My time on the Exploring British Theatre program was absolutely life changing. Over the length of the program, I was exposed to so much culture, art, and experience.

As a theatre student, my main goal was obviously to see as much theatre as possible, and my final count was 34 shows in 37 days, 17 of which we all saw as a group. I saw everything that ranged from West End musicals, tiny new-work fringe shows, devised pieces, and classic Shakespeare.

Being able to go to another country and be exposed to so many different kinds of theatre really opened my eyes to all the possible directions my career could take me, and I was constantly inspired and creatively driven. Some of my favorite activities were backstage tours of the National Theatre and the Royal Opera House because I could really see how these businesses operate and could visualize myself there or somewhere similar in the future.

Outside of London, we went on day trips to Bath, Brighton, Oxford, and Stratford. Being able to get outside of London and see the cultures of different cities in England was very informative and gave more insight into the different areas and history of the country.

As both a person and an artist, this experience abroad aided my growth in so many ways, and I learned so much about history, art, and myself. Taking classes in conjunction with all our other activities helped me directly apply what I was learning to our time there. I was being fulfilled and pushed as a creative and an academic, and learned so much in such a short time.

I can’t thank Education Abroad enough for enabling me to go on this experience, and I will carry it with me and apply it for the rest of my life and career doing and creating theatre.

Name: Ray Snively
Status: Senior
Major: Theatre Design and Technology
Hometown: South Lyon, Michigan
Program: Exploring British Theatre in the UK