This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to study theatre abroad in London, England for five weeks. It was such an awesome, unforgettable experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I was able to see 20+ shows (including at the Globe), museums, and historical sites (such as the Roman Baths, Stonehenge, Hampton Court Palace, Buckingham Palace, and Stratford upon Avon).  Through studying abroad, I was able to further my theatrical studies as well as accomplish many personal and professional goals.  My experience studying abroad had a very positive affect on my personal growth. I still live at home, so this experience gave me a new sense of independence as well as the ability to better compromise and communicate (especially with the different terminology between British and American English). It also challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things. Professionally, this experience has opened up many networking opportunities for me through meeting and talking with individuals working in the business as well as giving me potential graduate school options for the future. 

One of my favorite memories of the study abroad program is when I got to see The Globe Theatre for the first time as it has been on my “bucket list” for a while. Going inside for the first time, I had tears of joy and excitement well up in my eyes. We had a backstage tour scheduled before watching The Merry Wives of Windsor, and our group all met up outside by the wall surrounding the theatre. On the wall was the quote “I like this place and willingly could waste my time in it” from Shakespeare’s As You Like It (which we would later watch at The Globe). This quote describes my feelings towards The Globe perfectly! The Globe is stunningly beautiful, yet very simple. It is designed as closely as possible to the original Globe from Shakespeare’s time as a circular, thatched roof amphitheater. It was such a neat experience to watch the sun go down and the stars come out while enjoying a show. The stage was beautifully simple, relying on the actor’s movements, gestures, voice, and interactions with the audience to make the story come to life. I learned so much about how to more effectively act Shakespeare and break the fourth wall simply by watching these incredibly talented actors. The Globe was just one life changing experience out of many I had while studying abroad. Thanks to the generosity of the scholarship donors, The Globe and the many other wonderful new things I was able to see/experience will now always be with me and will be useful to me in my career goals.

Name: Kallie Marrison
Status: Senior
Major: Theatre
Hometown: St. Johns, Michigan
Program: Theatre in London