Never Retallack |  Entertainment Editor

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is a large annual event where dozens of shows are performed. It is no surprise that the event had to be altered due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but luckily the Southern Oregon Theatre Company has found a new way to connect millions to their performances.

The Southern Oregon Theatre Company has created a new digital platform called O!; by May 6, they plan to release previously recorded performances, documentaries, behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and educational videos.

The company had started their season on March 6 in Ashland, just three days after the first confirmed COVID-19 case. After Kate Brown’s stay-at-home order, the company had to cancel productions and let go of 400 employees.

While the company has promoted O! as a way to engage audiences with theater during these times, they still plan to host the Oregon Shakespeare Festival from Sept. 8 to Nov. 1 if possible. 

O! was originally meant to be released during 2021, but the company decided to premiere early to keep people excited about theater. The platform contents will be almost completely free, and there will be other forms of media available such as podcasts and interactive videos.

For those that are interested in seeing what is available, check out the website: https://osfashland.uscreen.io/

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu