Regent's American College Students Take to the London
Stage
Theatre lecturer Anna Sullivan provides an update to
events on the Theatre courses in the Media Communications
department.
In Spring semester 2008, two of
RACL
's most ambitious and
talented theatre students had the opportunity to appear in the
successful London theatre production of Henrik Ibsen’s The
Enemy of the People.
Ashley Archambeau and Rachel Stevens, on a study abroad semester from Point Park
University, appeared in the climactic scene of the play in full
19th Century costume. Both young women had the
thrilling experience of working alongside a prestigious and
experienced cast, including Gre
g Hicks, one of Britain’s major classical actors.
The production, at the Arcola Theatre in Dalston, one
of London’s most fashionable and ground-breaking alternative
theatre venues, was
well received by critics.
Apart from the educational value of the experience, Ashley and
Rachel reported that the backstage gossip, social life and the
sheer fun of the experience meant that this was one part of their
London semester that would remain with them for a very long time.
Both students intend to pursue a career in the performing arts when
they graduate.
Other developments on the RACL Theatre courses
The chance to work with the literary department of a major
powerhouse for new writing in British Theatre has been a fantastic
opportunity for our theatre students.
From Script To Stage
Twice in Spring semester 2008, students in the Contemporary
London Theatre course made their way to the Royal Court
Theatre (pictured below) in London’s glamorous Sloane
Square. There, students had the opportunity to trace the
journey of a script from the stage door, via the literary
department, to the rehearsal room, and finally onto the stage of
this internationally renowned theatre. Students became literary
editors, dramaturges, directors, actors and writers for the day,
and got to work in the building that has launched most of the major
names in London Theatre from the last 50 years.
We are planning to make this to make this a regular part of the
Contemporary London Theatre course alongside the many theatre
visits, backstage tours and workshops that already form the core of
the course. Students get the chance to see plays, explore the world
of the backstage and technical departments, and tour the historical
venues.
Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square
We are also planning to include
workshops at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre for the
students on the Introduction to Theatre Arts course, so that they
too can get the experience of actually working in a theatre, and in
this case, one of the most famous and beautiful theatres in the
world.
Article by Anna
Sullivan, 2nd June 2008
Page last updated 6/10/2008