On the river arts Presents
UP THE HILL
A new play by Val Landrum
A Love Story Running Out of Time
about the show
It’s been thirty years since Emily lost her life giving birth. It’s been three years since George and her son have visited. She waits in the graveyard at the top of the hill, where S.M. Simeon, a supernatural being, is trying to save her from a fate worse than death. But when George finally shows up, his memory has left him and Emily must get him to remember it all as the pocket watch ticks away.
A story full of love, lost moments, and time limits, with plenty of laughs along the way.
production history
Journey of Up The Hill
Grown through collaboration with Portland’s theatre community.
01 · The beginning
PDX Playwrights - Scenario Workshop
February 2025 - The story began taking shape when Val participated in the Scenario Workshop, with PDX Playwrights, where Up The Hill received a partial reading at CoHo Theatre.
02 · Sharing the story
Shaking the Tree - Summer Festival
July 2025- A flurry of writing, a condensed rehearsal process, and a staged reading in the Nothing Left to Lose Summer Festival at Shaking the Tree Theatre brought the words to stage with a more fully realized performance.
03 · Building momentum
21ten Theatre - Summer Residency
July 2026 - After several new drafts and a more in-depth rehearsal process Up The Hill received a summer residency at 21ten theatre. A great success with three sold out performances and rave audience reviews!
04 · Where we are now
Sowelu Dramatic - Fiscal Sponsorship
October 2026 - We are securing dates and venues, connecting with designers and crew, and fundraising to make some magic happen. Sowelu Dramatic is our fiscal sponsor for those who would like their donation to be tax-deductible. To learn more contact chris@chrisharder.com
05 · The next chapter
Full Productions & Tour
The story of Up The Hill continues.
May 28 - 30, 2027 - 100 Lives Repertory
June 10 - 13, 2027 - 21ten Theatre
August 6 - 15, 2027 - Edinburgh Festival Fringe
We share our work, build connections locally and on the international stage to spark future collaborations.
Meet the Ensemble
Seasoned Portland artists creating something brand new, together.
Playwright / Co-Producer / Emily
Val Landrum
Co-producer / George
Chris Harder
S.M. Simeon
Adam John Roper
Foley Artist / Tech Director
Stefan Feuerherdt
Director
Dani Baldwin
Help us climb Up The Hill
Where your support goes as we build toward opening night:
- A stage to stand on. Venue rental at 100 Lives Repertory and 21ten Theatre, plus the rehearsal and tech time that make every cue land.
- Marketing that fills the seats. Posters, postcards, programs, a photo shoot, and a trailer, plus professional photos and video of the production to share with supporters.
- Designers who build the world. Lighting design and technical direction that turn an empty stage into a graveyard at the top of a hill, plus finishing touches for the set, props, and costumes. We already have the heart of the design from our workshop.
- Live sound created by hand. Our foley artist makes the show’s sounds in real time, in front of the audience. A few equipment upgrades will add detail and texture.
- Artists and crew who make it happen. Actors, a director, a foley artist, a stage manager, and a booth operator, all paid for their work.
Suggested gifts: $10 · $25 · $50 · $100 · Other
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Val and Chris
