The State of Theater in the Rogue Valley and Beyond

The Jefferson Center will host a discussion led by Rogue Theater Company’s Jessica Sage on November 20, 2022 from 2 to 4 pm. The topic is the state of theater in the Rogue Valley and, more broadly, current issues facing the performing arts here and beyond. Please note that the date and time are different from our usual salon schedule.

The internet and other technologies have exerted a profound effect on performing arts in the last couple of decades. More recently, the pandemic has hit live performance hard. As live theater emerges from a difficult two years, new uncertainties and opportunities have arisen. This event will address how local artistic endeavors can thrive in the internet age. How will the situation of the arts in the Rogue Valley evolve in the coming years? What kinds of audiences does live theater seek these days, and what do audiences seek from theater? How dependent is theater on local audiences and patrons in a relatively small area like the Rogue Valley, as opposed drawing in others from outside the area? What role should local governments, educational institutions, and businesses play in supporting performing arts?

This event is free and open to the public. It will take place in the Jefferson Center’s space, suite 101, in the Old Armory Building, 208 Oak St., in Ashland.

Long active in theater here and elsewhere, Jessica Sage will bring her wealth of experience to this event. She is currently Producing Artistic Director of Rogue Theater Company, where she debuted her play, Fragments. She has acted on stage throughout the United States and Europe. Jessica was last seen as Mama in RTC’s ‘night, Mother. Before that, she played Emma in Oregon Stage Works’ production of Annapurna opposite Peter Alzado, where she also served as Co-Producing Artistic Director. She has taught acting, written plays, and produced stage works for nearly three decades, directing 35 theatrical productions, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Ashland High School. Jessica was awarded the “Extraordinary Theatre Artist” and “Ovation Award” from the California Educational Theatre Association, as well as a special Gubernatorial Commendation for her work with California Youth in Theatre.

For more information, contact: Tony Davis (tonydavis0@gmail.com)