On May 12, 2016, Cabrini students and faculty embarked on a weeklong trip to London as part of Cabrini University’s short-term study abroad program. The trip was the culmination of a spring semester course, On Stage: Live in London, which is open to students of all majors who are interested in learning the history of theater.
In London, students saw a theater production each day in some of the city’s best theaters, including “The Taming of the Shrew” at the Globe, “Kinky Boots” at the West End, and “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” produced by the National Theatre.
Ashley Borda (’16), a Business Administration major, chose to enroll in the course and study abroad trip simply because she wanted to learn more about theater in London.
“I was not someone who frequented many productions prior to my trip, but now I can say that I have seen a variety of different shows abroad,” Borda said. “Since returning home from my trip, my interest in theater has increased and I look forward to seeing a few shows in the near future.”
Ashley Borda ('16) in the London Eye
Students also took an acting workshop with an actor from the Globe and went on behind-the-scenes tours of Drury Lane Theatre, National Theatre, and the Globe.
“The course work that we completed throughout the semester prepared us for the shows we attended abroad and complemented our experiences very well,” Borda said. “From theater tours, to train rides on the tube back to the hotel, the entire experience was one that I will never forget.”
Of course, no proper trip to London would be complete without also visiting historical sites such as the Tower of London and the London Eye.
“I loved being able to have amazing seats at some of London's best theaters, but I also thought the landmarks and attractions that we were able to visit while we were in London were breathtaking,” Borda said. “Overall, my experience in London was one of the best and most memorable weeks during my college career.”
English Department Chair and Associate Professor Michelle Filling-Brown, PhD, and Professor Seth Frechie, PhD, co-teach the course and lead the London trip, which is offered every other spring semester.
“It was an amazing experience and the students were so engaged—making the most of every moment in London,” Filling-Brown said.
Cabrini students outside of The Globe in London, 2016