Meet The Judy, Portland’s new family arts center

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Construction in the lobby of The Judy | Photo by David Kinder

Northwest Children’s Theater is moving to Broadway. 🎤 On Saturday, April 29, The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts (aka “The Judy”) will open its doors on 1000 Broadway as Portland’s new go-to center for arts performances, education, and special events for all ages.

The move has been a long time coming. Over the last three decades, NWCT has entertained and educated over a million kids, parents, grandparents, teachers, and students. In order to keep pace with its growth, NWCT knew it was time for a new home.

Enter: The Judy, a new space in an old place.

A black-and-white film photograph of an art deco movie house on a rainy night in Portland in 1929. — What the exterior of the Broadway Theatre looked like in 1929 — peep the cool old cars. | Photo via Wikipedia

About The Judy

1000 Broadway has a long history as an arts space. The lot was formerly home to The Broadway Theatre, an art deco movie house opened in 1929. After its planned renovation fell through, the theatre was demolished in the mid-80s and replaced with 1000 Broadway, a 24-story office building that included a fourplex movie theater that operated through 2011.

Now, the former fourplex will become The Judy’s new spaces:

The Stage: A traditional proscenium-style (read: the part of the stage in front of a curtain) performance space that seats 240.
The Black Box: A flexible performance space with 120 seats that can be set up a variety of ways for creative productions.
The Studios: Three flexible rooms that can be used for classes, camps + rehearsals, each with a built-in sound system and theatrical lighting.
The Cinema: The Judy’s very own 190-seat movie theater, which will host Family Movie Nights on Friday evenings, weekend matinees + other special screenings.

Bonus: With its on-site maker space, full concession area + attached parking garage, The Judy will also offer rental and partnership opportunities (think: birthday parties, office celebrations + more). 👀

See it for yourself

Don’t miss the free Grand Opening Event on Saturday, April 29 from 12-1:30 p.m., and mark your calendar for its first round of upcoming shows: “Elephants & Piggies: “We Are in a Play!” (April 29-May 28), and “Cinderella” (May 5-May 21), plus spring break camps, spring classes and summer camps. 🎟️ *

EXPLORE THE JUDY

This content was created in partnership with Northwest Children’s Theater and written by Stephanie Rogers.*

What year was Northwest Children’s Theater and School created?

A. 1981
B. 1987
C. 1993
D. 2005

See the answer in the Wrap.

TEST YOUR PORTLAND ARTS KNOWLEDGE

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Monday, March 6

Laugh Basement | Monday, Mar. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | The Goodfoot, 2845 SE Stark St., Portland | $10 | Local comedian Kate Murphy headlines this weekly showcase of Rose City’s stand-ups.

Tuesday, March 7

Women-Owned Business Mixer | Tuesday, Mar. 7 | 7-9 p.m. | StormBreaker Brewing, 8409 N. Lombard St., Portland | Free | Come have a free drink and network with fellow members of the community at this event hosted by St. Johns Boosters, Prosper Portland, and Venture Portland.

Wednesday, March 8

Elizabeth (Dori) Tunstall in Conversation With Elsa Mercado | Wednesday, Mar. 8 | 7 p.m. | Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W. Burnside St, Portland | Join a fascinating conversation with the author of “Decolonizing Design,” as she explores how to recenter its theory and practice in global Indigenous cultures and histories.

Thursday, March 9

“Daisies” | Thursday, Mar. 9 | 7-9 p.m. | Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton St., Portland | $8 | Settle into this feminist Czechoslovakian film from 1966 about two brash young women who embark on a series of pranks and take nothing seriously.

Friday, March 10

Wine Tasting with Torii Mor Winery | Friday, Mar. 10 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave., Portland | $75-$95 | Sip vino, find zen.
Pickledome! A Pickleball Pop Up | Friday, Mar. 10-Saturday, Mar. 11 | Times vary | Lloyd Center, 1405 Lloyd Center, Portland | $10-$50 | See what the big dill is about the sport that’s taking the world by storm in a friendly and accessible environment.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

EVENTS CURE MONDAY BLUES

Weather

47º | Afternoon showers | 56% chance of rain

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 6:39 a.m.
Set: 6:04 p.m.

Health

Starting Monday, April 3, patients will no longer have to wear masks when visiting the doctor’s office or in other health care settings. Just over three years after the state’s first COVID-19 case, the Oregon Health Authority will lift the mandate — it has been in place since August 2021. (OPB)

Try This

March marks the start of the Architectural Heritage Center’s volunteer-led walking tours of Portland. Highlights include neighborhoods like Sullivan’s Gulch, Sunnyside-Belmont, and Lair Hill. There are also opportunities to explore downtown, like the Portland Architecture on the World Stage Tour on Saturday, March 18. 🏢 (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

Eat

The spicy, gochujang-glazed fried chicken at Lil’ America’s new food cart Frybaby looks so good we could cry (like a baby). Leaning on his Southern roots and Korean American identity, owner Sunny Hatch also cooks tasty side dishes like bo ssam collard greens and mashed potatoes with curry gravy. 🍗 (Eater Portland)

Plan Ahead

This summer, Portland Sunday Parkways will return for three days. The free event series promotes healthy living by closing various streets so attendees can walk, bike, and roll to discover active transportation. The planned dates and locations are May 7 (East Portland), June 25 (Northeast Cully), and Sept. 10 (Southwest Portland). 🚲

Older Adults

A nonprofit whose tagline is “a whole new old” has a whole new space. The Geezer Gallery promotes the work of local artists ages 60+ and recently opened a satellite location at The Elizabeth Lofts in Pearl District. 🎨 (Portland Tribune)

Arts

Do you wanna build a snowman? Then you have to win a contest. The theater department at Westview High School won the exclusive rights to perform a full-length Broadway version of the musical “Frozen,” by winning a nationwide essay competition. Get tickets to see the shows Thursday, March 9-Saturday, March 11. ❄️ (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

Finance

Don’t let your credit cards go to waste. Kudos helps you get the most rewards and benefits every time you shop online. It’s simple to use and completely free. Try Kudos now and start saving on the money you’re already spending. 💸 *

Travel

What’s your vacation vibe — cozy, luxurious, or chic? For a cozy stay, look no further than this snug and cheerful getaway on beachy St. Simons Island, Georgia. For luxury, book this lush Hawaiian resort on the island of Kaua’i. And for the chicest of stays, peep this renovated house in downtown Charleston.*

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Outdoor dining in winter? Yes, please.

Restaurants with heated outdoor seating in Portland, OR

Several people eat at outdoor tables under a wooden pergola with plastic sheeting surrounded by gas heaters and foliage

If you’ve never tried a tasting menu before, República is the perfect place to start. | Photo by @republicapdx

Winter is still here, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy fresh-air dining. There are dozens of eateries around town with heated and covered outdoor patios to keep the open-air vibe alive — come rain, sleet, snow, or hail.

Here are some to choose from:

Kayo’s Ramen Bar | 3808 N. Williams Ave. #124 | Harder-to-find clear-broth ramen is on the menu here — perfect for slurping under the shelter of the second-floor overhang.

The Bye and Bye | 1011 NE Alberta St. | The overhead heaters on the back patio will keep you warm and cozy late while you snack on Southern-inspired vegan food.

Phuket Cafe | 1818 NW 23rd Pl. | Stay warm and dry in one of the most aesthetically pleasing and comfortable outdoor dining areas in Portland, with stylish decor and heaters in a space reminiscent of a train car.

Quaintrelle | 2032 SE Clinton St. | Explore the latest seasonal offerings on the PNW-inspired menu while sitting on the cobbled patio surrounded by plants.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Ben.

Answered: What year was Northwest Children’s Theater created? The correct answer is 1993. Happy 30th birthday, NWCT.

Editor’s pick: For Portlanders, camping at Devil’s Lake on the coast is a great summertime adventure, but in recent years, invasive Canadian pondweed has spread rapidly, threatening native species and gumming up boat engines.

Now, grass-eating carp — sterilized so they won’t proliferate — will be introduced to the waters in order to bring the vegetation under control.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? With just a flick of your magic wand, which major Portland development project would you finish?

Connect with us.

Editorial: Cambrie Juarez, Ben McBee, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Alaina McIntyre | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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