Theatre Course Gets Rave Reviews

         Punsters would claim that SCCC's Theatre program has reached a new stage but, clearly, SCCC's new Theatre in London course is getting rave reviews from those involved.

          Developed as a collaborative effort between the Continuing Education and Academic Affairs Divisions, during its 2002 Early Spring session, SCCC offered a brand new opportunity for students in any major: travel to London, England to study Theatre in one of its most exciting centers. In spite of travel fears aroused by the events of 9/11, fourteen students answered the call and accompanied Theatre Professor Sandra Boynton to London on the first course of its type ever offered by SCCC.

          Spanning a brief 17 days in England, it was anticipated that the course would follow an aggressive schedule: 9 plays, 3 guest lecturers, 5 local tours, tour of Stratford on Avon, daily lectures by Sandy, and assignments to be completed. But, with the assistance of the staff of the Center for Academic Programs Abroad (CAPA), the schedule was enhanced to include backstage tours of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the Swan, and the BBC; 2 additional theatrical performances; and through special connections of one of the students, a special customized tour of Westminster Abbey!

In Professor Boynton's own words (from London): "Without a doubt, the Theatre in London course is a success. The Students are thriving; they've adjusted fairly easily after the initial shock, and they are bowled over by this magnificent city, its long and much celebrated history, and the splendid craftsmanship of its theatrical artists."

          She continued: "I knew the students were getting acclimated when I heard one query, 'Hey, M., ya got five pence?' Now they go to the end of the queue, ride the tube, mind the gap, ride the lift, and stay to the right on the moving stairs…. (and) they have made friends of other international students who are hostelling in the area….We are doing a fine thing here, a right thing."

          Continuing Education is pleased to have been a major player in this new and successful opportunity for students of the Capital Region. We look forward to continuing the Theatre in London course in the future and, perhaps, to developing similar opportunities for study abroad in other academic disciplines.

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