ASHLAND, ORE.: Actors’ Equity Association has named Bill Rauch as the recipient of the Ivy Bethune Award. The award recognizes Rauch, the artistic director of Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF), for his commitment in supporting diversity and inclusion through hiring, casting, and producing choices.
“Bill Rauch is a fearless advocate for social justice, dedicated to including all humanity in his work,” said Barbara Roberts, second vice chair of Equity’s National EEO committee, in a statement. “He exemplifies equal opportunity in his hiring practices, engaging with storytellers from all walks of life. We’re thrilled to honor him with this year’s Ivy Award.”
Indeed, OSF resident acting company is now approximately 70 percent people of color.
“I am honored and humbled to be recognized by Actors’ Equity Association,” said Rauch in a statement. “Building on many decades of work by our predecessors, I accept this award on behalf of the entire company of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and especially the many individuals across the organization who have demonstrated leadership in the essential work of equity, diversity and inclusion.”
The Ivy Bethune Award is named in honor of actor and activist Ivy Bethune, a former Equity Councillor who dedicated more than 80 years of her life supporting civil rights activism and equal opportunity rights.
