Image: Department students in the Theatre London Study Abroad program immersed themselves in the city’s rich performance history this summer, attending productions, visiting historic sites and museums, and completing projects that blended academic research with firsthand experience. As part of the program, students explored London’s theatrical traditions spanning centuries — from Roman coliseums and medieval mystery plays to Shakespearean stages and contemporary works at the National Theatre. They also conducted archival research, collected artifacts, and created essays and video projects analyzing how theatre reflects broader cultural history. Students also connected with UGA alumni living and working in London. Drew Bacon, president of UGA’s London alumni chapter, organized a meet-and-greet where students heard from Jason Hafford, a 2011 journalism graduate, and Chloe Zeitounian, a 2011 theatre graduate. Both offered practical insights on navigating professional careers in the UK and international film and television industries. “From seeing the longest running show of all time, The Mousetrap, to experiencing new works like Marriage Material, the Theatre London Study Abroad program allowed me to appreciate theatre’s past and look forward to its future,” said Abby McWethy, a third-year theatre major. Students attended productions at venues including the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare’s Globe, the London Palladium and the Bridge Theatre. Performances ranged from classics like Romeo and Juliet and Titus Andronicus to contemporary works such as Stranger Things and My Neighbor Totoro. The program also emphasized experiential learning through visits to the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Design Museum. Students completed internships with organizations such as Chickenshed Theatre, Prototype Content and Styledoctors, gaining practical professional experience. “I was able to grow so much as a person and artist by learning and collaborating with my fellow students on this trip,” said Gabby Almon, a second-year theatre major. “Between our classes and all of the productions, I was able to develop deeper appreciation for theatre from all over the world.” By combining academic study, professional connections and immersive experiences, the Theatre London Study Abroad program highlighted how performance continues to shape — and be shaped by — the history and culture of one of the world’s theatre capitals.
