Four cities. Three weeks. Two enthusiastic faculty members. One unforgettable adventure.
During the summer, APU’s acclaimed Theater Arts program gave 20 students the opportunity to study abroad in some of the most renowned, historical theater sites in the United Kingdom. Led by professors Jill Brennan-Lincoln, MA, Kirsten Lundin Humer, MFA, and Sabrina Valenzuela (communications coordinator) students not only traveled to Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, the Tower of London, the National Portrait Gallery, the Oxford Playhouse, and Edinburgh Castle, but they also participated in Shakespeare classes, performances at the Oxford Playhouse, and watched a live previews of shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
The trip began with five nights in London. “Engaging in a different culture and witnessing so much theatrical history was critical to making this experience as transformative as possible,” Humer said. She noticed an improvement in the students’ acting after seeing shows on London’s West End and learning about the differences in theatrical performance during Shakespeare’s time.
One of the most fun and enriching experiences was when students partook in a special project for the National Portrait Gallery. Students chose a portrait to write a backstory about, which they performed at the Oxford Playhouse. Students studied Shakespeare during a stay at Wadham College every morning, strengthening their acting skills and developing bonds with each other.
For three days, students enjoyed the enchanting town of Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace. They watched Pericles, Prince of Tyre at the Royal Shakespeare Company and engaged in interactive activities that transported them back in time to the 16th century.
Students especially loved their time in Edinburgh, Scotland, where they explored historical sites dating back to the 11th century. From St. Giles Cathedral, to underground vaults, students immersed themselves in an era unlike any other.
The experience that might have held the most meaning, however, was getting to watch a preview of a show called Polishing Shakespeare at the Fringe Festival, where students got to participate in a talk back. APU students were among the first to see and review the show, as well as ask the cast and crew questions after the performance. “As faculty, we were immensely proud to witness the talent, intelligence and eloquence of our students as artists,” Lincoln said. She remarked on the vibrant engagement of the students during the performance. Lincoln observed their enthusiastic interaction with the actors during productions. “Our students exhibit such profound confidence in their faith and their identities that they are able to give generously and openly. Their faith is evident in their certainty of God's love for them, and they reciprocate that love by sharing it so generously with others.”
Lincoln and Humer were immensely happy to connect with students on a deeper level.
Gaining exposure to theater productions in a different culture allowed students to picture multiple possibilities for their futures as actors. “Studying abroad throughout the U.K. helped me visualize what’s possible for my career. The highlights for me were watching professional shows on the West End in London with actors who are globally famous and awarded for their incredible work,” Lazor Lanson ’27 said. “Seeing those actors live rather than through a screen makes a huge difference. It inspired me to keep honing in on my skills so I can do the same someday. Our professors’ guidance alongside the experience was exponential.”
For many students, their spark for acting was rekindled. “Before this trip, I found myself losing the joy of my craft, and felt trapped in a false sense of needing to be perfect,” Sarah Fountain ’26 said. “The actors in Much Ado About Nothing at the Globe Theatre performed from the heart, following direct impulses without fear. Shakespeare empowers his female protagonists, and in a way, I have returned from this trip stronger.”
Overall, traveling to such a rich culture provided students and faculty with an irreplaceable experience to learn more about what they love. “A huge benefit of going to APU is having opportunities like this to study abroad. We’re excited for the future and giving this same experience to more students throughout the years,” Humer said.
If you’re interested in donating to allow future students to have the trip of a lifetime, here is APU’s giving page where you can designate your gift to the Department of Theater Arts.