Oregon Shakespeare Festival : Online and Extended Programs : Texas State University

Department of Theatre and Dance
Location: Ashland, OR
Course: TH 4330R: Oregon Shakespeare Festival and TH 3360: Beginning Stage Combat
CRN: TBD
Program Director: Tobie Minor, t_m137@txstate.edu
Course Dates: Summer II, June 30 - July 31, 2026
Travel: July 19 - 26, 2026
Program Fee: $2,500
Course Tuition: $2,136.48
*Financial Aid eligible

Program Itinerary

Live Performances at Oregon Shakespeare Festival:
Students will attend performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Taming of the Shrew, and Henry IV, Part One, all of which are works by William Shakespeare. These productions connect directly to our course’s study of classical theatre, offering insight into Shakespearean language, structure, and performance style. Witnessing professional interpretations of these texts reinforces classroom discussions on verse, historical context, and staging.
In addition, students will see Come From Away, You Are Cordially Invited to the End of the World!, King Hedley II, and Emma. These contemporary and adapted works expand the students' exposure to a range of theatrical forms and themes, deepening their understanding of modern storytelling, character development, and socio-political context in performance. Each show contributes to students' growth as critical viewers and adaptive performers, helping them explore how classical and contemporary works coexist in a professional repertory environment.

Backstage Theatre Tour:
A guided tour of one of the OSF theatre spaces will allow students to observe the behind-the-scenes operations of a professional company. This excursion supports the course’s emphasis on the collaborative nature of theatre-making, giving students a firsthand look at technical elements such as stage design, lighting, and space configuration. Understanding the architecture and functionality of a theatre enhances their appreciation of spatial storytelling and helps them envision their own creative work within professional settings.

Talk-Back and “Behind the Curtain” Q&A Session:
After one of the performances, students will participate in a talk-back with members of the cast and creative team. This direct dialogue supports course goals related to actor training, rehearsal process, and production choices. The “Behind the Curtain” session, a Q&A with members of the artistic team, offers students a deeper look into the decision-making processes of professional theatre-making, including directing, dramaturgy, and season planning. These experiences provide invaluable professional insight and reinforce the connection between academic study and industry practice.

Date	Activities
Sunday, July 19	Travel to Ashland, OR, and welcome dinner.
Monday, July 20	Shakespeare performance.
Tuesday, July 21	Backstage campus tour and Shakespeare performance.
Wednesday, July 22	Shakespeare performance.
Thursday, July 23	Behind the curtain and Shakespeare performance.
Friday, July 24	Talk back and Shakespeare performance.
Saturday, July 25	Shakespeare performance.
Sunday, July 26	Travel home.

*Itinerary is subject to change. Shows will be solidified closer to the program date.

Application Process

Follow these steps to enroll.

STEP 1

Complete SIA student application. Deadline is February 1, 2026.

STEP 2

Applications reviewed by Program Directors & OXP.

STEP 3

Pay $50 program deposit. Deadline is February 22, 2026.

STEP 4

Program FAQ

Expand FAQ List

General Information
- Who is eligible to participate in the program?
  
  Students must enroll in both TH 4330R and TH 3360.
  Priority will be given to Theatre, Dance, English, and Literature majors and minors. If you wish to participate but are not declared in one of the majors or minors listed above, please reach out to the program director, Tobie Minor - t_m137@txstate.edu.
- Will I need to be in person at the San Marcos campus for the course?
  
  Yes, TH 3360 will be in person on the San Marcos campus during summer II.
Costs
- What is included in the program fee?
  The program fee includes:
  - Lodging, 7 nights at a hotel in Ashland, OR.
  - Breakfast throughout the duration of the trip.
  - Welcome dinner.
  - Admission to one talk back.
  - Admission to one campus tour.
  - Admission to one behind the curtain tour.
  - Admission to six theatre performances.
- What is NOT included in the program fee?
  The program fee does not include:
  - Airfare to/from Ashland, OR.
  - Lunch throughout the duration of the trip.
  - Dinner throughout the duration of the trip.
  - On-site transportation.
  - Any additional activities students participate in during program free time.
  - Course tuition.
  *Per OXP policy, airfare is purchased by the student is not refundable by the university. Students are encouraged to purchase flexible airfare or travel insurance in case of the event they are unable to travel.
- What is the program deposit?
  
  Students are required to pay a $50 nonrefundable program deposit to secure their spot in the program. The deposit is applied to the overall program fee.
- Is Study in America Financial Aid eligible?
  
  Yes, SIA programs are financial aid eligible; however, eligibility can vary by student award. Students should always confirm with TXST One Stop whether their financial aid will cover the course tuition and program fee.
Program Preparation
- Will I need to provide my transportation?
  
  Students are responsible for purchasing airfare to/from Ashland, OR, and on-site transportation.
- Is there a dress code for specific visits?
  
  Please pack attire that is appropriate for going to the theatre and seeing a show. We also recommend students pack separate clothes for any site seeing or shopping they want to do in Ashland.
- Will there be downtime on the trip?
  
  Yes, students will have downtime in the evenings.
Drop & Refund Policy
- Course Tuition Refund
  
  Refunds for a dropped extension course are given according to university policy for regular university courses on campus. Refer to the TXST One Stop for more information.
- SIA Program Fee Refund
  
  Students may receive a refund for the program fee if they drop/withdraw within the refund schedule. The program fee refund policy is separate from the refund deadlines associated with course tuition costs. See full drop/refund policy.
  Please note the course start date is not the first day of travel.