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In the late 16th century, Theatre as a profession was developed (practically invented) by two small bands of enterprising men striving for a means of making a living in Elizabethan London. One man emerged as the voice for them all – William Shakespeare. More than 400 years later his voice still resonates in classrooms; in libraries; on the internet; and, above all, in Theatres. Nowhere can his voice be heard more clearly than in his own native England. Shakespeare is everywhere in new conceptual productions as well as in more traditional interpretations. Interpretation is the key to Shakespeare’s genius; for his works can be acted in so many variations and still remain true to the text, that we may see a dozen actors play Hamlet yet feel we have seen him fresh anew every time. Nowhere on Earth can Shakespeare be heard, seen, or studied as well as in his own London and Stratford-upon-Avon. Here are housed the best theatre companies in the world dedicated to exploring and preserving his universal work. Among the several, perhaps the most significant in their focus on Shakespeare is the Globe Company in London and the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon. Experience Shakespeare’s voice first-hand with artists and teachers from these renowned companies. Walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps in the streets and alleyways of Tudor London. Visit the notorious Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace: both of immense significance in Shakespeare’s time. Explore the small country town of his birth and see for yourself the thriving business which has become of Shakespeare. Many sites of historical interest will be on our roster as well as significant art and cultural offerings only found in Britain. Most importantly, study the British approach to acting Shakespeare with seasoned actors and teachers in the British Professional Theatre. Finally, flex your acting muscles on the stage of the Globe Theatre itself. Nothing compares to speaking Shakespeare’s glorious words in a working replica of his own Theatre – the Theatre which launched the English Professional Theatre. Our itinerary is for two weeks in the U.K. with all lodging, entrance fees and transfers included. Tentative dates are January 2-17, 2013. We will divide our time between Stratford-upon-Avon and London with ample opportunities of exploring beyond as can be arranged. Workshops and classes will be housed in both the Globe Education Centre and the Royal Shakespeare Company Education Centre. Lodging will be in a quality hotel in Stratford and in newly constructed student housing in London. Guided tours of all historical and cultural sites will be a part of the course conducted by your professor. Each participant attending for credit will be responsible for a daily journal and a reflective summary paper due after our return to the States. No acting experience needed – just a desire to try it all on for size. You may be surprised by the fit! CLASSES: All students earn 4 credits for THEA 399: Shakespeare's Theatre: The Globe and Britain's Finest. The course is open to students from any major and there are no prerequisites. Theater majors and minors are encouraged to apply. All students will engage with the theater of Shakespeare as they explore his city, including taking part in performances, and doing extensive readings. HOST INSTITUION: Shakespeare's Globe is a world-class educational institution dedicated to the study of the theater of William Shakespeare. Built just yards from the site of the original Globe Theater, which was burned to the ground by a cannon misfire during a production of Henry VIII in 1613, Shakespeare's Globe now offers students the opportunity to perform and study in the environment that inspired the creation of Shakespeare's great works. HOUSING: Students are housed in central London at a bright and modern youth hostel. The facilities are simple, clean, and secure and are well located close to the Tube and all that London has to offer. During the time in Stratford, accommodations will be in a tourist-class hotel. COSTS: Program fees are estimated to be $2910. The cost includes all tuition and fees, housing, all program fees at Shakespeare's Globe and the Royal Shakespeare Company, some additional excursions, and significant on-site support from award-winning Shakespearean actor and SU professor of Theater, Dr. Paul Pfeiffer. International airfare is not included in the price, but participants will be provided with a suggested itinerary and will be met at London's Heathrow airport where the program will begin. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: In addition to completing the online application, students must submit the following supporting documentation to the program director:
The deadline for applications is October 30, 2012. However, this program is expected to fill to capacity, so students should apply early to assure their place. Once the program is filled to capacity, any additional applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Participation is open to students in any major. Non-SU students and members of the community are also welcome to apply. Preference will be given to current matriculated SU students and all applicants must register for the academic course, THEA 399. The final date to withdraw from the program is October 30, 2012. |
