Oregon
A Feast for the Senses: Ashland and the Art of Theater
Program No. 1988660MEADV-0219
See what Ashland is famous for by attending local theater performances, and discover the city’s thriving art, food and wine scenes through the eyes of local artisans.
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6 days
5 nights
12 meals
5B 4L 3D
3
Theatre Class, Free Time, OSF Performance
Ashland, OR
4
Theatre Class, Free Time, OSF Performance
Ashland, OR
6
Theatre Class, Program Concludes
Ashland, OR
At a Glance
Enjoy award-winning theater from downtown Ashland, Oregon, a charming college town with a generous helping of big-city sophistication. Now a hotspot for fine food and wonderful wine, Ashland is the home of cutting-edge theater where classics are reinterpreted and new plays are brought to life. From your home at a restored historic hotel, engage in compelling lectures and view three performances at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Explore Ashland's culture and cuisine with a visit to a local winery.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to two miles a day over hilly and uneven terrain; standing for up to one hour as well as stairs.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Attend three performances at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
- Learn about an aspect of theatrical production ranging from costume or scene design to stage management and beyond.
- Feast on local cuisine as you learn about the production of Rogue Valley wines.
General Notes
The 2025 Oregon Shakespeare Festival playbill features nine main stage shows, including three by William Shakespeare ("Merry Wives of Windsor", "Julius Caesar" and "As You Like It") and a variety of new and contemporary works. Performances seen will vary by program date; please see date-specific itinerary for additional information.
Suggested Reading List
(7 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
A Feast for the Senses: Ashland and the Art of Theater
Program Number: 19886
52 Things To Do In Southern Oregon
Fun activities in Ashland, Brookings, Cave Junction, Coos Bay, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls, and Medford, Oregon.
Macbeth
Macbeth's display of power and ambition lead to a tragic consequence.
Much Ado About Nothing
Hero and Claudio fall in love, but Don John disrupts their happiness. Beatrice and Benedict are tricked into believing one is in love with the other.
Hidden History of Ashland, Oregon
Local historian and Ashland resident for over 23 years, Joe Peterson, provides information about the city of Ashland that go beyond the stage. Aside from the famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival, there is a deep history and intriguing stories about this town.
Oregon Shakespeare Festival (Images of America)
Angus Bowmer, an instructor from Southern Oregon University, and his friends believed in the value of Shakespeare performed on an Elizabethan Stage. He began with a dream and the rest is history. Set in a community dedicated to arts and culture lies his dream and one of the largest and most influential professional regional theaters in North America, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
As I Remember, Adam: An Autobiography of a Festival
The inspiring story of one man's vision and how it transpires into the monumental festival that it is today.
Ashland (Images of America)
Learn about this history of Ashland, Oregon including over two hundred images.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Ashland, OR
Program Concludes
Ashland, OR
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
12
| 5B |
4L |
3D |
Activity Level
Enjoy award-winning theater from downtown Ashland, Oregon, a charming college town with a generous helping of big-city sophistication. Now a hotspot for fine food and wonderful wine, Ashland is the home of cutting-edge theater where classics are reinterpreted and new plays are brought to life. From your home at a restored historic hotel, engage in compelling lectures and view three performances at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Explore Ashland's culture and cuisine with a visit to a local winery.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Attend three performances at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
- Learn about an aspect of theatrical production ranging from costume or scene design to stage management and beyond.
- Feast on local cuisine as you learn about the production of Rogue Valley wines.
General Notes
The 2025 Oregon Shakespeare Festival playbill features nine main stage shows, including three by William Shakespeare ("Merry Wives of Windsor", "Julius Caesar" and "As You Like It") and a variety of new and contemporary works. Performances seen will vary by program date; please see date-specific itinerary for additional information.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to two miles a day over hilly and uneven terrain; standing for up to one hour as well as stairs.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(7 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
12 meals | 5B | 4L | 3D |
10 expert-led lectures
2 expert-led field trips
3 performances
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation, Lecture
Location:
Ashland, OR
Meals:
D
Stay:
Ashland Springs Hotel
Activity Note
Hotel check in available from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any up-updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Lecture topics vary according to schedules and availability at the time of the program. Possible topics include costume design, stage management, Shakespearean language and literary history, the life of an actor, or sound design and engineering. Most mornings will begin with two (2) lectures. Our second morning class — Theatre Reflections — will be taught by an Oregon Shakespeare Festival actor, who will meet with us daily to provide context for the theater experience and performances we’ll attend, lead review discussions, and introduce us to more theater professionals. This program includes tickets to three Oregon Shakespeare Festival performances. If you would like to attend additional Oregon Shakespeare Festival shows on your own, we recommend advance reservations. Call OSF’s box office directly at (800) 219-8161. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
In our private dining room at the hotel.
Evening:
We'll close the evening with an illuminating lecture by a local theatre expert that will expand on the program theme.
Day
2
Theatre Tour, Winery Tour & Tasting, Expert Lecture
Location:
Ashland, OR
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ashland Springs Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 40 miles, approximately 1 hours total riding time. Walking up to several blocks at a time on sidewalks, gradual hills, sometimes uneven terrain; some steps; standing for up to 1 hour at a time during field trips.
Breakfast:
In the hotel’s Palm Room, we’ll have a breakfast buffet with items including pastries, cereal, hard-boiled eggs, fruit, and yogurt plus milk, juice, organic coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
We'll set out on foot and make our way to the Thomas Theatre where we'll meet an OSF company member. From there, we'll enjoy an informative “walk and talk” created by OSF especially for Road Scholar. We’ll explore OSF’s three theatres: the indoor Angus Bowmer and Thomas theatres, and the outdoor Elizabethan theatre. We'll have a chance to engage with the hands-on exhibits of props, costumes, scenic design and more.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll board our private motorcoach and travel to Oregon’s oldest grape-growing region. We’ll stop at a local winery to explore. As we walk among the vineyards, we’ll learn from winery staff about how the unique terrain of the Rogue Valley produces the conditions for a wide range of popular grape varietals. We’ll conclude with a wine tasting. After our tasting, we will board the motorcoach and return to the hotel where a local theatre expert will give an illuminating lecture that will expand on the program theme. We’ll have independent time to explore the city before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local favorite restaurant.
Evening:
Returning to our hotel meeting room, a local theatre expert will provide an illuminating lecture that will expand on the program theme.
Day
3
Theatre Class, Free Time, OSF Performance
Location:
Ashland, OR
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Ashland Springs Hotel
Activity Note
Walking several blocks up to 1/2 mile; city sidewalks; some inclines/steps.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
In our hotel meeting room, a local theatre expert will provide an illuminating lecture that will expand on the program theme. We’ll continue the conversation and catch any announcements from our Group Leader during a brief break. We’ll resume with our Theatre Reflections class. Our OSF instructor will lead an in-depth discussion of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival plays. Today, we’ll also hear from a special guest.
Lunch:
In one of Ashland’s popular meeting spots, we’ll have a boxed lunch.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. If you would like to attend other Oregon Shakespeare Festival shows on your own, we recommend advance reservations. Call OSF’s box office directly at (800)-219-8161.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
We will meet in the hotel lobby to board the motorcoach and drive to the OSF theatres where we will see an evening performance. NOTE: Our program was planned far in advance when details of performances were not available. When confirmed, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number.
Day
4
Theatre Class, Free Time, OSF Performance
Location:
Ashland, OR
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Ashland Springs Hotel
Activity Note
Walking several blocks up to 1/2 mile; city sidewalks; some inclines/steps.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Back in our meeting room, we’ll learn more about theater from company members, instructors from Southern Oregon University, or visiting and local experts. Subjects vary according to schedules and availability at the time of the program. We’ll have a brief mid-morning break then resume with our Theatre Reflections class. Our OSF instructor will lead another in-depth discussion of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival plays. Today, we’ll also hear from a special guest.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. If you would like to attend other Oregon Shakespeare Festival shows on your own, we recommend advance reservations. Call OSF’s box office directly at (800)-219-8161.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
We will meet in the hotel lobby to board the motorcoach and drive to the OSF theatres where we will see an evening performance. NOTE: Our program was planned far in advance when details of performances were not available. When confirmed, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number.
Day
5
Theatre Class, Free Time, Farewell Dinner, OSF Performance
Location:
Ashland, OR
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ashland Springs Hotel
Activity Note
Walking several blocks up to 1/2 mile; city sidewalks; some inclines/steps.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Back in our meeting room, we’ll learn more about theater from company members, instructors from Southern Oregon University, or visiting and local experts. Subjects vary according to schedules and availability at the time of the program. We’ll have a brief mid-morning break then resume with our Theatre Reflections class. Our OSF instructor will lead another illuminating lecture that will expand on the program theme. Today, we’ll also hear from a special guest.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. If you would like to attend other Oregon Shakespeare Festival shows on your own, we recommend advance reservations. Call OSF’s box office directly at (800)-219-8161.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
We will meet in the hotel lobby to board the motorcoach and drive to the OSF theatres where we will see an evening performance. NOTE: Our program was planned far in advance when details of performances were not available. When confirmed, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number.
Day
6
Theatre Class, Program Concludes
Location:
Ashland, OR
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel Check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We’ll gather for our final Theatre Reflections class to review the week's performances and meet another special guest. Our OSF actor instructor will also provide a glimpse of the festival’s upcoming season. Before we head home, we’ll share our favorite moments from the program with our instructor, Group Leader, and each other. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
12 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
3 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
- Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025
- Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025
- Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
- Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025
- Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
- Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
- Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
- Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 27 Reviews
Sort By:
This was a fantastic program. Extra special due to Liisa and Tyrone!
— Review left October 12, 2024
The program was not too physically challenging. It offers a joyful way to learn about Shakespeare and stage craft.
— Review left October 7, 2024
The program greatly enriched what I already knew about the material. My fellow participants had many interesting insights, as well.
— Review left October 1, 2024
I believe we all agreed that Liisa is an outstanding group leader, and we all appreciated her efforts.
— Review left September 20, 2024
This was a fabulous trip for Shakespeare and theater fans!
— Review left July 22, 2024
This program was great fun and some of the plays I attended were wonderful! Additionally, music groups were playing in many locations, which were free to attend.
— Review left June 25, 2024
The plays were excellent, and it was fantastic to talk with a main actor after each play! Overall a bit too much lecture for me, but several of the lectures were terrific. The hotel can't be beat -- it's comfortable and just steps away from the OSF theaters.
— Review left June 18, 2024
This is the sixth time I've done this program, and it keeps getting better. If you like theatre and want to learn more about it (as well as seeing some excellent plays and eating delicious meals), this program is for you!
— Review left June 16, 2024
Excellent program! Plays were outstanding, and insights into production and performances were very educational and enjoyable.
— Review left June 1, 2024
This is an outstanding program that is beautifully managed and extremely interesting and entertaining! If you enjoy the theater or are curious about it, don't miss this one.
— Review left October 10, 2023
Shakespeare in Ashland was a perfect match! The opportunity to see "behind the curtain" with interaction from actors, technicians, coaches, etc, laid the foundation for a richer theatre experience. Everyone who shared their stories with us added another layer to my learning about life in the theatre. The charming community was warm and welcoming and offered great shopping, dining and hiking. My fellow scholars were smart and engaging, and new friendships were forged.
— Review left October 7, 2023
Fantastic experience..Group Leaser was Exceptional !!
— Review left October 5, 2023
If you're interested in the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, this is a great way to see and learn more than just the plays themselves.
— Review left October 2, 2023
I have a greater appreciation for what it take to produce a play, and expect to enjoy any play more in the future.
— Review left July 25, 2023
A great week of theater, focusing on the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, but with a special production by the Rogue Theater Company. Some of us were able to see a performance of the Oregon Cabaret Company at their theater a block from the Ashland Springs Hotel.
Monday and Tuesday the Oregon Shakes is dark, so that's a day for cheese, chocolate, wine tasting; and the play by Rogue Theater at the Hotel, on Tuesday.
What makes this Road Scholar trip special are the lectures from the production managers, set designers, and actors! We met with Juliet from Romeo and Juliet; and Malvolio from Twelfth Night. The performances are great; and the lectures are a major bonus.
The Ashland Springs Hotel is a historical treasure.
— Review left July 13, 2023
If you are interested in experiencing theater (especially Shakespeare), this is a great program! Road Scholar brings in experts (so you will learn the influences on Shakespeare, as well as info on his language) and actors and some of the many others whose work makes OSF happen. Ashland is a beautiful place to experience this, and you get to stay in the middle of it all! Road Scholar does all the arranging for you, plus brings in experts to help you appreciate your experience.
— Review left June 24, 2023
Brush up your Shakespeare! This is the program for you. Behind the scenes look into productions, and enough time to see extra shows if you want. Great location downtown, and some very good meals. This was my second time on this one. Highly recommended.
— Review left September 17, 2022
A great way to spend a week immersed in theater. The program covers attendance at three plays, but the attendee can usually cram in one or two (or three) extra performances. If you're not interested in modern theater and are only interested in watching Shakespeare, then this is not the trip for you. If you have an open mind about modern theater, Ashland is a great experience. The lectures and special guests are absolutely worth going the Road Scholar route. Theaters are dark on Monday, so that's the time for cheese, wine, chocolate tourism. Our Monday was 100 degrees F, so be careful and keep hydrated!
— Review left July 16, 2022
Love the theatre? Want to share your love of theatre with like-minded individuals in a beautiful, inviting setting? Then this program is for you.
— Review left July 16, 2022
This was a wonderful program. Not only did we see an interesting and varied trio of plays, but the lectures on theater production given by OSF technical staff were fascinating. For me, one of the most enjoyable and educational parts of the program was the ability to discuss the plays with a group of people with widely differing views about the works themselves and the style of the productions. Our group leader, Jessica Sage, was both extremely knowledgeable, personable, and unflappable. Tyrone Wilson brought an in-depth knowledge of the festival, and an actor's perspective and enthusiasm to our discussions. The hotel was lovely, the food good, if sometimes too plentiful for comfort, and the town pleasant. What more can you ask for? In all, I highly recommend this program to all theater lovers, regardless of prior level of knowledge.
— Review left July 16, 2022
The lectures presented for the 2022 program "A Feast for the Senses: Ashland & the Oregon Shakespeare Festival," were superb in my opinion. The information presented was of great interest and highly informative. In addition, all of the participants were extremely friendly and welcoming. As a solo traveler, I always appreciate having a "family for a week" experience.
— Review left June 27, 2022
This was one of the best educational programs I've taken to learn about the vast subject of plays, actors, fight and intimacy directors, and the history of the OSF. Ashland is such a wonderful town and our hotel is walking distance to each theater. We had excellent lectures/classes each day about the upcoming plays and then a reflection/discussion the following day to share our thoughts. The actors came to share their experiences so this was not expected and a complete surprise. I already registered for next year's program since I felt it added to my knowledge about performance arts plus I met some wonderful new friends who enriched my experience. I highly recommend this annual program and you will enjoy the excursions in Ashland and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival performances (a wide variety in plays).
— Review left June 18, 2022
Loved this trip overall. The local tour leader was knowledgeable and was able to reschedule us for a different play when one got cancelled due to Covid because of her connections in the theater. The play previews made the plays so much more interesting. The speakers were all good. The hotel was lovely and updated and centrally located. Side trips to winery, etc. were fun. Only issue I had was with some of the meals. The lunch sandwich at the hotel was awful as dried processed turkey is my least favorite thing. Would have liked a choice. I had dinner at the hotel on my own, so I know they can make good food. The boxed lunch "on the bricks" was also awful. No drink, no place to sit, hot sun. At least schedule something where we can sit at a table inside. And nobody remembered what they ordered, so best to have that information for us beforehand. The group leader assumed we had the detailed itinerary with times, etc. but most of us did not. A sheet with that info needs to be handed out at orientation. I would do this trip again.
— Review left June 14, 2022
How do I get out of this If I do not want to write a website post?
— Review left July 9, 2019
Brings in a whole new perspective! Your brain will thank you!
— Review left July 8, 2019
Ashland's Shakespeare Theater program is always interesting and new. This is a trip you can repeat every year and always learn and enjoy something new.
— Review left July 5, 2019
This trip is wonderful for persons loving innovative performances in a beautiful setting.
— Review left June 1, 2019
