Program Description
This program invites students on a ten-day experience to study theatre in London. The course is an encounter between the theatre of Shakespeare’s London and contemporary theatre. Students will be introduced to the material culture of early modern England–such as Tudor architecture, urban spaces, and the reconstructed Globe Theatre–with the goal of enriching their understanding of early modern London, early theatre practices, and the interpretation of early modern plays in theatre productions today. Students will engage with contemporary London and theatre productions at institutions such as the National Theatre and Royal Court Theatre, as well as hold conversations with UK scholars about future directions for theatrical performance on a global stage. The course as a whole seeks to identify continuities in London as a site of theatre making and to posit new horizons for London’s theatre scene.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand differences between early modern and contemporary theatrical production (playwriting, direction, production tools and practices, acting methods).
- Describe and analyze live performances of theatrical works in oral and written arguments (focus on rich description, vocabulary development, study of current theatre scholarship, and writing).
- Compare early modern and contemporary significance of theatrical works in the context of London’s global, urban society (using oral and written skills).
- Utilize historical and cultural contexts to assess specific performances of theatrical works (embodied experiences, site visits, written reflection).
| Program/Course Name | Reed in England: London Stages, Past and Present |
| Program Dates | May 26 (arrival in London) – June 5, 2027 (departure day) |
| Application Deadline | November 16, 2027 |
| Location | London and Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom |
| Code | TBA |
| CNR | TBA |
| Units | 0.5 (S) |
| Term | Spring 2027 |
| Notes | Instructor permission required |
| Program Affiliations | IES Abroad |
| Program Directors | Kate Bredeson, Simone Waller |
| Housing | Students stay in a residence hall or student apartments in London |
Fees and Requirements
Reed in England has a $7,350 program fee that must be paid in full by January 8, 2027.
The program fee includes the following:
- Accommodation in London
- Online pre-departure orientation and onsite orienation
- 6 performances in London, including at the Globe Theater, Royal Court Theater, Wanamaker Playhouse, and the National Theatre (subject to availability)
- Local transportation
- Local excursions, including the Hampton Court Palace, the Tate Modern, and the Victoria & Albert Museum (subject to availability)
- Day trip to Stratford (Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare’s Birthplace)
- Per diem for food
- International health and travel insurance
- Study abroad administrative fee
The program fee does not include:
- Personal spending money
- New passport fee ($165)
- COVID-19 testing related to travel, if applicable (entry or exit requirements)
- International flights and airport transportation
Program participants who currently receive need-based Reed grant funding and have accepted all components of their aid packages may be eligible for financial assistance.
Health, Safety, and Travel Documentation
- Travel Documentation: Passports should be valid for at least six months after you return home and have two or more blank pages, depending on your destination
- International health and travel insurance (included in program fees)
- New Immigration Requirements for the UK:
All visitors who do not need a visa, except British and Irish citizens, need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – a digital permission to travel to the UK. Students can apply for an ETA through a quick and simple process using the UK ETA app. An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner. ETA applies to: visits of up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study transiting through the UK – including if you’re not going through UK border control, as well as other times.
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