The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) has announced a $2 million gift from the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation in support of its 2024 season.

The gift comes on the heels of a $250,000 donation from Sid and Karen DeBoer, who challenged other donors to support the historic theater. The Miller Foundation is a longtime supporter of OSF, with its first gift dating back to 2004.

OSF is bouncing back from potential layoffs that loomed in the spring. The organization launched an emergency fundraising campaign in April to prevent layoffs and complete its 2023 season. Established in 1935 as a three-day festival of two plays, OSF expanded to become a theater arts organization that presents a rotating repertory season of up to eight plays and musicals.

“The timing of this generous gift from the Miller Foundation is vital for our long-term success as we continue fundraising for our 2024 season and beyond,” said OSF interim director of development Kamilah Long. “Their generosity aligns with the excitement we’re hearing from our biggest supporters. We are confident that their gift will serve as a beacon to other foundations and individuals to invest in the future of the arts and our communities, by investing in the future of OSF, in the coming months.”

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