Third Rail Repertory Theatre was born in 2003 of a desire to deliver artistic excellence to Portland audiences on a consistent basis. Like the Group Theatre of the 1930s and Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre, Third Rail's permanent ensemble shares an esthetic, a vocabulary, and an understanding of each others' working styles. This means that great risks can be taken quickly, thus great dramatic (and comic) potential can be tapped. The result for theatergoers is productions that are surprising, thought-provoking, and above all, consistently entertaining.

The artists of Third Rail are professionals. They have worked as actors, directors, and designers at all levels of American theatre, from summer stock to Broadway, and as teachers in outreach programs and in higher education. The company's ties to Portland are deep and strong. Many members were born here, and their involvement with Portland theatre spans decades.

The success of Third Rail's vision is undeniable. Since its first production in 2005, the company has won the admiration of Portland audiences and the press. In its first two years, and after only six productions, Third Rail has garnered an impressive 14 Drammy awards.