audience amazed at the new-found ability and talents of their children and friends,
a cast energized and excited about their untapped potential, and the ultimate birth of PHAME.
As a result, each following year, Ms. Stady, with the help of volunteers, parents, supporters, and of course the
talented individuals who comprised the casts, produced a full scale theatrical event.
In 1992, she left her position with the First Interstate Bank to open the Academy, where the fine
and performing arts would be taught and performed. The rest is history.
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PHAME’S TEACHING PHILOSOPHY:
Our slogan is “Talent Revealed”. In order to accomplish this goal, PHAME practices the “Enlighten, Educate, and Entertain” teaching
philosophy. This approach supports the students by providing opportunities that encourage education, enlightening experiences, and
entertainment derived from not only the classroom and special event environments, but also from the experiences and support derived from
parents, guardians, and the students themselves.
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PHAME'S CLASSES:
PHAME Academy offers a series of 10 - 11 week long classes throughout the school year.
Taught by qualified professionals, the classes include the visual arts, writing, acting,
musical presentation, dance, and specific technical theatre experiences.
The year culminates in a full scale musical production directed by
PHAME's Artistic Director Michael Ashton and utilizing the students, both present and past.
In addition to the annual play, PHAME's Vocal Choir performs throughout the Portland, OR.
and Vancouver, WA. Metropolitan areas at special events and each term concludes with an
"End of Term Recital" that is open to the public.
Currently, PHAME Academy holds all of its classes at the Community of Christ Church
located at 47th and NE Couch in Portland, Oregon.
PHAME's administrative office, thanks to the generosity of the Wells Fargo Bank,
is located in NW Portland.
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PHAME'S ONGOING PURPOSE:
The purpose of PHAME Academy is to make available to mid teens
and adults with developmental disabilities and special needs in the
Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington metro-areas the chance to
participate in the fine and performing arts and to be encouraged
and allowed to express themselves creatively - thus supporting the
development of their self-esteem and self-worth.
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PHAME'S VOLUNTEERS:
Volunteers are vital to PHAME's continued success.
Volunteers can choose from one or more activities to participate and/or aid in including:
class room or office assistance, carpooling, event planning and set up which includes the Annual Gala,
Rose Ball, and Snow Ball. In regards to production assistance, we are always seeking make-up and
hair stylists, costume sewers and fitters, set design and construction help, prop seekers, ushers,
ticket takers, and those interested in helping cast members memorize their lines and blocking.
We are also interested in your suggestions and ideas regarding how you are interested in helping PHAME.
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PHAME'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
PHAME Academy's board is comprised of diverse members.
Board terms are two years, and members are eligible for re-election.
In addition to the Board of Directors, PHAME Academy also has an Honorary Board.
The Board(s) are responsible for financial stability, the long term goals and ultimate
direction of the organization, and networking for the good of PHAME.
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PHAME'S FUTURE GOALS:
One of PHAME Academy's ultimate long term goals is to occupy
a facility of our own that could house classrooms,
an appropriate stage and auditorium, sufficient dressing rooms,
storage, a location for set and costume creation, and administrative offices.
Centrally located where transportation and safety is a priority, such a facility would
enable PHAME Academy to continue its quest in serving special-needs students and their
families through participation in and a greater appreciation of the performing arts.
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Of equal importance is the goal of being able to provide appropriate and competitive salaries for PHAME's
administrative staff, which includes an Executive Director, Artistic Director, and Outreach Coordinator.
All positions are currently "part time" and we recognize the importance of moving them in the direction
of full time - both for the sake of the persons involved and for the longevity of PHAME itself.
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And finally, PHAME looks forward to "leading the way" for other like-minded academies and
organizations throughout the region and the country.
In so doing, PHAME would be both an example and resource for others to follow.
To this end, in May 1994, having been selected by Very Special Arts, Oregon,
PHAME represented Oregon at the Festival of the Very Special Performing Arts held in Brussels, Belgium.
The result was the development of many special relationships that exist today.
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