Hillsboro Artists' Regional Theatre

Hillsboro Artists' Regional Theatre
Name	Hillsboro Artists' Regional Theatre
Address	185 SE Washington Street
City	Hillsboro, Oregon
Country	United States
Capacity	99
Type	Community theatre
Opened	1995
Yearsactive	1995–present
Website	https://www.hearttheatre.org/

Hillsboro Artists' Regional Theatre. Commonly known by its acronym HART, it is a non-profit community theatre organization located in Hillsboro, Oregon. Founded in 1995, the company is dedicated to producing a diverse season of plays and musicals while providing educational outreach and performance opportunities for residents of Washington County and the broader Portland metropolitan area. HART operates from a historic venue in downtown Hillsboro, serving as a cultural hub for the region's performing arts community.

History

The organization was established in 1995 by a coalition of local artists and civic leaders seeking to create a sustainable theatrical venue for western Portland's suburbs. Its early performances were staged in various temporary spaces, including local schools and community halls. A significant milestone was reached in 2001 when HART secured a long-term lease for its permanent home, the former Masonic lodge building on SE Washington Street. This move, supported by the City of Hillsboro and private donors, allowed for the renovation of the facility into a dedicated 99-seat proscenium theatre. Throughout its history, HART has collaborated with organizations like the Hillsboro School District and the Washington County Museum to expand its community footprint.

Productions

HART presents a mainstage season typically featuring five to six productions, encompassing a broad range of genres from classic dramas to contemporary comedies and large-scale musicals. Notable past productions have included works by playwrights such as Neil Simon, Tennessee Williams, and August Wilson, as well as musicals like The Music Man and Into the Woods. The theatre also hosts special events, including staged readings of new works, holiday-themed performances, and collaborations with groups like the Oregon Children's Theatre. Its programming often highlights themes relevant to the local community and provides performance opportunities for both emerging and established actors from the Tualatin Valley.

Facilities

The theatre's primary venue is a 99-seat thrust stage configuration located at 185 SE Washington Street in downtown Hillsboro, Oregon. The facility includes a fully equipped scene shop, costume storage, and dressing rooms. The intimate auditorium, known for its clear sightlines and acoustics, was renovated in the early 2000s to meet modern accessibility and safety standards. HART also utilizes ancillary spaces within the building for rehearsals, meetings, and its educational workshops. The venue's central location places it near other cultural institutions like the Glenn & Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center and the Hillsboro Public Library.

Educational programs

HART's educational arm, HART Theatre Academy, offers year-round classes and workshops for youth and adults. Programs include summer theatre camps for children, technical theatre intensives covering stagecraft and lighting design, and acting classes for various age groups. The academy frequently partners with the Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Department and local schools to provide after-school programming. A notable initiative is the annual Student Playwriting Festival, which showcases original works by high school students from across Washington County. Many participants have gone on to study at institutions like Portland State University or pursue professional work with companies such as Portland Center Stage.

Community involvement

The theatre maintains strong ties to the local community through various outreach initiatives. It offers "Pay-What-You-Can" performances for each production to ensure accessibility and participates in city-wide events like the Hillsboro Tuesday Night Market and the Washington County Fair. HART collaborates with non-profits such as the Oregon Food Bank for donation drives and provides complimentary tickets to service organizations. The company also runs a robust volunteer program, engaging hundreds of community members annually in capacities ranging from ushering to set construction, supporting the operational model typical of many community theatre organizations.

Awards and recognition

HART has received multiple awards for artistic excellence and community service. It has been the recipient of several Drammy Awards, which honor achievement in Portland-area theatre, for categories including Outstanding Ensemble and Costume Design. The City of Hillsboro has recognized the organization with cultural contribution awards, and it has received grant support from the Oregon Cultural Trust and the Regional Arts & Culture Council. In 2015, HART was featured in The Oregonian for its impactful twenty-year contribution to the region's cultural landscape.

Category:Theatres in Oregon Category:Community theatres in the United States Category:Organizations based in Hillsboro, Oregon Category:1995 establishments in Oregon