Shakespeare Birthplace Trust 1-Week “Page to Stage” Program July 14 – 20, 2024

 

Page to Stage 1-Week Program July 14 – 20, 2024

Immerse yourself in the language and world of Shakespeare with experts from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.  Based in the historic sites of Harvard House and Hall’s Croft (home of Shakespeare’s daughter), you will enjoy interactive, illustrated talks from eminent scholars on a range of topics including: Shakespeare’s Life, Times and Legacy; Shakespeare in Performance; Music in Shakespeare’s Theatre; current research trends in Shakespeare Studies.  There will also be an opportunity to learn more about the Trust’s treasures held in its archives and collections through a Q&A with its collections experts.

The course will include behind-the-scenes tours and museum visits as well performances at the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company and Globe theatres. 

To set you up for the theatre visits you will engage in pre-performance talks on the plays being seen, along with facilitated group post-performance discussions and a chance to talk with members of the RSC’s acting company.

The program is designed to give you a new perspective on how Shakespeare’s legacy is celebrated in Stratford-upon-Avon and continues to shape people’s lives not just in the town of his birth, but around the world.

This travel-learning experience is perfect for anyone interested in cultural exploration, lifelong learning, or just having a uniquely English experience.  It’s also an excellent opportunity for English, social studies, and theater teachers of all experience levels (including pre-service and retired), and others who are eager to engage in learning with world-class scholars and educators in a historic setting.

Includes accommodations at the historic White Swan Hotel, admission to all sites, breakfast daily, performance tickets and round-trip transportation to Shakespeare’s Globe in London. An ESU representative will also be present. Enjoy every planned activity or explore Stratford at your leisure. We are planning a full itinerary but you decide what to enjoy! Following is the initial program. Please Note: it is subject to adjustment depending on speaker and RSC tour availability. All classes will take place at the Harvard House or Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon.

2024 Timetable of Events

Sunday, July 14

Arrive Stratford upon Avon [own arrangements]

6:00 pm  Welcome Dinner at the White Swan Hotel

Monday, July 15 (Hall’s Croft)

10:00 am  Welcome and introduction to the course with Dr Nick Walton

10:30 am  Talk on ‘Brand Shakespeare – Who is Shakespeare, What is He?’ by Dr Nick Walton

11.30 am  Visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Lunch – own arrangements

2:00 pm  Voice class

3:00 pm  Refreshment break

3:30 – 4:30 pm Pre-performance talk on The Merry Wives of Windsor          

7:15 pm Performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Tuesday, July 16

10:00 am  Group post-performance discussion on The Merry Wives of Windsor 

11:00 am  Refreshment break

11:30 am  RSC Q&A on The Merry Wives of Windsor  [subject to actor availability]

12.30 pm Lunch – own arrangements

2:00 – 3:00 pm Q&A with a member of the Collections team chaired by Dr             Jennifer Waghorn

RSC theatre tour – subject to availability

Wednesday, July 17

10:00 am  Talk on ‘Shakespeare’s Borrowed Feathers’ with Dr Darren Freebury-Jones

11:00 am   Refreshment break

11:30 am   Talk on Globe play

12:30 pm Lunch – own arrangements

2:00 pm   Pre-performance on The School for Scandal

3:15 pm   Visit to Shakespeare’s New Place including ‘The Women who Shaped Shakespeare’ exhibition

7:15 pm   Performance of The School for Scandal at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Thursday, July 18

9:45 am   Group post-performance discussion of The School for Scandal l

10:45 am   Refreshment break

11:15 to 12:15 pm   RSC Q&A on The School for Scandal [subject to actor availability]

1:30 pm   Pick-up from The White Swan Hotel for transfer to Globe Theatre in London

7:30 pm  Performance of Taming of the Shrew at the Globe Theatre

Curtain Up – Transfer back to the White Swan Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon

Friday, July 19 (Harvard House)

10:00 am   Talk on ‘Music in Shakespeare’s Theatre’ with Dr Jennifer Waghorn

11:00 am    Refreshment break

11:30 am     Pre-performance talk on As You Like It 

12:30 pm Lunch – own arrangements

2:15 pm   Visit to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Shottery

5:00 pm  Performance of As You Like It at the Holloway Garden Theatre

Saturday, July 20

Departure after breakfast [own arrangements]

 

 

2024 PROGRAM COST

Starting at $2400 per person

Includes:

  • Tickets to two Royal Shakespeare Company productions
  • Tickets to one production at Holloway Garden Theatre
  • Tickets to one production at Shakespeare’s Globe in London (including round-trip coach)
  • Exclusive RSC Theatre Tour
  • Admission to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Shakespeare’s New Place & Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
  • Talk on The First Folio and Q & A with a member of the Collections Team
  • Q&A with a cast member of the RSC acting company
  • Accommodation at  historic White Swan Hotel with private bath and air-conditioning
  • Breakfast daily & Welcome Dinner at White Swan Hotel

 

FEATURED FACULTY

  • Dr. Nick Walton, Shakespeare Courses Development Manager at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
  • Dr. Darren Freebury-Jones,  Lecturer in Shakespeare Studies at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
  • Dr. Jenifer Waghorn,  Lecturer in Shakespeare Studies at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
  • Royal Shakespeare Company cast member

Deposit of $500 is required with registration and must be paid in full within two weeks of registration or the registrant forfeits their spot in program.

ESU TLab Scholarships are not available for this program, but we encourage those interested to consult this fundraising guide.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONTACT HOURS

This course constitutes approximately 30 contact hours of professional development.  Participants who complete the course receive a certificate of attendance upon request.

TRAVEL AND HOUSING ARRANGEMENTS

Accommodations at the charming and historic White Swan Hotel & Pub in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon just a 5 minute stroll from Shakespeare’s birthplace is included in the program cost. All rooms have a double bed, private bath and air-conditioning. Room assignments are based on order of registration. Price below is the full program, per person price:

$2400 – Cozy double room; $2600 Classic double room; $2800 Grand double room

International Air is Not included

The ESU recommends you only purchase refundable/changeable flights

 

 

REGISTRATION DETAILS

  • Registration is accepted on a rolling basis. Spaces are limited, so book now!
  • A deposit payment of $500 is required with registration via credit card
  • Invoice will be issued after receipt of registration.
  • Balance will be due within 2 weeks.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Cancellation Policy This course is non-refundable, unless the course is cancelled, in which case deposit will be refunded in full.  If you are not able to attend the course due to emergency circumstances, you will be refunded minus an administration fee only if there is a waitlist applicant who will be able to attend the program in your place.

The English-Speaking Union of the United States (ESU) and/or the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust reserves the right to change predetermined course schedules should it be necessary.  The ESU is not responsible for any entities that provide services during your course, including but not limited to the institution with which you are studying, housing, or accommodation facilities, airline, or other travel agencies.  In participating in this TLab-UK program you must agree to sign the ESU’s Waiver and Release of Liability.

Completion of a registration form indicates commitment to attending the course and fulfilling any associated invoices.  Participants are billed in US dollars, based on current exchange rates and including transaction fees.  Full balance is due from participants within two weeks of receipt of invoice.  Program cost is non-refundable.

Travelers are responsible for medical insurance, most meals, travel, travel insurance, and incidentals.

 

FOR RESERVATIONS OR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Alice Uhl at: auhl@esuus.org or 212-818-1200, ext 212

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE!