Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara (ETC) has announced upcoming destinations for its Theatre Tour Program, which twice annually leads groups to other cities to see productions of professional regional equity companies and meet with theater artists.
ETC Theatre Tours have traveled to the Berkshires, Chicago, London, Washington, DC, and New York City.
From July 23-28 ETC will lead a trip to Ashland, Oregon, to visit the historic Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF). OSF’s 2024 season presents large- and small-scale shows, including iconic works from Shakespeare’s canon, stories inspired by the Bard’s legacy, new works, and a series of one-person shows featuring OSF alumni.
Led by Tim Bond, OSF’s seventh artistic director, the selections offer reflections on what it means to be an outsider, the consequences of keeping secrets, and the power of human connection.
“The world of theater is incredibly small and it is always amazing to experience, firsthand, the incredible variety and theatrical interpretations of productions performed in other parts of the country and around the world,” said Scott DeVine, ETC executive director.
“It is also essential to driving and delivering high-quality theater, which is why I love experiencing live theater during my travels,” he said. “It is a tremendous honor to be able to share some of these productions and custom backstage experiences.
“This year, ETC will embrace American regional theater with two trips one West Coast and one East Coast. This summer, we invite you to join a group of ETC’s Board, patrons, and friends in a trip from Santa Barbara to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where you will have access to special engagements, custom curated for this trip by our team and our friends at OSF.
“The work done by the artists at OSF is always unique and inspiring and, now under Tim Bond’s artistic leadership, I know we are in for some remarkable theater,” DeVine said. “I hope you can join me on this extraordinary trip to Ashland, and stay tuned for more details about our fall trip to Broadway.”
The trip includes:
Five nights lodging, including breakfast.
Two-to-three dinners at local restaurants with ETC staff and special guests.
Premium seating at five OSF plays, with an optional sixth play add-on.
Behind-the-scenes activities including a tour of the OSF campus and production facility.
“Prefaces” for each show (30-minute play preps that provide a lens to view the production including history, background, and an introduction play and production choices;
“Coffee chat” dinners, and conversations with artists (including dinners with the casts of “Lizard Boy” and “Born With Teeth).
A private meet-and-greet with OSF Artistic Director Tim Bond.
Day trip to a local winery (transportation included).
A donation to support ETC.
Reservation deadline is May 31. Visit etcsb.org/theatre-trips for more information. Contact development@etcsb.org to reserve a space, and to learn about group travel options.