chautauqua 150

As part of the Oregon 150 Sesquicentennial celebration, and in salute to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s roots in the Chautauqua movement, OSF will sponsor Chautauqua 150 over three days in 2009. Follow us on Twitter by searching for hash tag #chau150. Links to the schedules for the three days can be found here:

April 25 Schedule
August 12 Schedule
October 24 Schedule

Why Chautauqua?
Ashland’s original Chautauqua was founded in 1893 and, after 31 years of educating and inspiring the citizens of the Rogue Valley, closed its doors in 1924. In 1935, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival was begun on its former grounds. Thinking about how we might participate in the celebration of Oregon’s 150th birthday, we realized that it’s time to return to our roots. Teddy Roosevelt called Chautauquas "the most American thing in America,” and Oregon 150, with its reach across geography, time and human lives, promises to be “the most Oregonian thing in Oregon.” We are proud to be a part of it.

And... while these activities are complete unto themselves, they will also serve as the starting point for the creation of Oregon-themed theater pieces as part of American Revolutions: the United States History Cycle, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s ten year initiative of commissioning up to 37 new plays about moments of change in our nation’s history.

Have ideas? Want to be involved? Interested in getting updates as plans unfold? Email us at Chautauqua@osfashland.org





chautauqua 150 As part of the Oregon 150 Sesquicentennial celebration, and in salute to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s roots in the Chautauqua movement, OSF will sponsor Chautauqua 150 over three days in 2009. Follow us on Twitter by searching for hash tag #chau150. Links to the schedules for the three days can be found here: April 25 Schedule August 12 Schedule October 24 Schedule Why Chautauqua? Ashland’s original Chautauqua was founded in 1893 and, after 31 years of educating and inspiring the citizens of the Rogue Valley, closed its doors in 1924. In 1935, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival was begun on its former grounds. Thinking about how we might participate in the celebration of Oregon’s 150th birthday, we realized that it’s time to return to our roots. Teddy Roosevelt called Chautauquas "the most American thing in America,” and Oregon 150, with its reach across geography, time and human lives, promises to be “the most Oregonian thing in Oregon.” We are proud to be a part of it. And... while these activities are complete unto themselves, they will also serve as the starting point for the creation of Oregon-themed theater pieces as part of American Revolutions: the United States History Cycle, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s ten year initiative of commissioning up to 37 new plays about moments of change in our nation’s history. Have ideas? Want to be involved? Interested in getting updates as plans unfold? Email us at Chautauqua@osfashland.org		American Night Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Hamlet Henry IV, Part One Pride and Prejudice Ruined She Loves Me The Merchant of Venice Throne of Blood Twelfth Night Well