[1][non-primary source needed] In July 1939, OSF was invited to present their production of The Taming of the Shrew at the Golden Gate International Exposition.
The interest drawn up by the national broadcast may have been the necessary exposure that allowed the Festival to return following World War II.
This was due to World War II and a fire that burned down the festival's original Elizabethan Theatre.
This "edition" of the festival was created to present plays in indoor venues that allowed the season to utilize more of the year when winter weather would prohibit outdoor performances.
[9] Later in the decade, the festival used the Varsity for matinee performances of Ballad Operas, but were soon able to raise enough money to build a new indoor space: The Angus Bowmer Theatre.
[10] Vining Repertory Fay Kanin Les Carlson John Fletcher James Bernard The 1970s began with the first season in the new Angus Bowmer Theatre.
[12] In 1977, after being used for company-only play performances and staged readings, the Black Swan Theatre became another venue presenting shows as a part of the main OSF season.
[41] By the end of March, the Festival was hoping to present a smaller season that would open Labor Day weekend.
[42] In February 2021, the Festival announced a hybrid season that would allow for flexibility surrounding ongoing social distancing mandates.