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Ashland’s Feast for the Senses: Theatre, Food and Wine |
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Program Number: |
19886RJ |
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| Start
and End Dates: |
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| Duration: |
5 nights |
| Location: |
Ashland, Oregon
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| Price starting at: |
$1,182.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city |
| Program Type:
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Theater; Food & Wine
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| Meals: |
12;
5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners |
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| Meal
Options: |
Vegetarian |
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Find small-town charm with a generous helping of big-city sophistication in lovely Ashland, Ore. This inviting town is now a hotspot for fine food, theatre and wonderful wine. Enjoy a feast for the senses as you learn about and savor Ashland’s finest. From your home at an exquisitely restored historic hotel, explore the lively Ashland culture. Top off your gastronomic exploration with a visit to a local winery to sample the region’s best vintages and hear thrilling lectures about the performances you’ll see at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
Highlights
• Go behind the scenes at the world-class Oregon Shakespeare Festival with professional actors and artisans and observe three performances.
• Explore the fine dining, fresh produce, and gastronomical delights at the numerous fine eateries.
• Discover the local vintages at an area winery and all the best that intimate and charming Ashland has to offer.
Activity Particulars
Walking up to two miles a day over even terrain.
Date Specific Information
4-7-2013
“The Unfortunates,” “King Lear,” TBA.
6-9-2013
“The Taming of the Shrew,” “My Fair Lady,” “The Unfortunates.”
9-22-2013
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “The Tenth Muse,” “The Heart of Robin Hood.” (ALL PLAYS OPEN-CAPTIONED THIS WEEK.
Coordinated by Road Scholar.
Ashland
The Siskiyou Mountains provide a scenic, inspirational backdrop to this progressive community in southern Oregon, which offers a gorgeous environment, small-town charm, and an annual schedule of world-class theater and music festivals.
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Accommodations
Historic hotel in downtown Ashland.
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| Road Scholar Instructors | | These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur. | Suzanne Witucki
| | Born and raised on the East Coast, Suzanne Witucki lived in the Midwest while completing her graduate studies, raising a family and pursuing her teaching career at the Detroit Country Day School. Now retired and a resident of Ashland, Oregon, Suzanne runs a college consulting business and has taught Shakespeare for more than 15 years through the Siskiyou Center. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, theater, hiking, bridge, gourmet cooking and activities with the Ashland branch of the American Association of University Women. | | | | Tyrone Wilson
| | For more than 15 years, Tyrone Wilson has been sharing his love for theater and knowledge of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) with Road Scholar participants. As an actor, Tyrone has performed for more than 18 seasons with the OSF, including in productions such as “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” He has appeared in the motion picture, “The Super,” as well as on TV shows including, “Daniel Boone,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” and “The Mod Squad.” Tyrone holds a B.A. from Middlebury College and an MFA from the Yale School of Drama. | | | | Jeff Hauptman
| | Chef Jeff Hauptman’s passion for cooking started as a child and has continued as his profession for the past 30 years. As a self taught chef, he caters and provides meals for private clients based on whole and healthy foods, as well as low glycemic cooking. He likes to spend his days off hiking, entertaining, reading cookbooks and watching the Food Network and hockey. | | | | Darcy Danielson
| | Darcy Danielson is associate music director for “My Fair Lady” this year at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. She will illuminate Road Scholar participants about the unique, two-piano score of the classic production. During her eight years at OSF, Darcy has served as arranger, composer and pianist for productions including “The Pirates of Penzance,” “The Music Man” and “The Comedy of Errors.” | | | | Casey Hurt
| | This is Casey Hurt’s first year at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival as music director of "The Unfortunates." An indie-acoustic singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, he has released seven albums. His latest album, "Mended Souls," topped the iTunes singer-songwriter charts and he has been featured on radio stations up and down the West Coast. Casey’s music has been featured on television shows such as One Tree Hill, Necessary Roughness, and Jane By Design. In addition, he has produced and performed with artists across the United States and has toured extensively in the U.S. and Europe. | | | |
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The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.
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Day 2: |
Oregon Shakespeare Festival History, Theatre Exploration, & Evening program
(Monday, April 8)
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| Breakfast: | Buffet breakfast served in the hotel's charming restaurant, with items including cinnamon rolls, scones, cereal, hard-boiled eggs, fruit, yogurt and organic coffee. | | Morning: | THEATRE EXPLORATION: Take a leisurely stroll through OSF’s three theatres, the indoor Angus Bowmer and Thomas theatres, and outdoor Elizabethan theatre. In this field trip, created especially for Road Scholar by OSF company members, learn about the festival from its evolution as a regional production of two shows in 1935 to an award-winning eleven-play repertory theatre. | | Lunch: | Enjoy one of the many restaurants that Ashland has to offer. You might eat a tasty lunch from the popular Greenleaf restaurant in the heart of Ashland. Located on Ashland Creek, this restaurant offers a relaxing, casual atmosphere with a great variety of food. Greenleaf has been mentioned in Conde Nast Traveler and has consistently been listed in Best of Ashland.
| | Afternoon: | Return to the classroom to learn more about the OSF productions.
Class topics vary each week. Among others, subjects may include the costume design process, the life of an actor, how the stage manager runs the show, Shakespearean language and literary history, or how an actor researches a role.
| | Dinner: | Enjoy one of the many restaurants that Ashland has to offer. You might eat at Dragonfly where Asian food meets Latin fusion in this unique, wonderful restaurant in downtown Ashland. | | Evening: | Return to the classroom to learn more about the OSF productions.
Class topics vary each week. Among others, subjects may include how the casting process works, the implementation of a play for the modern stage in dramaturgy, incorporating dance in theatre productions, or how actors learn dialects for the stage.
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Day 3: |
Theatre Classes with OSF Actors, Explore the Local Restaurant Scene & Evening OSF Performance
(Tuesday, April 9)
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| Breakfast: | Buffet breakfast served in the hotel's charming restaurant, with items including cinnamon rolls, scones, cereal, hard-boiled eggs, fruit, yogurt and organic coffee. | | Morning: | Return to the classroom to learn more about the OSF productions.
Class topics vary each week. Among others, subjects may address the choreography of stage combat, how make-up can transform an actor into a character for the stage, the intricacies of set design, the life and times of Shakespeare, or the rehearsal process.
PREVIEWS, REVIEWS, & STARS: These core classes of the program will be taught daily by an Oregon Shakespeare Festival actor who will be your guide for the week’s performances, lead review discussions, and introduce you to several actors straight off the OSF stages.
| | Lunch: | Today lunch will be on your own to take advantage of more than 80 restaurants in Ashland. You’ll find everything from sushi or traditional pub fare to fine dining in downtown Ashland. | | Afternoon: | Explore the wonders of Southern Oregon or take in another show on your own at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Stroll through the beautiful parks of Ashland, visit the many galleries and shops downtown, sample your way through a handful of the 88 wineries in this up-and-coming wine region, or indulge in the sweets offered at Dagoba Chocolate in Ashland and Harry & David in Medford. Spend an afternoon in neighboring Jacksonville to enjoy the charming character of this old gold-rush mining town registered as a National Historic Landmark. | | Dinner: | Meet back with the group after your afternoon’s adventures and enjoy one of the many restaurants that Ashland has to offer. You might eat a stand-out meal at Standing Stone, which takes pride in sustainability and their use of local ingredients. All of their beef, chicken, and eggs are sourced from their own organic, free-range farm one mile from the restaurant. Relax in the fun atmosphere of a working brewery. | | Evening: | PERFORMANCE: Formerly the New Theatre, renamed this year after the late OSF Development Director Peter D. Thomas, this theatre offers an intimacy and versatility in seating arrangements unique to each show.
Tonight you will be seeing The Unfortunates. This masterful musical by 3 Blind Mice takes us through a vibrant variety of American music styles while telling a compelling story of humanity and compassion in this world premiere production. | |
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Day 4: |
Theatre Classes with OSF Actors, Wine Tasting & Evening Performance
(Wednesday, April 10)
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| Breakfast: | Buffet breakfast served in the hotel's charming restaurant, with items including cinnamon rolls, scones, cereal, hard-boiled eggs, fruit, yogurt and organic coffee. | | Morning: | Return to the classroom to learn more about the OSF productions. Class topics vary each week. Among others, subjects may include the process of directing a play, how an actor dissects the language and psychology of a scene in script analysis, the business of acting, or the brilliant music in Shakespeare’s plays.
PREVIEWS, REVIEWS, & STARS: After a coffee break, explore more of the week’s performance themes as you meet again with your OSF actor instructor. Relive the highlights from the play you watched yesterday, learn about the themes and setting of the play you will see today, and meet one of the many talented OSF actors.
| | Lunch: | Experience Oregon’s oldest grape-growing wine region first hand with a fabulous tasting at a local winery. Learn about how the unique terroir of the Rogue Valley produces the conditions for a wide range of popular grape varietals. Linger awhile longer for a delightful lunch with your fellow participants. | | Dinner: | Tonight dinner will be on your own to take advantage of more than 80 restaurants in Ashland. You’ll find everything from sushi or traditional pub fare to fine dining in downtown Ashland. | | Evening: | PERFORMANCE: TBA | |
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Day 5: |
Theatre Classes with OSF Actors, Matinee OSF Performance, & Dinner at a Local Favorite.
(Thursday, April 11)
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| Breakfast: | Buffet breakfast served in the hotel's charming restaurant, with items including cinnamon rolls, scones, cereal, hard-boiled eggs, fruit, yogurt and organic coffee. | | Morning: | Return to the classroom to learn more about the OSF productions.
Class topics vary each week. Among others, subjects may include the many essential roles women play in Shakespeare, how a play is produced from start to finish, the technical side of production, or discovering the role of the wig master.
PREVIEWS, REVIEWS, & STARS: After a coffee break, return to the classroom for today’s discussion of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival plays. Each year, almost 400,000 theatre patrons travel to Ashland to watch these award-winning shows. In this intimate class setting, review yesterday’s performance, meet yet another special guest, and get ready for today’s production with your OSF guide.
| | Lunch: | Enjoy a delicious meal at the historic Ashland Springs Hotel. | | Afternoon: | PERFORMANCE: Formerly the New Theatre, renamed this year after the late OSF Development Director Peter D. Thomas, this theatre offers an intimacy and versatility in seating arrangements unique to each show.
Today you will be seeing King Lear, a contemporary staging of this riveting tragedy that is considered by many to be Shakespeare’s greatest play. NOTE: Contains some violence and sexuality. | | Dinner: | Enjoy one of the many restaurants that Ashland has to offer. You might eat at Pasta Piatti, a local favorite in downtown Ashland where you’ll find traditional and specialty Italian dishes. Enjoy your hearty meal in this cozy and welcoming setting.
Share your thoughts about this week’s program with your new Road Scholar friends and highlight your favorite experiences.
| | Evening: | Return to the classroom to learn more about the OSF productions.
Class topics vary each week. Among others, subjects may include the costume design process, the life of an actor, how the stage manager runs the show, Shakespearean language and literary history, or how an actor researches a role.
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Free Time Opportunities |
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| Ashland, OR |
Ashland Chamber of Commerce
Your one stop source for information on things to do in Ashland- where to go and what to see.
Visit the chamber at 110 East Main Street, Ashland, OR 97520, call (541) 482-3486 or visit their website for information.
For additional information, visit www.ashlandchamber.com
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Camelot Theatre
This regional theatre in Talent produces plays and musicals by amateur and professional actors. Founded as Actors’ Theatre in 1982, the theatre changed names to Camelot in 2002 when Livia Genise became artistic director and grew the theatre’s reputation it enjoys today. It performs in the recently-completed James M. Collier theatre. For tickets call their box office at (541) 535-5250. For additional information, visit http://camelottheatre.org/
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Crater Lake National Park
Scenic Crater Lake is a two hour drive from Ashland. At 1,943 feet deep, it is the deepest lake in the United States. Most known for it's dazzling blue color, the lake has two picturesque islands making it a destination for photographers. With an average snowfall of 44 feet, not all entrances are open year round. Roads can close from October to July. Rim Drive is typically open by the beginning of July. This 33 mile drive has spectacular viewpoints. For the latest road, weather, and trail information please call (541)594-3000. Current conditions at the park, including web cams, road and facility status can be found on the "Current Conditions" page of their website. For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/crla
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Craterian Theatre
The Craterian Theatre in Medford puts on performances by local, regional, and national performance artists. Including musicals, ballets, and symphonies, you’ll find something for everyone here. For tickets call their box office at (541) 779-3000. For additional information, visit http://www.craterian.org/
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Dagoba Chocolate
Dagoba founder Frederick Schilling started the company in 2001. The chocolate’s name comes from the Sanskrit word for “temple.” Sourcing its ingredients directly from cacao producers, Dagoba has become a nationally-recognized chocolate bar. Visit them in Ashland at 1105 Benson Way. For additional information, visit http://www.dagobachocolate.com/
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Harry & David
Samuel Rosenberg bought Harry & David’s first 240 acres of pear trees in 1910. His sons, Harry and David, took over the family orchard in 1914 and developed the “Royal Riviera” pears the company would become known for. Today a national brand known for its “Moose Munch” snacks as well as its pears, Harry & David headquarters are in Medford, Oregon, only a 20-minute drive from Ashland. Afternoon tours of the factory are offered daily at 1:45pm. Ticket reservations required by calling 1-877-322-8000. For additional information, visit http://www.harryanddavid.com/
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Jacksonville
A 40 minute drive from Ashland is Jacksonville, a National Historic Landmark.
Jacksonville has been known for its colorful history. Its foundation began during the Gold Rush flurry in the 1850’s. The buildings that line California St. were in large part built before 1900 when the town was referred to as Table Rock City. For decades Jacksonville, which had become the county seat, flourished as the commercial and cultural center of Southern Oregon. It wasn’t until 1884, when the railroad was routed through the neighboring town of Medford, did the prestige of Jacksonville begin to wane. As residents and businesses moved away to those communities along the rail lines, Jacksonville settled into a new role-that of an agricultural center. The combination of the County Seat being moved to Medford in 1927, the Great Depression and World War II had serious economic impact on Jacksonville. But never a community to give in, residents and business leaders sought to preserve the heritage of Southern Oregon’s first town. Although no longer a boom town, Jacksonville discovered a new way to lure those with the pioneer spirit, capturing it’s colorful past and inviting a new generation of explorers to experience it. The Britt Festival in Jacksonville is a must see when visiting this unique town. The festival began in 1963 with its first summer outdoor concert. Britt exclusively offered classical music until 1978 when they started to incorporate other world-class artists. With an array of performances, including the Classical Festival in the beginning of August, you won’t want to miss these wonderful outdoor concerts. In 1966, Jacksonville was designated a National Historic Landmark. Over 100 buildings in Jacksonville are on the National Register of Historic Places. The information provided above is from www.jacksonvilleor.us. Call 541-899-1231 or visit the website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.jacksonvilleor.us
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Lithia Park
Lithia Park, which began with eight acres in 1892 has continued to grow and change along with the community that surrounds it. Its growth and development from a Chautauqua site (where the original Shakespeare theatre began in 1935) to a complete reflection of the public parks movement makes it of great historical as well as landscape interest. Today 42 of its 93 acres are listed in the National Register. The development of today's park began in 1914 with the hiring of John McLaren (also designer of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park) as landscape architect. Lithia Park embodies the distinctive characteristics of park design in the tradition of Frederick Law Olmsted. McLaren's landscape plan for Lithia Park was organic in layout, following the natural canyon of the water course. The plantings were naturalistic to the extent that native alders, oaks, conifers and madrones were incorporated, but other plants, such as willows, maples, sycamores, and numerous ornamental varieties were introduced and selected for hardiness, form and color. Once within the Park, the visitor can walk along the trail on the east side of Ashland Creek to the Park headquarters and obtain a map showing the location of both historic and more modern park features including a trail guide to the most significant trees throughout the Park. Lithia Park is located at 59 Winburn Way in downtown Ashland and is open to the public. Trail guides and other booklets about the park can be obtained from the park office of Ashland Parks and Rec. Dept., open Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/nr/travel/ashland/lit.htm
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Oregon Cabaret Theatre
The Cabaret theatre produces 5 shows from February through December in Ashland’s remodeled First Baptist Church. This popular theatre performs to regularly full houses. For tickets call their box office at (541) 488-2902. For additional information, visit http://www.oregoncabaret.com/
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Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Founded in 1935, the Tony Award-winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) is among the oldest and largest professional non-profit theatres in the nation. Each year OSF presents an eight-and-a-half-month season of eleven plays in three theatres plus numerous ancillary activities, and undertakes an extensive theatre education program.
Box Office- (541) 482-4331 or Toll-Free: (800) 219-8161 For additional information, visit www.osfashland.org
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Rogue Valley Wineries
Surrounded by forested mountains and rivers, the Rogue Valley has the micro-climates necessary for a world-class viticulture district. The vineyards thrive on the laced hillsides of Ashland and the sun-soaked valleys of the Rogue. The Rogue Valley Region of Southern Oregon has three distinct subregions for grapes: the Rogue River subregion along Interstate 5 from Ashland to Grants Pass, the growing area of the state with the steepest elevation; the westernmost Illinois Valley, at a high elevation and more heavily influenced by the marine climate of the Pacific Ocean; the smaller Applegate Valley, locus for part of the Southern route of the Oregon Trail, further inland and sheltered from Pacific marine air. The Rogue Valley is the most elevated, warm and dry wine growing region in Oregon. Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris are grown in all parts of the Rogue. The inland subregions of the Rogue, including the Applegate Valley, have a dry and warm climate suitable for production of the best Bordelaise varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Semillon and Cabernet franc. The Illinois subregion is noted for its high quality Burgundian varieties Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Merlot and Chardonnay. For additional information, visit www.winesoforegon.com/rogue-valley-wineries-vineyards.htm
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Schneider Museum of Art
Show your Road Scholar nametag for free admission! This wonderful art museum on the Southern Oregon University campus displays beautiful visual art exhibitions by local artists. This museum is a quick five-minute walk from Cox Hall. For additional information, visit www.sou.edu/sma/
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Southern Oregon Visitors Association
Want to explore outside of Ashland? Southern Oregon Visitors Association has information for all of our outdoor pursuits- from scenic drives to rafting adventures on the Rogue and Umpqua rivers. For additional information, visit www.southernoregon.org
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