Today, PHAME Academy announced acclaimed musician and music educator Matthew Gailey as its Music Director.

PHAME's new Music Director: Matthew Gailey

“When looking for the right combination of knowledge, skills, abilities and cultural fit for PHAME, Matthew was the clear standout candidate,” says PHAME Executive Director Stephen Marc Beaudoin. “While there were many talented candidates, Matthew is exceptional – he brings over a decade of demonstrated success as a music educator and musician, knowledge of and passion for PHAME, and compelling vision for the future of PHAME’s music program. He gave a dynamite audition with the PHAME Choir, and many of the students are still talking about him. We warmly welcome Matthew Gailey to PHAME as our Music Director!”

Gailey has more than a decade of experience as a music educator, conductor, musical theatre actor, singer and all-around performing artist. He holds a BA in Music Education from Florida Southern College, and did graduate study in Vocal Performance at Indiana University. Gailey has built award-winning choral programs at schools in Florida, performed in professional musical theatre across the United States, and studied jazz, choral music and opera with master teachers. Locally, he performs with the Bureau of Standards Big Band, the Matthew Gailey Band and other groups.

“When I was first introduced to PHAME Academy and its mission, I knew I had to be a part of this amazing organization,” Gailey says, on the occasion of his appointment as PHAME Music Director. “This is such a unique opportunity and I’m honored to be able to work with Stephen, Jessica and the rest of the staff in revealing the talent and gifts of PHAME’s students.”

Matthew begins his role this week at PHAME, and will meet and connect with PHAME students, families, friends and supporters in the weeks and months ahead. Welcome, Matthew!

Matthew Gailey Biography:
Matthew Gailey is a performing artist, songwriter and music educator with a dynamic musical background. Originally from Florida, Matthew received his BA in Music Education and student jazz improvisation with Nat Adderly at Florida Southern College. He then taught award-winning choirs in Florida’s public schools before studying music at the graduate level at Indiana University. While at Indiana, Matthew studied and performed with jazz notables such as David Baker and Pat Harbison, and performed multiple roles with the school’s renowned opera theater. After working in musical theater in New York and Texas, he moved to Portland with his wife in 2006. Currently, Matthew can be seen performing with local artists, his own group, and as the featured male vocalist with the Bureau of Standards Big Band. He looks forward to collaborating with the amazing students, staff and community of PHAME.

PHAME announced today that the organization’s 14th annual gala event – “Sparkle! A Night to Shine with PHAME” this past Sunday, Nov. 20 at The Tiffany Center – has raised more than $125,000 for PHAME Academy, and broken all previous gala fundraising records at PHAME.

“All of us at PHAME are just delighted with the great energy, great spirit and great fundraising that happened at ‘Sparkle!’” said Executive Director Stephen Marc Beaudoin. “Our student artists and performers shined so bright at PHAME’s ‘Sparkle!’ gala, and our community of supporters responded with incredible generosity and heart. I want to thank our incredible ‘Sparkle!’ gala committee, our ‘Sparkle!’ event sponsors and table sponsors, PHAME’s board of directors and staff and our corps of volunteers for bringing together a fantastic and successful gala event!”

PHAME’s “Sparkle!” gala – the organization’s signature annual event, celebrating the incredible talent of PHAME’s student artists and performers – raises much-needed funds for this rapidly growing fine and performing arts academy for adults with developmental disabilities. Serving just over 100 students annually, PHAME programs include arts education (classes and workshops) in the full range of performing and fine arts; outreach and performance across the Portland metro community, including the upcoming “PHAME: the H is for Honored Tour” (March 14-22, 2012); and student life opportunities.

PHAME’s November 20, 2011 “Sparkle! A Night to Shine with PHAME” gala was attended by over 300 PHAME supporters, who enjoyed a silent and live auction, sparkling wine, a three-course dinner and first-rate entertainment from the PHAME Choir in collaboration with the Shanghai Woolies. PHAME will announce the venue and date for our 2012 gala event early in the new year.

PHAME’s continued “Sparkle moment!” series this week showcases the lives of three unique PHAME students, exploring their dreams, passions, and their illuminating experiences with PHAME.

Kim Forrer, baker and artist, has been a bright and bubbly addition to PHAME for over 12 years, and continues to shine on stage. “I like the standing ovations that we get at every show we do,” she says.

Katie Dunn has enjoyed PHAME for the last 15 years, appreciating all the recognition and respect she recives from her community and loved ones. “PHAME does a lot for me, as well as my family, my parents. The more classes I take, the more they are proud of me.”

Andy Reisbick, another long time PHAME student, reflects on all the friends he’s made at PHAME over the years and the sparkling nature of PHAME Academy.

Enjoy this “Sparkle moment!” with Andy Reisbick – and check out all of our “Sparkle moment!” videos online here.

November 7, 2011

Greetings!

As PHAME board chair, I can with certainty say that this last year with PHAME has, in many ways, been our best ever.

As we move into the new school year at PHAME, I want to personally thank each and every one of you for working to reveal the talent of our amazing students. Your perseverance, hard work, passion, and compassion for PHAME and its students are truly inspiring.

And while we are revving up the engine this fall for a wonderful year ahead, driven by the inspiring talents of our PHAME students, all of us on the PHAME board of directors wanted to take a moment to provide some information and context to you on PHAME’s growth and development: where we’ve come from these past few years, where we’re at today, and a bit about what the future ahead looks like, together.

Thank you for all you do for PHAME.

Ethan Dunham, Board Chair

PHAME's "Grease" broke all previous musical production box office records, welcoming nearly 1,000 audience members! Photo by Jenni Baker

FINANCIAL STABILITY

In our nearly 27 year history, PHAME’s financial stability has never been better.

Because the economy took a turn for the worse combined with major transitions within the organization, PHAME experienced rapidly declining revenues. PHAME ran a deficit in 2007, 2008, and 2009. Things had to change or PHAME would not survive. The board developed a strategy to broaden the base of PHAME supporters.

Most of PHAME’s support has traditionally come from parents and caregivers. We decided as a board that we could no longer run PHAME on the backs of our PHAME families, and that we needed to diversify and broaden our revenue streams.

The fantastic news is that as of the end of the 2010-2011 fiscal year (ending June 30, 2011) our revenues exceeded $190,000, with a small surplus. To give you some perspective, in 2008 PHAME’s revenues were $98,000 and ran a deficit. Now, to meet the demands of a growing student body and programs, PHAME’s 2011-2012 budget is $259,000 – our largest annual budget ever.

Also of note is the significant increase in the number of donors to PHAME. In 2008 we had approximately 100 annual donors, and today – thanks to the rallying of support by the community at large we have over 400 annual donors to PHAME.

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

For the first time in our history, PHAME has full time staff! Both our Artistic Director, Jessica Dart and Executive Director, Stephen Marc Beaudoin are full time employees. This has greatly increased the amount of effort and energy our staff can bring to PHAME. This directly benefits our students’ access to the arts, and gives the staff more time to continue evangelizing for PHAME in the broader community.

The education level of our staff has also increased. Today each of our staff have college degrees, and many on the teaching staff have advanced degrees in music, theatre, visual arts and creative writing – often with focuses in education. Jessica continues to build our PHAME teacher-in-service training programs.

PERFORMANCES

“Grease”
Historically PHAME welcomed between 300 and 400 audience members for the annual summer musical production. In 2011, we set a new high: ticket sales for Grease were nearly 1,000!  We expect PHAME’s “Willy Wonka” will be just as big of a hit – so be sure and buy your tickets early! “Willy Wonka” runs June 23-24, 2012, at the Mt. Hood Community College main stage theatre.

“PHAME: the H is for Honored Tour”
In 2012 PHAME will for the first time tour the very communities where our students live. On this regional tour, from March 14 to 22, 2012, PHAME’s incredible student artists and performers will be showcased in over 12 performances in theater, music, dance, visual arts, and creative writing. This tour is supported by grants from the Portland 100 Fund of the Equity Foundation, Multnomah County Cultural Coalition and other generous businesses and individuals.

Other performances
Today, PHAME’s students are in great demand. In the year ahead, our PHAME student artists and performers will be featured in more than two dozen showcases and performances across the Portland metro region, reaching a total projected audience of more than 5,000 people.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS GROWTH AND TRANSITION

In 2011 the PHAME board of directors made major time and personal commitments to grow the governance of PHAME. In order to transition from a founder based organization and build a sustainable PHAME which will last for another 25 years, the board has undertaken a multi-year process of professional board and policy development. We can happily report we have several new policies already approved and in place, with more on the way. Any policy changes or additions that affect students or families will be shared both via email and on our website.

The current board is made up of 11 committed PHAME supporters. 7 are parents of PHAME students, and all represent a broad background and expertise in developmental disabilities, education, finance, business management, human resources, insurance, and non-profit management. Many have decades of experience already on nonprofit boards.

PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

The board and staff take our responsibilities for legal and financial obligations seriously. We are building the foundation for long-term sustainability at PHAME.

To that end In 2009 PHAME entered into an agreement with Jim Dunn of Martin, Bishoff, Templeton, Langslet, and Hoffman, attorneys to represent its legal affairs. In 2008 we hired Parry Ankersen, CPA, a nationally known expert in non-profit accounting; and after Parry became ill and passed on, in 2010 we hired McDonald, Jacobs, Marks, and Johnson, CPA’s, a larger CPA firm that specializes in non-profits. This is preparation for the requirements to have more rigorous financial oversight. Our financial statements, budgets, and tax returns are all public and available to you and anyone interested in our work.

PROGRAM OFFERINGS

The number of students is up at PHAME, as is the number of classes those students take – in this fall 2011 term, we have welcomed 75 unique students to PHAME; 10 of them being first-time, brand new students to our organization. PHAME also has increased its class offerings. Small music groups, directing, songwriting, and our expanded guest artist workshops are all exciting and well attended.

STUDENT LIFE

PHAME has the unique responsibility as the primary social outlet for many of our students. If you have been around PHAME lately, you can sense a renewed spirit of community and friendship here. To ensure this important part of PHAME continues to grow and prosper the board approved the formation of the new PHAME Family and Friends organization. The “PFF” was introduced at our first “Town Hall” and met with an enthusiastic response.
The launch of PFF: PHAME, Families and Friends, is a natural outgrowth of our program expansion and development, and your involvement with PFF will help support this growth and engagement for both returning and new PHAME students and families. To become involved in PFF, please email Jessica at jdart@phameacademy.org to learn more about the next meeting.

Although this letter does not attempt to capture the entire range of activity at PHAME, I hope it gives you a sense of the positive growth and maturation of our organization – and also points to the incredible possibilities ahead for us.

I welcome your feedback, and look forward to seeing you at a PHAME event very soon.

Sincerely,

Ethan Dunham, Chair
Carol Rance, Vice Chair
Rebecca Youngstrom, Secretary
Marc Aubertin, Treasurer

Leslie Davis
Jeanne Goodling
John Hutzler
Jeri Inger
Shari Kragrud
Kathy Plass
Ryan Wayman

PHAME Academy is thrilled and honored to be returning for a second year as a featured nonprofit in the Willamette Week Give! Guide – an innovative community philanthropy initiative designed to introduce new donors and volunteers to outstanding Portland nonprofit organizations. The Give! Guide goes live on  Wednesday, November 9, 2011 – and runs from November 9 through 11:59 pm on December 31, 2011.

“In our 2010 Give! Guide debut, PHAME earned the support of over 240 friends from the Portland metro area and others across the country,” said Executive Director Stephen Marc Beaudoin. “We were thrilled by our inaugural participation in the Give! Guide, and are delighted to be back for a big second year in the Guide. We have a team of 15 amazing PHAME fans – PHAME friends, families and students – who will help drive us to success in the 2011 Give! Guide. We hope as you plan your end-of-year giving that you’ll think of PHAME and consider a thoughtful donation to support our work.”

When the 2011 Give! Guide debuts on November 9, PHAME will not only be featured inside the Guide but also in another major way – in a feature story on PHAME Executive Director Stephen Marc Beaudoin, one of four 2011 Skidmore Prize award winners. Beaudoin and the other Skidmore Prize winners will be honored November 8th in a special party at Davis Street Tavern, and with a story about his life and work in the November 9 issue of Willamette Week.

PHAME is especially grateful to our 2011 Give! Guide business partners – Ross and Leah Seligman of PropertiesofPortland.com and Windermere Real Estate. To learn more about the 2011 Willamette Week Give! Guide, click here.  Be sure to check out PHAME’s special Give! Guide commercial, above or online here.

PHAME Academy announced today that tickets and tables are on sale now for PHAME’s 14th annual gala event, scheduled for 5 pm on Sunday, November 20, 2011, at downtown Portland’s gorgeous Tiffany Center.

Completely re-imagined and re-branded as “Sparkle! A Night to Shine with PHAME,” this year’s PHAME gala has expanded to welcome more PHAME friends and fans than ever before. Taking place over two floors at The Tiffany Center in Portland, “Sparkle!” will inspire our audience with a sparkling showcase of PHAME student artists and performers, a scrumptious seated dinner with wine, and a lively silent and live auction – all to benefit PHAME, the Portland region’s acclaimed fine and performing arts academy for adults with developmental disabilities.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome friends new and old to ‘Sparkle!’ – our newly imagined PHAME gala event,” says PHAME Executive Director, and 2011 Skidmore Prize winner, Stephen Marc Beaudoin. “With the incredible growth and recognition of our inspiring student artists and our organization in the past year, ‘Sparkle!’ is the culminating celebration of our students’ marvelous talents, and is undoubtedly this fall’s can’t-miss gala event in Portland. We look forward to welcoming so many PHAME fans and friends to join us and sparkle with PHAME!”

PHAME – which celebrates its 27th birthday in December of 2011 – was recently named by the City of Portland Office of Neighborhood Involvement as a “Making A Difference Award” winner for 2011. The one-of-a-kind PHAME Choir – who will be featured at “Sparkle!” under the direction of choir director Crystal Akins – has been featured across the region in the past year at major events include “From Oregon, With Love” at the Aladdin Theater, “TEDxPortland” conference at the Gerding Theater at the Armory, and at The Standard’s Volunteer Expo in Pioneer Courthouse Square.

This year’s “Sparkle!” gala features a seated dinner with wine, a silent and live auction, art specially created by PHAME student artists, and entertainment from the acclaimed PHAME Choir in collaboration with special guest hot jazz band, The Shanghai Woolies. Jason Demicheli of Kelly Russell Auctions is our event auctioneer for the night.

Tickets to “Sparkle!” are $100 for individual tickets, and $1,250 for table sponsors, and are available online by clicking here. PHAME sends special thanks to the 2011 PHAME Gala Committee:  Paul Finlay, chair, with Stephen Marc Beaudoin, Keith Daly, Leslie Davis, Matt Edlen, Trent Finlay, Adam Pearce, Coryn Pearce, Kathy Plass, Carol Rance, Alexis Young and Kris Young.

Additional thanks to the 2011 “Sparkle!” gala sponsors (as of October 6, 2011): Premier Sponsors The Edlen Family, Red Pine and Tychon Development ; Event Sponsors Bethesda Lutheran Communities, Stephen Marc Beaudoin and Robert Goman, Pride Financial Partners, Morel Ink and The Standard and Event Friends Robin Castro and John Halseth, Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, State Rep. Jefferson Smith and Katy Lesowski Smith, Ronald Atwood, PC and Solid Design Studio / Eric Sellers.

“Sparkle! A Night to Shine with PHAME” takes place Sunday, November 20, 5 pm at The Tiffany Center, 1410 SW Morrison Street, Portland. Tickets are $100 each, and tables of ten are $1,250. Be sure to check out PHAME’s “Sparkle! moment” YouTube series featuring PHAME’s inspiring student artists and performers, online here.

Since the very first production of  PHAME, Jason Marick has been excited and involved with the creative process of performing and directing. A well-known face around PHAME, Jason delights his friends and fellow students with his natural singing voice and fierce wit!

Read on for a full interview with Jason, and join us November 20th to “Sparkle!” with PHAME at the Tiffany Center.

Stephen Marc Beaudoin: So you did the very first production of PHAME, is that right?
Jason Marick: Yes, that’s correct. In fact I got started in 1986. It was at the same time I was in the Special Olympics.

Stephen: And how did you hear about PHAME?
Jason: Well, In a newspaper, actually. It was a newspaper article about a woman named Carol and I heard she was opening PHAME Academy and there was a screen test for Cinderella at the time. I was perfect during the screen test for Prince Charming. I learned by watching Cinderella and as an actor to create my part. It’d be good to play the part of a prince. So, I was Prince Charming.

Stephen: Oh my gosh! Was that a lot of fun for you?
Jason: Oh yes. I had dancing and singing! At the same time. It’s something I always wanted to do because when I was little I always had singing in my life… I always wanted to sing, all my life. My family wanted to hear me sing. And if there’s a play coming I want to be in it, singing and dancing, and acting all at the same time.

Stephen: So you’ve had so many different parts at PHAME singing and acting…
Jason: That’s correct. I was about age 11 or 12 and my first part was Little Drummer Boy.

Stephen: What was one of your favorite parts you’ve played at PHAME?
Jason: Let’s see..all of them. All have been good ones.

Stephen: Has there been one that’s really stood out to you, that you’ve loved?
Jason: It’s very hard to choose. Every time I was in a play, even the big ones, the musicals, I’ve been watching at home trying to follow (like in Jessica’s class) and I practiced that and watched what they do. Then I’d try to play opposite of her. A true professional is confident.

Stephen: So in the many years you’ve been coming..it’s been 25 years now…what’s been your favorite part of coming to PHAME? Why do you keep coming to PHAME?
Jason: Well, there are very old and professional actors around PHAME. I used to help them—I was one of the directors—I had the opportunity to be a director and act at the same time. I always amazed myself looking at what the others and I had done so far and I feel so proud to be part of PHAME. Sometimes I got a part time job to help out, and I’d come to PHAME all the time. I am the original actor around, and I can be helpful—like as a director or assistant director to help Jessica, or do props. I wanted to do more, like singing. Each person has their kind of talent and as for me I have the voice. Each part I do is very powerful—no one can look away and no one can control it. It’s something I always wanted to do.

Stephen: Talk about traveling to Belgium with PHAME. That was a long time ago, that was a pretty amazing trip.
Jason: Yes, actually, I stayed for 10 days.

Stephen: Tell us where you stayed.
Jason: I stayed in a hotel.

Stephen: In Belgium?
Jason: Yes, it was. I speak with an accent while I was there, a little bit “monsieur, madam.” And the bathroom was called batrum.

Stephen: And what were you guys performing?
Jason: A big performance event.

Stephen: And that was with “Very Special Arts,” right?
Jason: Yes, it was Cinderella that we did. On stage, people like, sparkle in the spotlight.

Stephen: Awesome. So, totally different subject. What is something totally unique about Jason that people may not know?
Jason: Many of the PHAME students are my friends, but one of them I fell in love with. I was very happy to have her as part of my life.

Stephen: Is it true that you’re known as the comedian around PHAME?
Jason: Matter of fact, that’s a good point! Yes because I was watching Full House, a TV sitcom, and I was trying to be much funnier. Matter of fact, I am the king of comedies, the Music Man…Lots of my parts are humorous. I can do noises, wild, crazy noises, and I’m outgoing. A comedian takes their time, pauses, and makes a punch line. In fact, I am very good at it because I am much funnier than other PHAME students. I am much funnier in person. Sometimes I have hurt feelings, but comedians can use those on stage.

Stephen: Tell us… The name of the gala this year is called “Sparkle”. What do you think about that? Why is it called Sparkle?
Jason: I have a sparkle in my eye. Sometimes I wear a tuxedo and sparkle when I dance or sparkle during the PHAME rehearsals. It was so amazing to sparkle under the lights. …In the likes of Hollywood or MGM. To be part of it.

PHAME’s “Sparkle!” Moment series continues next week here at phameacademy.org – meanwhile, tickets and tables to PHAME’s “Sparkle!” gala are now on sale by clicking here.

In her eight years at PHAME, Kaitlin Mullins has made a big impression as an artist and performer – and one unafraid to tackle a wide range of roles in PHAME musical productions… even if it means playing a teenage boy in revolutionary war-torn France! (Kaitlin played Gavroche in PHAME’s 2007 production of the student version of “Les Miserables”)

Read on for our full interview with Kaitlin, and join us November 20th to “Sparkle!” with PHAME at The Tiffany Center.

Stephen Marc Beaudoin: So Kaitlin, tell us your name and how long you’ve been at PHAME.
Kaitlin Mullins: My name is Kaitlin Mullins and I’ve been at PHAME for over 8 years.

Stephen: Over 8 years! That’s amazing. Tell us what you do at PHAME. What kinds of classes do you take?
Kaitlin: Well I take art, acting, choir, and lots more.

Stephen: That’s great – you take music classes and you sing – do you have favorite musicians or favorite music you like listening too?
Kaitlin: I like all kinds.

Stephen: Give us some examples.
Kaitlin: There are too many to count! Actually, I like Celine Dion, I like Phil Collins…  And I really like Josh Groban.

Stephen: He’s got a beautiful voice. So Kaitlin, if you could pick out a favorite performance for you at PHAME, do you have a favorite one?
Kaitlin: I have two.

Stephen: Two? Tell us what they are.
Kaitlin: One, I really liked the Grotto performance.

Stephen: The grotto performance was really beautiful.
Kaitlin: And the second is Les Miserables.

Stephen: Did you play Cosette in that?
Kaitlin: No, I played Gavroche!

Stephen: Gavroche! Isn’t that a boy part?
Kaitlin: Well, I can like get away with being a boy. I mean, look at me, I look so young!

Stephen: You do look very young, this is true! (laughing). So Kaitlin, you have this moment with this video to tell everyone something really unique about you.
Kaitlin: Well, Stephen, as it happens what’s really unique about me is my intuition. And what I mean by that is that I can sense negative energy and if anything is wrong in my life I can totally sense it.

Stephen: Wow, that’s amazing. I wish you could teach me to do that.
Katilin: (laughing) It’s not a thing you can teach, Stephen.

Stephen: So Kaitlin the name of the PHAME gala this year is what?
Kaitlin: Sparkle!

Stephen: And is that a good name?
Kaitlin: Yes!

Stephen: Tell us why.
Kaitlin: You want to know what Sparkle means to me, right?

Stephen: Yes, I do, actually!
Kaitlin: Sparkle means to me the “Snow Ball” and the “Rose Ball”.

Stephen: The snow ball and the rose ball.
Kaitlin: Yes, they have great food, great music, and a great display of lights!

Stephen: I love it! The Rose Ball and Snow Ball PHAME dances are always a lot of fun. So I wonder: when you think about the future and you think about your greatest hope for PHAME… do you have a wish for something that will happen for PHAME in the future?
Kaitlin: That’s a really hard question. Well, what I would really like for PHAME in the future…I wish PHAME to help the community more often.

Stephen: I feel the same way. In what way could PHAME help the community more?
Kaitlin: I don’t know. Anything, I guess.

Stephen: More performances?
Kaitlin: No, I mean something that can be like an economic benefit.

Stephen: So maybe we could do fundraisers for other organizations.
Kaitlin: Yeah!

Stephen: Okay. Is there anything I forgot to ask you in this interview?
Kaitlin: Yeah, you forgot to ask me which play I like the best.

Stephen: Well, let’s go there! What play do you like the best?
Kaitlin: Les Mis!

Stephen: I agree – I just love that show! Anything else you can think of? Kaitlin, anything else you’d like to say?
Kaitlin: You forgot to ask me what me interests are.

Stephen: Oh! Well, please tell us what your interests are.
Kaitlin: My interests would have to be supernatural, dreams, and psychics.

Stephen: Do you study those things?
Kaitlin: I read about them. I’m a great reader.

Stephen: I’ve heard that. You are actually known around PHAME as being a really amazing reader. What’s your favorite book ever?
Kaitlin: Eyewitness books! They are all about places and science! You forgot to ask me who I want to be in the future.

Stephen: Who would you like to be in the future?
Kaitlin: I have three plans. One, I would like to be an actress.  If I can’t be an actress, I want to be a scientist. If I can’t be a scientist I want to be an expert.

Stephen: That’s amazing! An expert in anything in particular?
Kaitlin: An expert in the supernatural or psychics. And if I was a scientist, I would study astrology or chronology.

Stephen: Kaitlin, you did a beautiful job. Thank you!

PHAME’s “Sparkle!” Moment series continues next week here at phameacademy.org – meanwhile, tickets and tables to PHAME’s “Sparkle!” gala are now on sale by clicking here.

How to describe PHAME student Pat Hansen? Just ask him.

“I’m an actor, a musican… and a welcome wagon to PHAME!” he says. And you know what – he’s right! As one of the longest continuing students at PHAME Academy -  he’s an original member from 1984, and has been part of our classes and productions every year since – Pat Hansen is regarded as one of the sages at PHAME: a one-man oral history project.

Read on for more of this incredible interview with the incredible Pat Hansen, and join us November 20th to “Sparkle!” with PHAME at The Tiffany Center.

Tickets to PHAME’s “Sparkle!” gala – $100 for individual tickets and $1,250 for table sponsors –  are now on sale by clicking here.

Stephen Marc Beaudoin: Hello, Pat! You’ve been doing this for many years. Are you one of the original members of PHAME?
Pat Hansen: Yeah, one of many. I started in 1984. And just a bit of background on how it really got started, if I may?

Stephen: Yeah, just a brief background.
Pat: Just a bit of background, we started in 1984 with a very good friend of mine, Carol Stady. Most of us who were in PHAME were in sports for adults with developmental disabilities. She saw us doing track and field and softball and basically said “Hey, these guys can do so much. Why not give them an extra challenge by doing something in [theater]?” Around Christmas time, she started the group with just a few people.

Stephen: You’re kind of a living oral history of PHAME!
Pat: Well, as I told you, I’ve been doing this for a long time since Carol started it. She wanted to give us another tool. So, she got a few of us together, handed us a script and worked with us on how we talk in character. I would really encourage people to come to an actual performance to see a tremendous enlightenment that these adults with developmental disabilities have. You learn a lot, especially from our students. Our students learn just as much from the teachers as the teachers learn from us.

Stephen: So what are some of the things you think teachers here at PHAME learn from the students?
Pat: The teachers learn how a person with a developmental disability person “is.” What I mean is that each person is an individual and each person has their own learning curve- how they learn. When PHAME teachers see that, they pick up on those aspects and they expand on what that person’s learning. They also get a person with a learning disability out of their “box.” So they basically say, “Here’s something we can try with you.” They give you a little bit more of an expansion on what you know and get you out of your comfort level.

Stephen: Over your long history with PHAME, what is your favorite PHAME moment?
Pat: One example is “Grease.” I got a lot of compliments for that performance.

Stephen: Describe PHAME in one or two words.
Pat: PHAME is encouragement.

Stephen: Now, the name of our PHAME Gala this year is…?
Pat: …

Stephen: It’s “Sparkle.”
Pat: I didn’t know that!

Stephen: You didn’t know that? Are you serious?
Pat: I’m serious!

Stephen: Oh my gosh, it’s called “Sparkle.” Look at this. (shows “Sparkle” poster)
Pat: Oh! This is what you guys put up there!

Stephen: Do you like it?
Pat: Yeah!

Stephen: So Pat, why do you think “sparkle” is a good word to describe PHAME?
Pat: The word “sparkle” is talking about how a person with a developmental disability grows. That’s what this word means. It represents that in the word PHAME, which means Pacific Honored Artists, Musicians and Entertainers, that’s what “sparkle” means.

Stephen: If you were to describe yourself as an artist in just a few words, how would you do that?
Pat: My name is Pat, and I do all sorts of theatrical work.

Stephen: Would you say you’re an actor?
Pat: I’m an actor.

Stephen: Would you say you’re a musician?
Pat: I’m a musician.

Stephen: Would you say you’re a dancer?
Pat: No, not at this time.

Stephen: Haha! You’re also kind of the overall helpful guy and the welcome wagon to PHAME. Is there anything else that I should’ve asked you but didn’t and should ask you right now?
Pat: Well, I think we need to add a little bit more onto the aspect of donations that we do. We do a lot of donations and I would really encourage a person to come to our website, to come to our Facebook page and Twitter, and encourage a person to donate- to financially support us if you can. If you can’t, just let us know you’re available to help out, to give us encouragement.

PHAME’s “Sparkle!” Moment series continues next week here at phameacademy.org – meanwhile, tickets and tables to PHAME’s “Sparkle!” gala are now on sale by clicking here.

PHAME is thrilled to have been announced today as a recipient of the 2011 “Making A Difference” award from the City of Portland Office of Neighborhood Involvement, in the nonprofit category.

The City of Portland’s annual “Making a Difference” award – selected by members of the Connecting Communities Coalition, under the leadership of City Commissioner Amanda Fritz – recognizes people, businesses and nonprofit organizations that make outstanding contributions that have helped improve the livability of Portland for all people with disabilities. This is PHAME’s first time, in the organization’s 27 year history, to be honored with this award.

“PHAME is absolutely honored and thrilled by this ‘Making A Difference’ award recognition,” says PHAME Executive Director Stephen Marc Beaudoin. “At PHAME, we aim to make a positive, demonstrated difference in the lives of our inspiring student artists and performers every day. Our Artistic Director Jessica Dart and her teaching staff bring so much heart and hard work into the classes, workshops and rehearsals that they teach with our students, and the PHAME students make a real difference in this community by showcasing their incredible talent and joy in creating and performing. We are grateful to Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz and the Connecting Communities Coalition for this award, and look forward to making a difference in the Portland metro region for many years to come.”

PHAME staff and board members will accept the 2011 “Making A Difference Award” in the nonprofit category at this year’s Connecting Communities event: Thursday, October 20, from 5:30pm – 7:30pm at the Lloyd Center Doubletree Hotel in Portland.