Oregon Shakespeare Festival

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JUN. 15-19, 2016 $1,495
Ashland
UCLA Faculty on Tour Activity Level: Mild Activity Hide This
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Overview

Oregon Shakespeare Festival

JUN. 15-19, 2016
Ashland

Once again we invite you to join our popular Oregon Shakespeare Festival trip in June with Professor Stephen Dickey. Venture up to Ashland, and this charming town is the perfect backdrop for the award-winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival, a tradition since 1935. While the Bard is their inspiration and anchor, they offer a wide range of classical and modern plays and musicals performed by an outstanding multicultural acting company. We know the theater is a special focus, but, there is an exciting and diverse array of offstage activities to see and do during your visit to Ashland.

Join UCLA professor Stephen Dickey on our 25th trip to the festival Time magazine named one of the top five regional theaters in the country. Founded in 1935, the Tony Award-winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival is among the oldest and largest professional non-profit theaters in the nation. With specially prepared advance reading lists and in-depth lectures, you will see the theater in a whole new light.

This tour is a special opportunity to have the one-on-one experience with UCLA faculty that our alumni have been raving about. See why this trip regularly elicits comments like this from past Oregon Shakespeare travelers: Mary Tallo ’70, “UCLA successfully gave us an intellectual and fun experience. Professor Dickey and our exceptionally knowledgeable group was a very stimulating combination.” Lesley Powles ’74, “I thought this trip had just the right amount of structured group activities with plenty of time for exploring on my own.”

Join us as we travel to one of our favorite all-time travel destinations. If you have any questions, please call us at 310-206-0613.

Sincerely,
Christel Pailet
Director, Alumni Travel

 

Cost: $1,495
UCLA Alumni Travel
Activity Level: Mild Activity
COVID-19 Information:

Spend luxurious summer days reveling in the genius of Shakespeare with UCLA English Professor Stephen Dickey. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, revered as one of the top regional theaters in the nation, brilliantly mixes tradition with contemporary interpretations. Experts will enhance the experience with private discussions about the plays and productions. With four plays or jetboating and accommodations at the historic Ashland Springs Hotel, this five-day trip sets the stage for an educational and cultural escape.
The Plays

  • Twelfth Night

William Shakespeare
Angus Bowmer Theatre

Love Makes Fools Of Us All
Illyria is a topsy-turvy place full of romantics and eccentrics. At least that’s how it seems to Viola, who’s been cast adrift in this merry world. Out of necessity, she disguises herself as a boy but quickly becomes an object of desire to the woman her employer sent her to woo. Time eventually sorts it all out, but not before Viola and everyone around her are bewitched, bothered and bewildered as they traverse the often contradictory landscapes of their hearts. This sumptuous production sets Shakespeare’s wise, lovely comedy in a shimmering, tune-filled 1930s Hollywood.

  • Hamlet

William Shakespeare
Allen Elizabethan Theatre

Do You Believe In Ghosts?
Devastated by his father’s death and disgusted by his mother’s hasty marriage to his hated uncle, Denmark’s Prince Hamlet has hit the rock bottom of despair. Now the ghost of his father appears, claiming the uncle murdered him – and the spectral accusation torments Hamlet’s troubled mind, driving him to avenge a crime that may or may not be a product of his own imagining. Grand in scope, rich in language, this classic story of haunting, both literal and metaphorical, ranks among Shakespeare’s masterpieces.

  • The Wiz

Book by William F. Brown
Music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls
From the Novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
By L. Frank Baum
Allen Elizabethan Theatre

The Quintessential Feel-Good Musical
Dorothy, the Scarecrow, a witch named Evillene and that charismatic huckster the Wiz will light up the stage in this uproarious, song-filled adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, told through the lens of the African-American experience. With its arch social commentary, journey of self-discovery and infectious songs like “Ease on Down the Road,” The Wiz won seven Tony Awards and had a triumphant four-year run on Broadway. OSF is thrilled to bring this cultural touchstone of the 1970s to our outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre.

  • Great Expectations

Adapted by Penny Metropulos and Linda Alper
From the novel by Charles Dickens
World Premiere Adaptation
Angus Bowmer Theatre
Optional play on June 17 if no Hellgate Jet Boating

What’s a Gentleman Made Of?
Young Pip hasn’t had it easy – orphaned early, knocked about by a bad-tempered sister and headed for a life of hard labor. A terrifying encounter in a graveyard and a summons to meet the eccentric Miss Havisham aren’t helping matters. But when a mysterious benefactor sends him to London to become a gentleman, his dreams come true. Or do they? Charles Dickens’ thrilling tale of friendship, love, the price of revenge and the true nature of generosity comes to life in this world-premiere adaptation by OSF favorites Linda Alper and Penny Metropulos.

UCLA Faculty on Tour

Stephen Dickey
Department of English
Stephen Dickey is senior lecturer in the English department at UCLA where he has received numerous teaching prizes, including the Distinguished Teaching Award in 1993. He teaches various courses in Shakespeare, the English Renaissance and the Beat Generation, as well as introductory courses in poetry and drama. Recent publications include works on Romeo and Juliet, the Henry IV plays and the Elizabethans’ favorite sport of bearbaiting. In 2009, as part of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial celebration, he spoke at Ford’s Theater on Lincoln’s knowledge of Shakespeare. Dickey is also on the faculty at the Folger Shakespeare Library’s summer teaching institute, which brings high school teachers from around the country to Washington, D.C. for a month of intensive study. This will mark his 15th year serving as lecturer for our Oregon Shakespeare Festival tour.

Details

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Itinerary

DAY 1 | June 15
At 5:30 pm, get to know Stephen Dickey and your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner in the hotel’s Ballroom II and Conservatory. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy the quaint town of Ashland.

Great Expectations is playing in the Bowmer Theatre at 8pm. If you are participating in the jet boating excursion on Friday, you may want to consider this optional play this evening.
(D)

DAY 2 | June 16
Continental breakfast is included daily at the hotel. Stephen will give his first lecture on Twelfth Night in the Crystal Room of the hotel at 10:30 am.

Walk a few blocks to contemporary Italian New American Salame Restaurant, featuring southern Oregon’s local flavors influenced by California cuisine and Italian recipes for lunch.

Enjoy your free time this afternoon after lunch. Ashland is at the convergence of the Cascade and Siskiyou Mountains, and a town that is just as unique and authentic as the terrain that surrounds it. Nowhere else do so many individual experiences from performances, culinary arts and outdoor recreation, combine to create something so inspiring.

If you would like to enjoy an additional play this afternoon, ROE is playing in the Bowmer Theatre, and Yeomen in the intimate Thomas Theatre. Both plays begin at 1:30 p.m.

Our first Shakespeare performance will be Twelfth Night that is being performed in the indoor Angus Bowmer Theatre at 8 pm.
(B,L)

DAY 3 | June 17
Continental breakfast is included daily at the hotel. Today, you will have two itinerary options:

Hellgate Jet Boating:
Get a taste of the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest on a jet boat lunch excursion on the rushing and scenic Rogue River. Guides skipper us through the rushing rapids in safety and comfort on wide-beamed jet boats. A delicious family-style lunch will be served for our group in the midst of this awe-inspiring scenery. We’ll depart the hotel around 8 am, and return at approximately 2 pm, with the rest of the afternoon for relaxation.

Great Expectations:
Sleep in, and enjoy more time in the charming town of Ashland. At 1:30 pm, head to the Bowmer Theatre for the Great Expectations play.

Stephen will give his second lecture on Hamlet in the Crystal Room of the hotel at 5 pm.

You will have time for dinner at one of the many Ashland restaurants as we will be seeing Hamlet on the outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre at 8 pm.
(B,L)

DAY 4 | June 18
Continental breakfast is included daily at the hotel.

Stephen will give his third and last lecture on his thoughts on current day Shakespeare adaptations and the history of Shakespeare, past, present and future in the hotel’s Crystal Room at 9 am.

Afterwards, enjoy a perennial favorite: the backstage tour led by one of the festival’s actors. View the festival’s three theaters and go behind-the-scenes to see staging and production areas, and costume shop and sets. The tour also highlights the history and technology of the festival and includes admission to its Exhibit Center.

The rest of the morning is free to relax and enjoy Ashland. Saturday mornings usually offer a local farmer’s market, and a small arts and craft market. Located in the heart of the city, you are just steps away from restaurants, shops and the theater. Enjoy Lithia Park and the mild summer weather.

Yeoman is playing in the Thomas Theatre at 1:30 pm should you wish to see an additional play this afternoon.

Late afternoon, head to the highly regarded Winchester Inn, Restaurant & Wine Bar for our farewell dinner. This traditional Victorian stately home is in perfect harmony with its surroundings, situated in the midst of an English country garden. Walk the path to the restaurant where pansies line the path that lead to the front entrance. It has been a favorite of our past travelers for many years.

After dinner, walk to the outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre to enjoy our final performance, The Wiz at 8 pm.
(B,D)

DAY 5 | June 19
Enjoy brunch this morning at the hotel’s Conservatory/Gardens. An actor from the Festival will once again join us for an intimate question and answer session. Lively discussions always ensue as we critique and discuss the performances we have seen this week. Around 11 am, check-out and depart for home. If you would like to extend your stay in Ashland for an extra day or two, this can be easily be arranged for your convenience.
(B)

Accommodations
2015-06-oregon-hotel-exterior

We will be staying at the Ashland Springs Hotel; an oasis of gentility and elegance located in the heart of the charming town of Ashland. Built in 1925 and lovingly restored, this downtown landmark is a haven of taste reminiscent of small European hotels. The hotel is nestled in the Rogue River Valley where travelers come from far and wide to experience the wonders of nature and the acclaimed curative waters of the mineral springs and now enjoy the world renowned Shakespeare Festival, exciting local food and wine scene, and the beauty and joy of returning to a simpler time.

This elegant boutique hotel offers many fine guest amenities. On-site, the property provides a business center and concierge service, free parking for those who are driving and a cozy fireplace in the hotel’s lobby. A few of the amenities are as follows: Wireless high speed internet access in all guest rooms, iron, ironing board, 100% cotton robes, Frette linens, Feather/Down pillows and blankets, Gilchrest & Soames bath products, flat screen TV with HBO, and hair dryer in each guest room. Dry cleaning and laundry services are offered Monday through Friday. A 30-minute complimentary steam and sauna is also available for guests at the Waterstone Spa across the street from the hotel. Please see Gigi, the hotel Concierge to make an appointment.
There are also complimentary nature walking tours of Lithia Park at 10 am.

A complimentary continental breakfast is also offered each morning from 6:30 am to 10 am in the Palm Room. A complimentary tea service from 3 pm to 5 pm is served on the Mezzanine level. The highly popular Larks Restaurant located at the hotel is open daily for lunch and dinner. A late-night snack from 9 pm to Midnight is also available on the Mezzanine level when you return from your evening at the theater, offering hot tea, lemonade, and snacks.

The Ashland Springs Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a member of the Historic Hotels of America, and, we are just steps away from the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival theaters.

 

Air Travel

Due to economics within the airline industry, securing competitive group air between Los Angeles and Medford is no longer a viable option and unfortunately, cannot be offered to and from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. We have, however, done the research on how to best get there as an individual traveler, so call us for airline schedules and other options.

The transfer from Medford airport to Ashland Springs Hotel is easy, and only a 30 minute ride. There is a shuttle service (Cascade) 888-760-RIDE for approximately $28 each way, and a taxi ride is approximately $40 (Valley Cab) 541-772-1818 or (Yellow Cab) 541-772-6288.

Ashland, Ore. is approximately 700 miles north of Los Angeles.

Airlines

  • America West Airlines 800-235-9292
  • Delta Airlines 800-221-1212
  • Horizon Airlines 800-547-9308
  • United Airlines 800-241-6522
  • Allegiant Airlines 702-505-8888


Amtrak 800-872-7245

Rental Cars in the Medford Airport Terminal

  • Avis 800-331-1212
  • Budget 800-527-0700
  • Hertz 800-654-3131
  • National/Alamo 800-227-7368
  • Enterprise 800-Rent-a-Car

 

Pricing

Land Only: $1,495 (based on double occupancy)

Single Supplement: $435

Download Reservation Form Request Brochure In Mail
310.206.0613 (P)
310.209.4271 (F)
travel@alumni.ucla.edu
  • Ashland and Shakespeare are the best. The trip is well-organized, actually impeccably so, the lectures by Stephen Dickey were incisive and sufficient time provided for feedback and questions. The travel companions are warm and friendly."
    Isabel Knight ’51, M.A. ’58

Book this Tour

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How to Book

STEP 1
Download the tour Reservation Form here. This tour is booked quickly, so sign up early to reserve space.

STEP 2
Enclose a check or provide credit card information for $500 per person, per tour, as a deposit for the selected tour. Make check payable to UCLA Alumni Travel. Deposits are provisional and fully refundable pending your acceptance of final brochure terms.

STEP 3
Mail completed reservation form and your deposit to:
UCLA Alumni Association
Attn: Alumni Travel
James West Alumni Center
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1397

A brochure will be mailed to you as soon as it is available.

Terms & Conditions

Reservations for this exciting cultural travel experience will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Land Package includes: Four nights double occupancy (two per room) at the Ashland Springs Hotel, three performances, with an additional fourth performance or Hellgate Jet Boating on the Rogue River, a backstage tour, four lectures, guided tours and meals as outlined herein.

Single accommodations are available, but limited. A single room is available for an additional $435. If you are looking for a roommate, we will make every attempt to find one for you. However, if a roommate is not found, you will be responsible for the single supplement cost, pending availability.

Cancellations for any reason whatsoever will be subject to a $100 per person cancellation fee. Cancellations from 60-31 days prior to departure (April 15) will result in the forfeiture of 50% of the entire cost of the trip per person; cancellations from 30 days (May 15) to the time of departure will result in forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip. We reserve the right to change any aspect of the program as necessary. Travel insurance is strongly recommended and may be purchased for this trip through the UCLA Alumni Association. Cancellations must be made in writing to UCLA Alumni Travel.

Every effort has been made to accurately describe the information as shown within this website. We reserve the right to correct errors.

If you have questions regarding the Oregon Shakespeare Festival tour or your UCLA Alumni Association membership status, please call UCLA Alumni Travel at
310-206-0613 or email us at travel@alumni.ucla.edu. Our fax number is 310-209-4271.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance to cover the possibility of trip cancellation or interruption, emergency medical evacuation, medical expenses and baggage loss incurred while traveling. All confirmed passengers will receive travel insurance information in your confirmation packet. It’s one of our many membership benefits! For information about travel insurance, visit alumni.ucla.edu/travel-insurance. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, terrorist incidents and travel supplier financial insolvencies will be provided if the insurance is purchased within 15 days of your trip deposit. Please read the insurance brochure carefully.

Download Reservation Form Request Brochure In Mail
310.206.0613 (P)
310.209.4271 (F)
travel@alumni.ucla.edu
  • Ashland and Shakespeare are the best. The trip is well-organized, actually impeccably so, the lectures by Stephen Dickey were incisive and sufficient time provided for feedback and questions. The travel companions are warm and friendly."
    Isabel Knight ’51, M.A. ’58