Vaulting Ahead Of The Competition, Thanks To Microsoft

When a Microsoft research scientist offered the Oregon Shakespeare Festival free software along with his usual cash contribution a few years ago, festival officials jumped at the opportunity to boost their techno-capability. “The festival’s technical staff put together a lengthy wish list of software, some of it basic operating system software, some of it more specialized, and far more expensive… New computers were purchased, and a wireless network was built. A small group of programmers at the festival was able to write customized software to cue lights, position scenery, keep track of props and costumes, project synchronized video, sell tickets and administer the database of members.” There isn’t a single aspect of the festival that hasn’t been transformed by the new equipment.