Now Playing—PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater
If you haven’t frequented SE Division Street recently, the building at 3530 may look like any other row of freshly restored storefronts and bars along the bustling street. But tucked behind one such storefront and bar is the Tomorrow Theater—a stunning remodel of the former Oregon Theater and PAM CUT’s new home for cinematic storytelling.
“Yes, we’ll have movies, but that’s not all,” said Amy Dotson, PAM CUT director. “With the Tomorrow, we’re building a home for cultural snackers, a space where when people walk through this door, they will never quite know exactly what Tomorrow brings.”
“As a home to a multimedia feast of creators, content, and audiences who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, we are firmly committed to mixing it up. By creating a space where artists collaborate across disciplines and audiences commingle and are exposed to a variety of art and media stories, they will never have the same experience twice,” Dotson said.
The Tomorrow Theater will devote its nearly 9,000 square feet to showcasing a broad range of mixed media arts that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the state, closely developed with artists and partners based in the Pacific Northwest and globally.
The theater reflects PAM CUT’s ethos to reimagine for whom, by whom, and how cinematic stories are told and connect with new audiences in fresh ways. Through screenings, exhibitions, performances, and interactive programs, each evening will bring something different with a variety show approach that incorporates at least two distinct art forms simultaneously. Embracing cinematic storytelling in all its forms—from film series to animation and gaming, plus XR, performance, and audio stories, too—the happenings will be as varied as the artists and audiences colliding on any given night.
The full bar and snack shack inside the theater—dubbed The Beginning of Tomorrow—is overseen by ChefStable. Their playful approach to food and beverage will drive menus that will change according to the themes, artists, and vibes of the events and experiences.
UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS
CONTEMPORARY COLOR// featuring Cascadia Winterguard
Saturday, November 4, 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Half-price tickets to the 9 p.m. show with code BIG SUIT
Have you seen PDX's vibrant Winterguard scene in action? Join us for an immersive screening featuring the Cascadia Winterguard in all its glory pre-show and relive the magic of David Byrne's Contemporary Color on our big (dare I say, enormous!) screen.
INNOVATION UNIVERSITY // The Oregon Ducks’ Impact on Sport Culture Through Innovation, Product, and Storytelling
Featuring Nike speakers Tinker Hatfield and Todd Van Horne
Thursday, November 9, 6 p.m.
From the unconventional style of play to exclusive Nike and Jordan Brand footwear, Oregon has been setting a cultural tone through innovation for more than 20 years. Seen through the lens of the Oregon Ducks rise from an underperforming football program to one of the biggest and most recognized brands in the country, join us for a night where former coaches, athletes, and industry-leading influencers talk about what makes the University of Oregon unique. Led by Innovation University author Garren Strong, join us for a conversation with Tinker Hatfield, Nike Vice President for Design and Special Projects, and Todd Van Horne, Nike Creative Director about innovation, sport, design, and storytelling.
PROTOTYPE// Lance Weiler’s Where There’s Smoke Live
Thursday, November 16, 6 p.m.
All families have secrets. Skeletons hidden in closets. Things left unsaid. In Where There's Smoke, storytelling pioneer Lance Weiler unravels the secrets of his enigmatic father—a volunteer firefighter and amateur fire scene photographer—and two devastating fires that struck the Weiler family. Featuring live drawing, theatrical storytelling, photography, and experiential elements, audience members will not only discover a shocking story that's both deeply personal and universally relevant but also one that lingers with them long after the tale is told.
DOC NOW! FEST
What’s better than a Dame Helen Mirren-hosted pseudo-documentary classic as interpreted by some of the funniest comedians and performers around, including the lovable Fred Armisen and Bill Hader? When they’re paired double-feature style on the big screen with the films that inspired the episodes!
DOC NOW! FEST// Sandy Passage & Grey Gardens
Friday, November 17, 6 p.m.
DOC NOW! FEST// Waiting for the Artist & Marina Abramović
Friday, November 17, 9 p.m.
DOC NOW! FEST// Juan Likes Rice and Chicken & Jiro Dreams of Sushi
Saturday, November 18, 6 p.m.
DOC NOW! FEST// Trouver Frisson & Faces Places
Saturday, November 18, 9 p.m.
SNEAK PREVIEW NW// Finding Groovopolis
Sunday, November 19, 6 p.m.
While coming to terms with his dad’s death, director Wil Kristin discovered the original script for Groovopolis, which follows a music programmer who falls overboard at a work party, encounters a group of wild, dancing island inhabitants, and inadvertently records their music before being rescued and spreading the sounds as an antidote to dull and monotonous consumer culture. Produced scenes from Groovopolis eerily show up in and influence Kristin’s own life, and the unusual collaboration yields an excavation of family, legacy, and navigating adulthood.
SNEAK PEEKS // Bad Press
Sunday, November 26, 6 p.m.
This exciting documentary tracks an intrepid team of local journalists covering the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in Oklahoma who are feeling the pinch of tribal politics. Filmmakers Rebecca Landsberry-Baker and Joe Peeler won a Special Jury Award for Freedom of Expression at this year's Sundance Film Festival. Live post-screening talk with co-director Joe Peeler in conversation with Indigenous journalists from Underscore News.
Full schedule and tickets at tomorrowtheater.org
The Tomorrow Theater
3530 SE Division Street
Portland, OR 97202
