The sleepy town of Ashland, southern Oregon is nestled in the land of fertile farmland and rural friendliness. You wouldn’t think that for eight months out of the year it is the central hub of amazing, world-class entertainment in the form of better-than-Broadway theatre.
This ain’t your run-of-the-mill Shakespeare Festival. People from all over the world come to Ashland to experience professionally trained actors delivering productions of classic Shakespearean drama not to be found on the same scale anywhere else.
From February through October, you can choose from eleven different plays, on three different stages. Among the entertainment on offer are timeless classics such as “Julius Caesar” and “Shakespeare in Love” as well as more contemporary fare. They even offer a Backstage Tour which is a separate attraction unto itself, as well as other engaging activities.
OSF Home Page
Tickets are thoughtfully offered for any budget, from around $30 to well more than that for the best seats and the most popular productions. Daytime free shows (called Green shows) are even offered in the summer and fall!
Even if you are not into Shakespeare, per se, as long as you have an appreciation for live entertainment, there is a play on offer that will knock your socks off.
The OSF began in 1935 as a tiny, three-day festival with local entertainers needing an outlet. Today, classically -trained professionals have made Ashland their home so that they can hone their craft. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is a non-profit corporation managed under U.S. and Oregon law. That’s how important this institution has become! While there are paid positions, the festival does rely on hundreds of volunteers each year to help bring the magic to you.
While I have not yet been, you can be sure I am not going to miss next season. However, in the meantime, allow me to link to some of my fellow travel bloggers who have had the privilege of attending the famed OSF.
The Everywhereist
The Atlas Heart
