The UW Theatre in London program offers students an opportunity to be immersed in Britain’s rich tradition of theatre-making.
The first group of 22 UW–Madison students went to London in the summer of 2023, including theatre majors, students pursuing theatre certificates, and a few non-major theatre lovers.
The program began with two weeks of online instruction in May. During that time students read many of the plays they would see, and discussed how to view them.
“Reading the plays before seeing them gave the students a different perspective and a new appreciation for what they saw — a bit of a deeper understanding,” said Jim Stauffer, a teaching faculty member in acting in the Department of Theatre and Drama, who developed and led the program with colleague Audrey Standish, also a teaching faculty member in acting.
Once on the ground in the U.K., the students saw 10 shows over 13 days. “We really tried to pack in a variety,” said Stauffer. From “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, to West End musicals, to an interactive, immersive production, and improv comedy, students were able to experience a wide spectrum of both mainstream and experimental productions.
The program also included an excursion to Shakespeare’s birthplace at Stratford-Upon-Avon; backstage tours at Drury Lane — London’s oldest theatre — and the Royal Shakespeare Company; visits to museums including the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Harry Potter Studio Tour; and workshops with London theatre professionals.
Through these experiences, in addition to deepening their knowledge of theatre, students also grew more comfortable learning the ins and outs of navigating a new city.
“This wasn’t a hand holding, follow the umbrella sort of tour,” said Stauffer. “By the end they were all experts in riding the Tube and buses and getting around.”
For Grant Borcherding, a UW–Madison senior and Spanish/theatre major who participated in this year’s program, this was his first time traveling in Europe. It was, he said, “an experience like no other.” Studying abroad, he added, “you get to learn without knowing you’re learning. It becomes second nature to explore and want to discover things.”