London, England

Theater Studies

Study Abroad
Length:
Fall, Spring

At a Glance

Housing:

Residence Hall

Credits:

15 to 16 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Program

Engage in Britain’s rich historical and contemporary theatrical tradition through theater and drama courses. In your core curriculum, you analyze the artistic, financial, and professional structures that influence theater in Britain, with an emphasis on London. You also examine key texts and performances within their relevant historical and cultural context and delve into theater criticism, reception theory, dramaturgy, and stage design.

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Take a Course at RADA

Enhance your academic experience with workshops and independent research.

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Get Hands-On Experience

Take a creative workshop in playwriting or intern as a theater assistant.

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Enjoy Course-Related Trips

Meet with a casting director or record a voiceover.

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Experience London’s Live Theatre

Witness performances at small fringe theater venues and companies.

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

September 03 - December 14

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
21,352

Program Dates:

Mid January - Mid April

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

Macey Schondel headshot

Macey Schondel

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

Why London?

William Shakespeare said it best when he wrote “All the world’s a stage”—where better to study theater than the home of so many brilliant playwrights and performers?

Learn More About London

Get to Know Your New City

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Iconic Landmarks

Stroll along the river Thames to snap pictures of the Tower of London.

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Warner Bros. Studio: The Making of Harry Potter

Travel to Leavesden to discover the magic of all things Harry Potter.

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Beautiful Parks and Gardens

Relax and recharge in one of the city’s many parks.

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City Tours

Visit some of London's 48 culturally-vibrant and distinct neighborhoods.

The Student Experience

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Housing

A clean double bunk bed sitting in the hallway between living spaces.
  • Residence Hall

Residence Hall

Apartment Style Residence Hall – You will share a flat with five other IES Abroad students in a residence hall. Your room is single occupancy with a bed, desk, storage, and bathroom. There is a shared kitchen available to you and your flat mates. Washing machines and dryers are available. No meals are provided for this housing option.

Residence Hall – You and another IES Abroad student will share a room with a private bathroom and kitchen. You will share bunk beds and wardrobes for clothes storage. Washing machines and dryers are available. No meals are provided for this housing option.

Academics

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. 

We offer unique courses that explore theater, drama, and other topics through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world class professors and course options at prestigious local universities enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.

Partner Institution

A bright blue building, the France House, sits on the campus of the University of London-Queen Mary.
  • The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

Founded in 1904, The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) offers vocational training for actors, stage managers, designers, and technical stagecraft specialists. RADA’s facilities are a 10-15 minute walk from the IES Abroad Center. In partnership with IES Abroad, RADA offers a course uniquely for our Theater Studies students. 

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Courses

Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You enroll in 15–16 credits per semester. Academic programming is scheduled four days a week.

  • IES Abroad Theater courses (required, 3 credits each): DR355 Theatre in London: Analyzing Text & the Dramatic Imagination; TH355 The Theater Industry: Inside & Out; TH380 Acting: Then and Now (in partnership with Royal Academy of Dramatic Art)
  • Elective Theater courses (optional, 3 credits each): TH390 Playwriting Workshop; LT351 Shakespeare the Dramatist; TH350 European Approaches to Text & Theater Performance
  • Study London Program elective courses (optional, 3 credits each)

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (20)

Art History (2)

Course name Term Language Credits
AH 341 - The Architecture of London: 1600-Present Day Fall, Spring, Summer English 3
AH/FA 390 - Western Art And The Convergence Of Technique And Philosophy Fall, Spring English 3

Partner Institution Courses

The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) 

In addition to our courses, you will enroll in a course offered at our prestigious partner university. This is a great way to experience the British higher education system firsthand, meet British students, and study theater in a different context. 

You must meet the university’s specific requirements, including a GPA of 3.0 or above, and, in certain disciplines, prerequisites, and junior or senior standing. See the following for more specific information about each institution. 

Acting: Then and Now (3 credits) 

The course explores key historical theatre cultures in two complementary ways. An acting class in conjunction with the world-renowned RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) which takes the form of 6 full day workshops/practical explorations of acting styles through the ages. Followed in the second part of the term by 6 seminars: a theoretical component relating those performance skills and more recent key practitioners and movements in relation to acting today 

The course continues with a week of debriefing and discussion of a required research paper assignment with guidance from IES Abroad Theater Studies faculty. 

Students participate in an Actioning Workshop and a Casting & Audition Techniques Workshop led by IES Abroad faculty and industry professionals. 

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PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

Learn More
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Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in London, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

stonehenge

Bath & Stonehenge

2 Days ($) Fall, Spring & Summer

Visit mysterious Stonehenge and the ancient Roman baths in Bath. Marvel at the collection of world-class couture at the Fashion Museum and explore the Jane Austen Centre.

Students explore the rocky inclines off the coast of Dover on a sunny day.

Canterbury & Dover

1 Day ($) Fall, Spring & Summer

Visit the Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the beautiful Dover Castle. After the visit, go for a short hike along the White Cliff of Dover National Trust.

people punting on the Cam River in Cambridge

Cambridge

1 Day ($) Fall, Spring & Summer

Visit this historic university town, with its picturesque colleges and punt in a gondola on the river.

A student poses with a cow in the scottish highlands

Edinburgh

3 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Take a trip to Scotland’s capital where you’ll learn about the city’s history on a guided walking tour. Visit Edinburgh Castle that overlooks the city from its hilltop location and take a day trip to a wildlife reserve in the Highlands.

Canary Wharf

Greenwich

1 Day ($) Fall & Spring

Right on the river, with a lovely park with some of the best views in London, Greenwich's got a whole lot of history and is as alive as ever. Join our day trip to get a taste of why it has always been special.

A student poses in the doorway of Stratford castle

Stratford-Upon-Avon

1 Day ($) Fall & Spring

Visit Shakespeare’s house, which was the place of his birth, and Holy Trinity Church, where he is buried.

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Spring 2024

Tuition
$
16,313
Housing
$
4,390
Insurance
$
230
Total
$
20,933

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
16,517
Housing
$
4,590
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
21,352

Spring 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

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About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.  

The IES Abroad London Center is in a centrally-located Georgian building with green space called the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn. Whether you’re grabbing lunch at the Leather Lane food market, or visiting the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum, the Center is your study abroad hub. 

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in London
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to London. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore London and surrounding areas before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of English culture and get to know the other students.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

January 09 - April 20

Application Deadline:

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

September 03 - December 14

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Mid January - Mid April

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins 
  • One semester of university-level study in English literature or theater 

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

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