Students will receive upper division GE (area C1) for this course. The trip will pack in 40 hours worth of intensive exposure to Shakespeare’s works and times. Our ongoing discussions will help deepen critical thinking and develop understanding of contemporary performance in relation to history, society and culture.

Whether the students are Theatre majors, English majors or just ready for a dive into the 16th century, this trip will be a once in a lifetime experience. Participants will meet international students and theatre practitioners. They’ll bring home an enriched appreciation of Shakespeare, dramatic literature and what goes into the mounting of professional theatrical productions.

The 11 day trip includes:
• Attendance at FIVE performances (at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, the National Theatre, the Royal Court Theatre, and TWO at The Globe)
• Tours of three theatres
• A master class at The Globe with professional actors
• A walking tour of Shakespeare’s London and bus tour of London
• A trip to Stratford-upon-Avon and the historic buildings there
• A visit to the National Portrait Gallery to see portraits of the historical figures about whom Shakespeare wrote, followed by afternoon tea
• A visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum to see their extensive Elizabethan Theatre Collection
• Eight hours of dedicated classroom time to study monologues specifically chosen to illuminate text, stretch the students’ knowledge, and tie into the shows attending
• Preparation for a required paper analyzing the five shows seen and how the performing arts continue to provide a vital form of expression