Shakespeare Birthplace Trust: Page to Stage July 25 – 31, 2026

 

Page to Stage Program  July 25  -31, 2026

Performances by the Royal Shakespeare Company include tickets to A Midsummer Night’s Dream and tickets to the already, sold-out run of The Cherry Orchard starring Sir Kenneth Branagh!

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 ESU Page to Stage 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. Immerse yourself in the language and world of Shakespeare with experts from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.  Based in the historic site of 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 and visits to its historic homes

This 1-week program is designed for people interested in cultural exploration, living in a historic, working theater town, and having a uniquely English experience.  It’s also an excellent opportunity for English, history, literature & theater teachers of all experience levels, and others who are eager to see dynamic theatre and engage in learning with world-class scholars, educators and like-minded souls — including repeat participants who love to return. The shows change each year, but the beauty and magic of Stratford-upon-Avon does not.

The program is also the perfect addition for those teachers who have just completed 2 weeks of Teaching Shakespeare Through Performance at Shakespeare’s Globe in London to live in Shakespeare’s hometown.

Includes 6-nights accommodation in the charming White Swan Hotel just around the corner from Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Welcome Dinner, breakfast daily, performance tickets and admission to all sites. An ESU representative will also be present. Enjoy every planned activity or explore Stratford & the Cotswolds at your leisure. We are planning a full itinerary, but you decide what to enjoy!

 Hold your place by registering at the link below, Today!

2026 PROGRAM COST

Starting at $2800 per person

Highlights Include:

  • Tickets to three Royal Shakespeare Company productions including tickets to the already, sold-out run of The Cherry Orchard starring Sir Kenneth Branagh!
  • RSC Guided 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 

2026 Featured Faculty 

  • Dr. Nick Walton, Shakespeare Courses Development Manager at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
  • Rev. Dr Paul Edmondson,  Author and Lecturer in Shakespeare Sonnets & Studies at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
  • Dr. Emily Baines  Lecturer in Music at Brunel University London, Guildhall School of Music & Drama and Shakespeare’s Globe Higher Education department
  • Royal Shakespeare Company cast member

Deposit of $500 is required with registration and must be paid in full within four weeks of registration or the registrant forfeits their spot in the 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 Cozy double rooms available. Price below is the full program, per person price:

$3100 Grand double room, $2900 Classic double room

$2800 Cozy Double Room – Sold Out

International Air is Not included

The ESU recommends you only purchase refundable/changeable flights

 

 

2026 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 4 weeks.

FOR RESERVATIONS OR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

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

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE!

 

2026 Intial Daily Schedule (subject to change)

Saturday, July 25

Arrive Stratford-upon-Avon [own arrangements]

3:00 pm Check-in to The White Swan Hotel, Rother Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 gNH. Tel: +44 1789 297022 (ESU SBT Reservation)

6:00 pm  Welcome Dinner at the White Swan Hotel with Dr. Nick Walton, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust 

Sunday, July 26

10:30 am Visit to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, 22 Cottage Lane, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9HH

12:15 pm Light lunch at the SBT’s Garden Café across from Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, 1A Cottage Lane, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9HH [SBT to book]

TBA ‘Creative Sparks’ session at Brook Arts Hub, 24 Cottage Lane, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9HH [2 hours]

Monday, July 27

9:30 am Welcome and introduction with Dr Nick Walton [30 mins]

10:00 am ‘Becoming Shakespeare: Muse of Fire’ talk with Dr Nick Walton

11:15 am Visit to New Place Gardens

12:00 pm Lunch – own arrangements

1:30 pm Shakespeare’s Birthplace

2:30-4:00 pm ‘Shakespeare in SBT’s Archives’

7:30 pm Performance of The Cherry Orchard at the Swan Theatre

https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/swan-theatre

Tuesday, July 28

10:00 am Group post-performance discussion on The Cherry Orchard facilitated by Dr Nick Walton

11:00 am Refreshment break

11:30 am RSC Q&A on The Cherry Orchard chaired by Dr Nick Walton
[subject to actor availability]

12:30 pm Lunch – own arrangements

2:30-4:00 pm ‘Shakespeare and Music’ workshop facilitated by Dr Emily Baines (TBC) [90 mins]

Free evening

Wednesday, July 29

10:00 am ‘Working with Shakespeare’s Words’ workshop facilitated by Naomi Lawrence [1 hour]

11:30 am Visit to Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, Church St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6HB 

12:30 pm Lunch – own arrangements

2:00-3:00 pm Talk on A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Dr Nick Walton

5:00 pm Performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Other Place https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/the-other-place

Thursday, July 30

9:15 am Group post-performance discussion of A Midsummer Night’s Dream facilitated by Dr Nick Walton

10:15 am Refreshment break

10:45 am RSC Q&A on A Midsummer Night’s Dream chaired by Dr Nick Walton [subject to actor availability]

11:45 am Lunch – own arrangements

1:45 pm Talk on ‘Shakespeare and Stratford’ with Rev. Dr Paul Edmondson

2:45 pm Refreshment break

3:15-4:15 pm Sonnets session with Rev. Dr Paul Edmondson

Friday, July 31

Depart Stratford upon Avon (own arrangements)

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.