CoHo Productions Thrives After Leadership Crisis Through Collective Vision and Accessibility Focus

CoHo Productions, a theater company in Portland established nearly thirty years ago by Gary Cole and Robert Holden, has encountered considerable obstacles following the passing of its visionary leader, Philip Cuomo, five years ago. The organization navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest, and a board exit due to an unsuccessful building acquisition. A new leadership trio—Phil Johnson, Morgan Clark-Gaynor, and Olivia Matthews—has restructured CoHo into a collective framework, creating a Resource Center for artists. They revamped programming to engage youth, diverse, and queer audiences with a pay-what-you-can ticket model. Notable efforts include the annual ClownFest, initiated in 2022, and an artist residency for three creators each year. CoHo also collaborated with Third Rail and PETE to establish the Cuomo Theatre Fund aimed at securing a performing arts center.