London Theatre

400 Years of Popular London Theatre

Course Description: What kept audiences coming back for more? Survey 400 years of theatrical entertainment in London. Your Theatreland excursions include the Globe Theatre, a backstage tour of Drury Lane (roots to the Restoration), touring the modern Royal National Theatre complex or another facility; plus the Theatre Exhibit at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Enjoy major productions (including a musical and one classical work). Join in a day trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon (birthplace of Shakespeare). There will be opportunities for other West End shows. Students could walk four to six miles outdoors each day, depending on activities. London winters are more damp and often colder than students may be used to experiencing in the southern parts of the U.S.

Theatre on Location, From Classics to Contemporary

Course Description: Discover the thrilling world of London and explore English culture through professional theatre. Students will experience a diverse range of current productions from the classics to the cutting edge and will examine cultural trends and social issues through the lens of the theatre. The influence of English history will come alive as students visit theatres, museums, historic sites (e.g., Stratford on Avon, the National Theatre, the Globe Theatre, Westminster Abbey, and more), and attend 4-5 notable and dynamic theatre productions. Group discussions will be a vital part of class time in London and guests from the field will visit the class on location. The ability to walk 2-4 miles a day; the ability to remain quiet and still for up to 3 hours in a performance; the concentration to fully appreciate guest speakers, class discussions, and tour guides

Curtain Call: British Drama In Action!

Course Description: Discover the world of British theatre by attending several dramatic productions in London's amazing West End district and other locales. Delve into the origins of drama from the classical period through the medieval mystery, miracle, and morality plays. Survey drama from the Renaissance and the Georgian period to the modern era. Explore aspects of staging, lighting, costuming, music, directing, and set design through tentative backstage tours of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the National Theatre, Shakespeare's Globe on Southbank, and the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour just outside of London. Touch literary history on our day trips to such destinations as Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare's hometown), Canterbury Cathedral (site of the martyrdom of St. Thomas Becket), Dover Castle, or Bath. Return home with a wealth of experience and knowledge about British drama and English culture. Join us on our excellent thespian adventure for a truly dramatic field trip before the final curtain call! In experiencing the sights and settings of London and days out of London, students can expect to walk an average of approximately 3-6 miles each day. Some days might be as much as 8-10 miles. London in December/January will be cold, so students should be prepared for wintry weather. Students are urged to apply common sense as they navigate different kinds of topography and very quickly changing weather. Students will be reminded to dress in layers and have very comfortable walking shoes.

Prerequisite: Students should have completed their college's basic writing requirements

Status: Cancelled

The London Arts Experience: Theatre, Art, Music & Design

Course Description: London, one of the most exciting cities in the world, is home to centuries of visual art, performance, design, and architecture. In this class you'll visit theatres, music venues, cemeteries, museums, and galleries. You'll see some of London's most famous sites, and explore unique places that are off the beaten path. You'll see cutting edge theatre and graffiti art, you'll hear music that ranges from classical to blues to contemporary, and you'll gain first-hand knowledge of how design, urban engineering, architecture, and the arts come together in and around the dynamic streets of London! On average: 3 miles of walking per day (some days might be 5, but that's rare). We will spend time out in the weather, not just in moving from venue to venue, but some of our activities take place outside, and in whatever weather is happening that day.