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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I love this group; they give me hope for the human race." |
OPS FEST's 2020 Season Moves Online
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Portland, Oregon – May 15, 2020: In compliance with city and state regulations, OPS Fest is adjusting its 2020 season to ensure the safety and well-being of their actors and audiences during these unprecedented times. Looking forward, OPS Fest announces their 12th season, their new online platform, Midsummer Midsommer, and WIL Fest.
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About Season 2020
To respect and support social distancing and gathering restrictions, the 2020 season will be streamed online. Audiences can enjoy performances of Shakespeare’s plays from the safety and comfort of their home. Two additional plays have been added to the repertoire this season: “King Lear” and “The Winter’s Tale”. While the format and venue may have changed, audiences can still rely on some favorite annual events like Midsummer Midsommer, WIL Fest, and the season closing gender shows. About OPS_online To continue providing free public access Shakespeare productions, OPS Fest developed OPS_online. The actors perform remotely from their own homes in a Zoom meeting which is then streamed live on Facebook and on YouTube. This will be the exciting new format that makes this 2020 summer season possible. About Midsummer Midsommer On Sunday, June 21st, OPS Fest kicks off their season with the popular “A Midsommer Nights Dreame”. The actors have no idea what character they will play until the AUDIENCE CASTS THE SHOW. And this year both the voting and the show will be online. Log in at 8PM, make your vote count, and watch the magic happen at 9PM. This performance will NOT be suitable for children. About WIL Fest From June 26th to August 16th, OPS Fest will perform every single play in their repertoire. That means you can tune in online and watch 21 Shakespeare plays from the comfort of your home this summer – the perfect Shakespeare binge. |
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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