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Milestones of season include dynamic work, retirement of Executive Director Paul Nicholson and renaming of New Theatre

ASHLAND, ORE.—The Oregon Shakespeare Festival wrapped up its 77th season Sunday night with the final performance of Romeo and Juliet, a celebration and dedication of the Thomas Theatre (formerly New Theatre) and farewells to a number of long-time company members, including Executive Director Paul Nicholson, who is retiring in December after 33 years.

OSF announced on August 10 that Cynthia Rider, managing director at Missouri’s Kansas City Repertory Theatre, will succeed Nicholson.

Commenting on the season, Artistic Director Bill Rauch said, “I am so proud of how vibrant and varied all 11 productions were in our ‘season of abundance,’ dedicated to my wonderful partner Paul Nicholson. The caliber of our artists’ and artisans’ work and the passion of our audience made 2012 a memorable season. We also had an unprecedented number of leaders from other theaters visit us this year, attesting to the keen national interest in what is happening theatrically in Ashland, Oregon.”

The 2012 season, sponsored by U.S. Bank, closed at 87% of capacity. Total attendance was 392,430 and ticket revenue was $18,309,792. The season included 11 productions of 790 performances. Attendance rebounded after last season’s beam crisis, but fell slightly below budget expectations.

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