The Sound Stage Open Studio

Step inside The Sound Stage, Vancouver’s professional voice over, recording, podcast, and self-tape studio, for an afternoon of exploring how stories and performances come to life.

As part of ADX Fest, The Sound Stage is opening its doors to the public for a behind-the-scenes look at the creative spaces where actors, voice artists, audiobook narrators, podcasters, filmmakers, and other independent creatives do their work.

Tour our professional recording spaces, podcast setup, and self-tape studios, see the technology behind the scenes, and learn what goes into creating professional audio and video. Throughout the event, demonstrations will showcase the many ways these spaces are used, from video game voice acting and audiobook narration to commercial voice-over, podcasting, and on-camera performance.

Visitors will also have opportunities to step behind the microphone, try out a self-tape setup, and experience what it's like to record in a professional studio.

Members of The Sound Stage team and local creative community will be on hand throughout the afternoon to demonstrate the spaces, answer questions, and share what it's like to build a creative career in the Pacific Northwest.

And if you're planning to see Our Mr. Matsura at Kiggins Theatre that afternoon, make The Sound Stage part of your day. Some of the audio for Beth Harrington's documentary was recorded right here at The Sound Stage. Stop by our Open Studio to see where that work happened, then head down the street to Kiggins Theatre for the 2 PM screening and experience the finished film on the big screen.

Whether you're a working creative, an aspiring performer, a filmmaker, podcaster, curious neighbor, or simply interested in seeing what happens behind the microphone and camera, come explore The Sound Stage and experience a working creative studio for yourself.

Free and open to the public. Drop in anytime between 10 AM and 2 PM.

Location: The Sound Stage, Suites 307 & 309

Film Screening:

The orphan son of a samurai, Frank Matsura came to the Pacific Northwest in 1901, settling in remote Okanogan County, Washington. His personal charm and talent as a photographer soon made him a figure of some interest in a community of settlers from the East, European immigrants and, most notably, the people of the Native community. 

But then and now he remains enigmatic and his photos contribute to the questions we have about him. More than a century after his death, his legacy endures. Our Mr. Matsura is the story of this fascinating artist and the people who, even today, uphold his memory.

This screening will benefit further distribution efforts for the film. 

Filmmaker Beth Harrington will be in attendance.

Location: The Kiggins Theater

See the award-winning short documentary featuring a beloved Portland icon, then join a post-screening walking tour to view the Thompson Elk and other monuments that shape the story of our city.

Film begins at 4:00pm.

Tour Begins at 5:00pm.

About the Film: The Elk - 30 min Documentary 

As protest consumed Portland, Ore. in 2020, the city removed a beloved elk sculpture for safekeeping. Six years later, the elk is the first of the city's damaged monuments to return, and the only sculpture without controversy. But in a city that never really stopped protesting, people remain divided over why the elk went away—and what it means for the dinged-up but refurbished symbol to finally return. Set in an American city reckoning with its symbols of westward expansion, the unfolding fate of the elk and the other sculptures tells the story of a nation divided over who and what belongs on a pedestal. 

About the Walking Tour:

Tour guide Sarah Gilbert of Around Portland Tours is a featured participant in the film, The Elk. Sarah is a writer and bicycle evangelist, and has worked in the hiking tourism industry for over a decade. Join Sarah and Director Erika Bolstad on a localized tour of downtown Portland monuments, including the Thompson Elk. The tour is free and starts immediately after the screening and Q&A for The Elk, outside the Portland Art Museum.

Location: PAMCUT’s Whitsell Audiotorium at Portland Art Museum

Join the Overcast Animation Collective as we celebrate Halloween! Help us raise funds to be able to bring 'My Friend Blue' to as many audiences as possible. Together, we'll be able to add closed captioning, Spanish and other language dubs, and even an ASL interpreter! 

The party starts at 6pm. We'll have refreshments, a bake sale, face painting, and fall crafts. The costume contest winners will be announced at 8:30! Please keep your costumes family appropriate. We can't wait to see you there!

Location: ADX