the OSF archives

from humble beginnings

When in 1935 a young teacher was struck by the resemblance between the roofless walls of an old Chautauqua building and a 17th-century sketch of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival was born...

production history

Access our production history by year, from our start in 1935 to today.

Shakespeare: our standard, our inspiration

View our Shakespeare production history

Othello (1973) Ernie Stewart. Photo by Hank Kranzler

founder angus bowmer (1904 – 1979)

Angus was the founder and guiding spirit of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Find out more about the man whose dream blossomed into the largest regional theatre in America.

jerry turner (1927 – 2004)

Jerry's passion and dedication continues to influence the company. Learn more about this inspiring man, his leadership efforts and his vision for the Festival.