About Philip Cuomo
Philip Cuomo was many things to the theatre community: actor, director, teacher, administrator, advocate, and clown. He served as Producing Artistic Director of CoHo Productions, company member at Third Rail Repertory Theatre, instructor of PETE's Institute for Contemporary Performance, Executive Director of Portland Actors Conservatory, and founder of the CoHo Clown Cohort. In each of those roles, he did the same thing.
He made space for other artists to grow.
Philip believed that theatre was most powerful when it was collaborative, accessible, and rooted in community. He nurtured dozens of new plays and programs, helped countless artists and organizations bring their work to life, and built relationships across Portland's arts ecosystem that shaped the field as it stands today. Those who knew him remember not just his talent and range, but his genuine investment in the people around him.
On November 27, 2021, we lost Philip to an aggressive illness. His family and community refused to let the dream go with him. The Cuomo Theatre Fund was formed to carry his vision forward. CoHo Productions, Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble, and Third Rail Repertory Theatre joined together to do what none of them could do alone and establish the permanent home Philip dreamed of.
From 2013 to 2021, Philip served as Producing Artistic Director of CoHo Productions, and throughout that time he worked steadily toward a singular vision: purchasing the building on NW Raleigh to create a permanent, collaborative home for Portland artists. A place where people at every stage of their development could learn, train, experiment, and perform together.
The Cuomo Theatre Fund campaogn is, at its core, a continuation of the work Philip spent his life doing: creating the conditions for artists to thrive.
“From the bottom of my heart, I am dedicated to fulfilling my late husband Philip’s dream for a theatre space that guarantees a home for innovation and cultural growth in Portland for decades to come. It is transformative to see an expanding community of dedicated friends who are making real Philip’s dream.”