ASHLAND, Ore.-- Oregon Shakespeare Festival is getting special recognition with the Ivy Bethune Award.
The award, given by the Actors' Equity Association, is for those who support diversity and inclusion in their hiring, casting, and producing.
Bill Rauch, the Artistic Director, has been with OSF for over 10 years.
OSF says it continues to prioritize diversity in their organization.

Repertory Producer Mica Cole says, "OSF's acting company is 70 percent people of color which is a huge accomplishment, given where we are and what we typically see in theaters throughout the country."

Artistic Director Bill Rauch says, "You don't think of Oregon when you think of diversity in the United States and its been amazing to see actors of color and company members of color be welcomed by this community and feel at home."
The Ivy Award is named in honor of actress and activist Ivy Bethune, a former equity councilor who has devoted more are than 80 years of her life to civil rights activism and equal opportunity rights.