Multiple Oregon Shakespeare Festival performances canceled due to COVID outbreak

By Staff (Jefferson Public Radio)
July 22, 2022 1:15 p.m.

Several Oregon Shakespeare Festival shows have been canceled through Sunday because of a high number of COVID-19 cases among the cast and crew.

About 15% of the festival’s performers and understudies have tested positive for COVID, according to the directors of OSF.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

The only shows that will continue performing as planned are Once on this Island and How I Learned what I Learned. All other performances, including the pre-play Green Shows, have been canceled through the end of the week.

A free "Green Show" performance outside of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's Allen Elizabethan Theater.

File photo of a free "Green Show" performance outside of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's Allen Elizabethan Theater.

Juliet Grable / JPR News

Executive Director David Schmitz says OSF hopes to get the shows back onstage as soon as possible, especially the show Unseen, which closes next week.

“Unfortunately, acting is not the kind of job where you just sit at your desk and you can do it not feeling well,” Schmitz said.

Roughly 3,000 to 4,000 patrons will be affected by the cancellation, according to Schmitz. Ticket holders can get a refund, receive a voucher or exchange their tickets for a different performance date, among a number of other options. OSF attributes the outbreak to the new subvariant of omicron.

Further information on performances is available at www.osfashland.org/status.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

Become a Sustainer now at opb.org and help ensure OPB’s fact-based reporting, in-depth news and engaging programs thrive in 2025 and beyond.
We’ve gone to incredible places together this year. Support OPB’s essential coverage and exploration in 2025 and beyond. Join as a monthly Sustainer now or with a special year-end contribution. 
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: