Shakespeare Birthplace Trust 1-Week “Page to Stage” Program

 

Page to Stage Program July 13 – 19, 2025

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 enhance your theatre experiences, 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, and others who are eager to see dynamic theatre and engage in learning with world-class scholars and educators in a historic setting.

Includes 6-nights accommodation at the historic White Swan Hotel, admission to all sites, breakfast daily, performance tickets and 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 availability. All classes will take place at Harvard House or Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon.

2025 Timetable of Events

Sunday, July 13

Arrive Stratford-upon-Avon [own arrangements]

3:00 pm Check-in to White Swan Hotel

6:30 pm  Welcome Dinner at the White Swan Hotel with Dr. Nick Walton, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Courses Development Director

Monday, July 14

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

11.30 am  Self-guided visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Lunch – own arrangements

2:00 pm  Talk on ‘Shakespeare & Stratford’ with Rev. Dr Paul Edmondson

3:00 pm  Refreshment break

3:30 – 4:30 pm Pre-performance talk on 4.48 Psychosis  with Dr. Jennifer Waghorn

7:45 pm Performance of 4.48 Psychosis at the RSC’s The Other Place

Tuesday, July 15

10:00 am  Group post-performance discussion on 4.48 Psychosis chaired by Dr. Jennifer Waghorn 

10:30 am  Talk on “The Women who Shaped Shakespeare’s Career” with Dr. Jennifer Waghorn

11:45 am  Visit to Shakespeare’s New Place & exhibition 

12.30 pm Lunch – own arrangements

1:45 – 3:45 pm Practical session either “Directing Shakespeare” or “Shakespeare in the Classroom”  

4:00 pm Tour of Holy Trinity Church & Shakespeare’s grave

Free evening or performance at another venue (awaiting schedule)

Wednesday, July 16

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

11:00 am   Refreshment break

11:30 am   Pre-performance talk on The Winter’s Tale with Dr. Nick Walton

12:30 pm Lunch – own arrangements

2 – 4:00 pm   Working with Shakespeare’s Words (using extract from The Winter’s Tale)  with Naomi Lawrence  

7:15 pm   Performance of The Winter’s Tale at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Thursday, July 17

10:00 am   Group post-performance discussion of The Winter’s Tale with Dr. Nick Walton 

11:00 am   Refreshment break

11:30 to 12:30 pm   RSC Q&A on The Winter’s Tale [subject to actor availability]

Lunch – own arrangements

2:00 pm   ‘Music in Shakespeare’s Theatre’ with Dr. Jennifer Waghon

3:30 pm  Introduction to The Constant Wife 

7:30 pm – Performance of The Constant Wife at the Swan Theatre 

Friday, July 18

10:00 am   Group post-performance discussion of The Constant Wife with Dr Darren Freebury-Jones

10:30 am Talk on ‘Shakespeare’s Borrowed Feathers’ with Dr Darren Freebury-Jones

11:30 am    Refreshment break

Lunch – own arrangements

2:00 pm   Visit to Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall

3:00 pm  Visit to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Shottery

  Free Evening 

Saturday, July 19

9:30 am  Check-out of White Swan Hotel and travel by private minibus to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London.

12:00pm   Lunch near the Globe

2:00 pm – Performance of Romeo & Juliet  at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London

Parting is such sweet sorrow!  

Depart Globe [own arrangements in London]

 

 

2025 PROGRAM COST

Starting at $2700 per person

Highlights Include:

  • Tickets to three Royal Shakespeare Company productions
  • Tickets to one production at Shakespeare’s Globe in London (including minibus)
  • RSC Theatre Tour
  • Admission to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Shakespeare’s New Place & Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Shottery
  • Visit to Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall
  • 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
  • 6 Nights 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.

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 private bath and air-conditioning. Room assignments are based on order of registration. Limited number of Classic double/twin rooms available. Price below is the full program, per person price:

$2700 Classic double or twin room; $2900 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, lunch & dinner daily, 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!