THEATRE IN EUROPE
PAST & PRESENT
Study abroad program
This three-week, six-credit study abroad program offers students a learning experience in the United Kingdom (and sometimes one additional European country). We watch innovative performance, learn from theatre professionals, see artifacts and sites from theatre history, and explore European cultures that have profoundly impacted the development of American theatre. The next program will be led by Paulette & John Marty in May 2024 (pending approval).


WHAT WILL WE DO?
Every program is different,
but here are highlights of the 2022 program
EDINBURGH
Learn about the Tudors at Edinburgh Castle
See plays at the Imaginate International Children's Theatre Festival
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS
Follow the footsteps of Shakespeare's Macbeth at various locations in Scotland
YORK
Retrace the route of the medieval mystery plays
Tour the medieval city
Hear a choir at Yorkminster Cathedral
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
Visit Shakespeare's grave
Tour Shakespeare's birthplace and learn about Elizabethan theatre
Visit Warwick Castle
Tour Kenilworth Castle
See plays at Royal Shakespeare Company
BRIGHTON
See shows at the Brighton Fringe Festival and the Brighton Festival
LONDON
Do an acting workshop and see a play at Shakespeare's Globe
Tour Elizabethan historical sites like the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey
Study paintings at the National Gallery
See a play at the National Theatre
See a play on the West End

WHAT COURSES WILL I TAKE?
Theatre in Europe, Past & Present is a six-credit study abroad program. Each participant registers for two courses:
THR 3531 Contemporary Theatre and Culture in Europe*
THR 3730 Early Theatre History and Literature **
There are required course meetings from 5:00-6:00 on Tuesdays during the SPRING SEMESTER preceding the program. You MUST be available to attend these meetings.
*THR 3531 has the following prerequisites: THR 2005, THR 2009, and one other THR course.
**If you have already completed THR 3730, it may be possible to register you for a THR independent study instead and arrange some alternate assignments.
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WHAT WILL I LEARN?
Quotes from participants
"The most important thing that I learned on this trip is that I am capable of being away from home and stepping out of my comfort zone. I've always wondered whether or not I could travel to another country and feel comfortable there and now I know that I can."
"In London, you really never know what kind of people you are going to see. Just in passing, I would guess I have seen more nationalities than I ever have in my entire life. Just in London, excluding all other places in England, I have seen and interacted with more people from around the world than I have with native British people. The world seems more accessible to me now."
"In history classes we learn about things that have happened years in the past but it is hard to have concrete ideas until we see it. I know humans had been around for a long time, but seeing graves from the 1500s solidified this better than any history class on campus ever could have."
"I was intoxicated by history at many points on this trip."
"Writing papers and analyzing the plays after we saw and discussed them was very beneficial. My ability to analyze performances has increased so much."
"I've been the most surprised by my newfound appreciation for more abstract theatre. We saw so many different kinds of theatre that all had so much substance."
WHAT DOES IT COST?
PROGRAM FEE
Fee for the 2022 program was $4996.85. Due to inflation, the 2024 fee may be higher and will be set in fall 2023. The program fee is "all-inclusive" and covers airfare, ground transportation, lodging, admissions to museums and cultural sites, tickets for theatre productions, workshop fees, insurance, and all meals.
TUITION
In addition to this program fee, each participant pays tuition for six credits of summer session (estimated $950-$1000), a passport, and spending money (recommended minimum $250)
FINANCIAL AID
Because this is a six-credit program, students can apply for financial aid to help cover costs. Talk to the Appalachian State University Financial Aid Office about your options. Also, some study abroad scholarships may be available through the Office of International Education and Development.
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