Allen Performing Arts
presents
A Light In The Darkness
Written and Directed by Onnie Allen
December 17 & 19, 2026
at 7:00 p.m.
Emmanuel Church
1033 N Sumner, Portland, Oregon 97217
Free Admission
For more information contact us at
503-756-0495
Our Past Productions
Amazing Grace Broken Chains (2025)
(click to see more)
Death Was Arrested (2025)
(click to see more)
CoverGirl (2024)
(click to see more)
Lord Fix It (2023)
(click to see more)
He Paid It All (2019)
(click to see more)
The Gift That Heals (2018)
(click to see more)
He Rose (2018)
(click to see more)
Make A Donation
Donations to Allen Performing Arts help mentor young performers through training, workshops, and hands-on production experience while also strengthening the creative heartbeat of our community. Your support provides safe, inspiring spaces where youth can discover their gifts, grow in confidence, and participate in meaningful, culturally rich productions. Every dollar empowers local talent, expands outreach, and brings impactful stories to life on our stage.
About Us
Allen Performing Arts Inc.
Empowering Lives Through Performing Arts, Education, and Creative Expression
Allen Performing Arts Inc. is a faith-based, Black-led nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and adults through performing arts, education, and personal development. We believe every individual has a story worth telling, a gift worth developing, and a purpose worth pursuing. Through creative expression, mentorship, and educational opportunities, we strive to strengthen families, inspire hope, promote healing, and create positive change within our communities.
Our organization focuses on three core areas: Performing Arts, Education Not Incarceration (ENI), and Summer Camp. Each program is designed to provide meaningful experiences that build confidence, encourage creativity, develop leadership skills, and equip participants with tools for lifelong success.
Performing Arts
Through theater, drama, music, and original stage productions, Allen Performing Arts Inc. provides opportunities for youth and adults to discover their talents and share powerful stories. Our productions address real-life experiences, cultural issues, faith, family, and personal challenges while delivering messages of hope, healing, and transformation. We believe the performing arts are more than entertainment—they are a powerful vehicle for education, empowerment, and community connection.
Education Not Incarceration (ENI)
Our 18 week program, Education Not Incarceration (ENI) is designed to empower young black and brown people, particularly girls ages 12–21, by providing education, mentorship, life skills, leadership development, and positive alternatives to destructive behaviors. Through interactive workshops, meaningful discussions, and creative activities, participants gain the confidence and tools needed to make healthy decisions, overcome obstacles, and pursue their dreams. Our goal is to help young people recognize their value, discover their potential, and understand that their future is not defined by their circumstances. We’ve had a 98% graduation rate.
Summer Camp
Our Summer Camp provides children and youth ages 5–16 with a safe, engaging, and enriching environment where learning and creativity come together. Through performing arts, educational activities, team-building exercises, and hands-on experiences, campers develop friendships, build self-esteem, discover new talents, and strengthen important life skills. Our camp encourages children to dream big, express themselves, and enjoy a summer filled with learning, laughter, and unforgettable experiences.
Our Commitment
At Allen Performing Arts Inc., we are committed to making a lasting difference—one life, one story, and one opportunity at a time. We believe that when individuals are given the opportunity to learn, create, and grow, they can rise above challenges and become powerful agents of change in their families and communities.
We don’t just develop performers. We develop confidence, character, purpose, and possibilities.
Onnie Allen, Founder
Mission Statement
Allen Performing Arts Inc. is a faith-based, Black-led nonprofit using theater, performing arts, empowerment, and education to impact youth and adults, strengthen families, develop emerging artists, and present cultural relevance that inspires healing, hope, personal growth, and positive community change.
Vision Statement
To become a premier non-profit organization that transforms communities through creative excellence while raising up the next generation of artists and leaders.
Education Not Incarceration - 2026
Education Not Incarceration is an 18 week life changing program for young black and brown girls ages 12–21, who are under served, justice involved, attending alternative schools, and/or having family challenges. This unique curriculum helps then build a strong sense of self-worth while equipping them with real-life skills.
Focus areas include:
• Self-love and personal empowerment
• Emotional intelligence
• Financial literacy
• Practical life skills for success
For more information and location contact Onnie Allen at 503-756-0495
Youth Summer Camp 2026
Join us for the Allen Performing Arts Summer Program, an exciting two-week experience for kids ages 5–17! Participants will explore their creativity through music, arts & crafts, and nature-inspired learning, all while making new friends and having tons of fun. Each day includes a free lunch, and the adventure continues with a special field trip and custom program t-shirts for every participant. The program culminates in a showcase performance for parents, where students get to shine and share what they’ve learned. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn, create, and perform this summer!
Our Sponsors
We also proudly collaborate with other local non-profit organizations, expanding our impact and creating safe, creative spaces for young people during the most critical months of their development.
