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Announcement 3\/27\/20: Nation\u2019s flagship repertory theatre will offer a Fall programming schedule and focus on funding<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Oregon Shakespeare Festival announced today it will further delay its 85th season until September 8, due to the impact of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. The effect on the organization\u2019s finances has forced OSF to lay off approximately 80% of its full time-staff, artists, and seasonal workers in order to mitigate additional losses. All laid-off company members with current OSF health benefits will have them fully paid for two additional months, with many expected to return to OSF when programming resumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt is with great sadness that we are making these announcements today. The resulting delay in the reopening of our 2020 season has very real financial consequences not only for this organization and our family of staff, artists, and volunteers, but for the city of Ashland, its restaurants, hotels, retail, and other businesses, and the entire Rogue Valley region,\u201d said Nataki Garrett, OSF\u2019s artistic director. \u201cIn unprecedented circumstances like this, when all communities are feeling the impact of a global pandemic, it is important to be grounded in our compassion for one another. I know that our community will see OSF through and help us return as soon as possible to the celebration of art we\u2019re known for.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beginning September 8 and running through November 1, OSF will present a six-production schedule: Bring Down the House<\/em>, Parts I <\/em>and II<\/em>; The Copper Children<\/em>; A Midsummer Night\u2019s Dream<\/em>; and Peter and the Starcatcher<\/em>, with The Tempest <\/em>opening in the Festival\u2019s outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n