Established in 1974, Portland Stage is the leading professional theater in Northern New England; committed to creating great art, passionate about using the theater to educate, and dedicated to enriching our community. In our 40+ year history we have championed new American Plays with the Little Festival of the Unexpected, an annual, week-long, new play workshop; as well as hosting the Clauder Competition, the most prestigious playwriting award for New England playwrights. Each season six full productions and a holiday show appear on our 286-seat Mainstage. We also feature a number of readings and experimental productions in our 75-seat black box, and host special events and our Play Me A Story program in our 40-seat storefront space.