Willimantic, Conn. – From June 29–July 27, 11 theatre students from Eastern Connecticut State University spent four weeks in London for an intensive program on British theatre. The program provided students a month-long theatre tour that included seminars, workshops, talks, tours and attendance at a number of performances and museums in London and neighboring areas.
This program, co-supervised by Theatre Professors Ellen Brodie and David Pellegrini, has been offered by Eastern since 1999. “It is an intensive immersion into the world of professional British theatre,” said Brodie, who is the chief developer of the summer program and director of Eastern’s theatre program. “The emphasis was on experiencing the work firsthand, as a means of exploring some of the key ideas in British arts, from past to present day, such as shifts in artistic practice, functions and sociopolitical impact of the arts.”
Students worked alongside guest artists and teachers, who helped them learn new skills and techniques; expand their knowledge of theatrical styles and genres; and establish connections for mentoring and networking.
“What an exciting trip; I’m so grateful I got to spend the month in London,” said Caitlin McDonough, a theatre major from Clinton. “We saw 14 amazing shows, explored the whole city, and learned so much about culture and theatre.”
The group also toured the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate Modern Gallery, Hampton Court Palace, Shakespeare’s birthplace and museum in Statford-Upon-Avon, Stonehenge and more.