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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I love this group; they give me hope for the human race." |
OPS FEST IS BACK
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Portland, Oregon – May 25, 2021: ORIGINAL PRACTICE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL (OPS Fest) is pleased to announce that the 13th season will take place in the parks (finally)! Last year’s OPS Online Season was a wonderful way for the ever-ready-to-improv company to entertain during quarantine in 2020 by performing exclusively online, broadcasting to Facebook and You Tube
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This summer, OPS Fest starts the season on Monday, 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 23 of the Shakespeare plays in their lineup each weekend throughout the summer. Mask wearing is required by the Parks Dept at this time. We will keep you informed as to any changes. **If the COVID-19 pandemic causes public gatherings to halt temporarily, OPS Fest will perform the scheduled show(s) online. Check in to https://opsfest.org to keep current! About Midsummer Midsommer: On Monday, June 21 st , 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! Everyone missed this popular show last season & folks will delight in arriving early to cast the show on-site at 8PM and watch their creation take shape at 9PM. This performance will NOT be suitable for children. Picnics are welcome. Please wear your masks! About WIL Festival: OPS Fest performs all 23 plays in its repertory over the summer at 10 different Portland parks. Check the website for the schedule and Facebook for updates: 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 2021 Season: OPS Fest is proud to bring admission-free Shakespeare back to the Portland Public Parks this year! Henry IV, Part 2 and Measure for Measure are the new plays on the roster. The season ends on the last weekend in August with the Gentlemen’s Show (all fellas!) of Romeo & Juliet, GentleThem’s Show (non binary & trans actors!) of Comedie of Errors, and the extremely popular Gentlewomen’s Show (sisters are doing it for themselves!) of Loves Labours Lost. About Original Practice Shakespeare Festival: OPSFest 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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