See the original practice FOR FREE!
OPS Fest brings no-cost repertory Shakespeare to parks and venues all over the Portland Metro area. The company uses the original practice techniques of Elizabethan England: limited rehearsal, scrolls in hand, audience interaction, and an onstage prompter.
In Shakespeare's Era, the audience knew the actors had not rehearsed and that the only context each had of the play was their own role on a scroll. The play was as fresh to the actors as the audience.
In our company, you'll NEVER see the same cast do the same play in the same way. Because Shakespeare should be a little dangerous!
In Shakespeare's Era, the audience knew the actors had not rehearsed and that the only context each had of the play was their own role on a scroll. The play was as fresh to the actors as the audience.
In our company, you'll NEVER see the same cast do the same play in the same way. Because Shakespeare should be a little dangerous!
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We are a 501(c)3 non-profit!
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Ops Fest Trading Cards! Email us to purchase!
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Interested in being an Apprentice or Intern? Let us know here!
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I love this group; they give me hope for the human race." |
OPS FEST IS BACK
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Portland, Oregon – June 15, 2022: ORIGINAL PRACTICE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL (OPS Fest) is back in the parks for a 14th season, and they’re expanding their tour! This year, OPS Fest is adding Washington Park to their ever-growing list of locations! If that’s near you, or you’re excited to see some free Shakespeare done in the old, old-school way in a brand new place, join OPS Fest at Washington Park on August 19 and 20.
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This summer, OPS Fest starts the season on Tuesday, June 21 at 9:00pm with the audience favorite Midsummer Midsommer at the top of Mt. Tabor. They then jump directly into WIL Fest and perform all 25 of the Shakespeare plays in their lineup each weekend throughout the summer. **If the COVID-19 pandemic causes public gatherings to halt temporarily, OPS Fest will perform the scheduled show(s) online. Check in at https://opsfest.org to keep current!
About Midsummer Midsommer: On Tuesday, June 21st, OPS Fest kicks off their season with the fan favorite, A Midsommer Nights Dreame at the summit of Mt. Tabor. The actors have no idea what character they will play until the AUDIENCE CASTS THE SHOW one hour prior to curtain! This show marked last season’s joyous return to the parks & folks will delight in arriving early to this year’s show to cast the play on-site at 8PM and watch their creation take shape at 9PM. This performance will NOT be suitable for children. Picnics are welcome. About WIL Festival: OPS Fest performs all 25 plays in its repertory over the summer at 11 different Portland parks. https://Facebook.com/opsfest The OPS Fest company of skilled, flexible actors will perform with occasional interruptions of songs, dances, and sketches throughout. Shows begin at 7pm and the audience is welcome to arrive during the hour before to watch the pregame dance & fight rehearsals. Children, picnics, and leashed pups are always welcome! About the 2022 Season: OPS Fest is proud to bring admission-free Shakespeare to the Portland Public Parks for their 14th season! Richard II and Antony and Cleopatra are the new plays on the roster. The season ends on the last weekend in August with the Gentlethem’s Show (nonbinary & trans actors!) of Romeo and Juliet, the extremely popular Gentlewomen’s Show (sisters are doing it for themselves!) of A Midsommer Night’s Dreame, and the Gentlemen’s Show (all fellas!) of Richard III. About Original Practice Shakespeare Festival: OPS Fest brings no-cost Shakespeare to parks all over the Portland Metro area. The company uses the original practice techniques of Elizabethan England: limited rehearsal, scrolls in hand, audience interaction, and an onstage prompter. Gender fluid casting is our jam! Learn more at opsfest.org and opsfest.org/tour-calendar |
Photo by Tiffany Gilly
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Original Practice Shakespeare players have a great talent for improv, making the Bard’s words not just relevant, but also bringing out the best lighter qualities of the script... this allows the audience and cast to work together, and the words to stand, as they can, on their own." |
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Every little bit helps, friends! We thank you right now for being an OPS Superhero and helping bring our company to a park near you! Sincerely, The artists, staff, and board of Original Practice Shakespeare |
Photo by Tiffany Gilly
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