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.
Theater Studies
At a Glance
Program Dates:
- Fall 2026: September 01 - December 12
Credits:
Estimated Cost:
Visa Required:
Housing:
Language of Instruction:
Language Prerequisites:
About the Program
Fall 2026
Spring 2027
Program Dates:
Application Deadline:
Estimated Cost:
Program Dates:
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Program Advisor
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!
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?
Fall Ball Abroad in London
In London, student athletes have the option to add on a baseball or softball training program on top of their coursework. Fall Ball Abroad in London provides college baseball and softball players high-quality coaching and access to world-class training facilities. Students who wish to participate will apply to an IES Abroad London program, and once accepted, choose the baseball or softball add-on. We know how important it is to your sports performance to continue working and improving in the offseason. Why not work with international coaches and get stronger in London?
The Student Experience
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Program Dates
Fall 2026
Program Dates:
Application Deadline:
Spring 2027
Program Dates:
Application Deadline:
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
Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
Founded in 1945, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts is a world-renowned drama school known for its training excellence and industry links, as well as a diverse group of notable alumni. Mountview is recognized for their specialized training in acting, musical theatre, and directorship. In recent years, Mountview has been sector-leading in dismantling barriers to the arts. Mountview's state-of-the art new building is located in Peckham, a bustling, creative and diverse part of south-east London. In partnership with IES Abroad, Mountview offers a course uniquely for our Theater Studies students. At the same time, you will be part of the vibrant Mountview community, with ample opportunity to meet and interact with local students and educators.
Courses
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You enroll in 15–19 credits per semester. Academic programming is scheduled four days a week.
- IES Abroad Theater courses (required, 3 credits each): DR355 Theatre in London: Text & the Dramatic Imagination; TH355 The Theater Industry: Inside & Out; TH380 Acting: Then and Now (in partnership with Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts)
- 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
Art History (3)
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH 275 - London Museums | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| 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
Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
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 Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts which takes the form of 6 full day workshops/practical explorations of acting styles through the ages.
Through this combination of Mountview and IES components, students will complete the course with an experiential and reflective understanding of acting stylistics in general and of the contemporary relevance and applicability of historic theatre practices and cultures as realized for example in acting modes and play texts. Students will as a result be better equipped to meet the challenges of acting in the contemporary rehearsal room and/or of the production practice that is most relevant to their chosen performance-related discipline, such as for example acting, dramaturgy, directing, design, producing, stage management.
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
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.
IES Abroad London Staff
Housing
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.
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.
Program Cost
Fall 2026
Spring 2027
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
$7.9 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.
Orientation
Health & Safety
With 75 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 your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Identity Resources
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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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How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.