meet the board

Letter from the President

Dear Friends of OSF:

We all know that these are challenging times—in the theater world as well as for other institutions and individuals. At the same time, OSF is as dedicated as ever to providing you with exciting, world-class drama. Few theater companies anywhere can offer such a stunning line-up of classic and contemporary plays, presented in rotating repertory in three beautiful theaters. OSF is famed not only for the high quality of its acting, but also for its sumptuous and varied productions.

The 2009 season is a case in point. Four of Shakespeare's greatest works are on the playbill, and so is the world premiere of Bill Cain's Equivocation—itself based on an imagined story of Shakespeare and his troupe under orders from the king to create a play making the king look good. Among the other offerings in the 11-play season is another first—a world-premiere adaptation of Cervantes' beloved Don Quixote that will grace our outdoor Elizabethan stage throughout the summer season. And audiences of all ages are delighted by this year's production of The Music Man, a classic of the American musical stage directed by Bill Rauch, now in his second full season as our acclaimed artistic director.

There's much more in this our 74th season, as you'll see when you put together your own line-up of plays to see during your visit to Ashland. You'll also see that a vacation in Ashland is affordable and just the ticket in these times of financial stress.

It's amazing that this theater has grown from a three-day presentation of two plays back in 1935 to what it is today. That would not have happened without the enthusiastic, fervent backing of our playgoers and supporters. We are grateful for that and thrilled to be approaching three-quarters of a century of presenting outstanding theater for all of you.

The OSF website continues to attract many new users each month. Please visit our membership section to learn more about the benefits of supporting OSF. The website is a valuable and easy-to-use resource for you to access all the latest information on plays and schedules. Many of you are finding it a convenient way to obtain the tickets. Of course our talented and friendly Box Office staff is always ready to assist you by phone with any play-going need or inquiry.

Ashland provides not only world-class theater, but also offers a small town atmosphere with wonderful restaurants, great accommodations and a wide range of family activities to complement your stay, including golf, skiing, river rafting, fishing, gallery browsing, or a walk through Lithia Park.

We hope you will join us in 2009.

Sincerely,
Jim Risser