The Teen Ensemble & Youth Theatre Programs

The Teen Ensemble & Youth Theatre Programs include The Teen Ensemble and Youth Theatre Programs. The program is for ages 13 to 18, and all classes are held in person at Shaking the Tree's office and rehearsal space.

Programs

• The Teen Ensemble — teen program
• Youth Theatre Programs — youth program

At a glance

• Ages: 13–18 years old

About the provider

Shaking the Tree was founded in 2003. Its mission is to use innovative ways to inhabit space and to sit at the intersection of innovation, activism, and groundbreaking theatricality so audiences can experience a deeper, more active connection to the work.

What families say

“"Shaking The Tree has, since 2003, presented some of the boldest, strangest, and most unforgettable stage work that Portland has ever seen."” — Robert Ham, Portland Mercury

“"What makes Shaking the Tree one of the gutsiest production companies in the city is Van Der Merwe's ability to look straight at enshrined notions about what theater can or should be and tell them to go to hell."” — Bennett Campbell Ferguson, Willamette Week

“"I've written this before, but the reason I think Shaking the Tree is the most interesting theatre in Portland is because they don't let you off the hook, ever, not for a single moment. As soon as you enter the theatre, you're in it without a safety net."” — Krista Garver, Broadway World

Last updated October 14, 2026.