The Shakespeare Programme
Overview
The Shakespeare Programme is a unique opportunity: a chance to study
Shakespeare and theatre over a semester in a programme designed to
link performances of his plays and other productions drawn from the
full magnificent range of British theatre. The programme great deal
from our students - this is not a soft option. But it has proved for
all our students to be a richly rewarding time, sending them back
to their colleges in the United States with their outlooks broadened
and their excitement and achievement in their studies raised to levels
many never expected to attain.
Professor Michael Dobson
(Academic Chairman, The Shakespeare Programme)
The Students
The course brings together students who are majoring in English
and Drama / Theatre Studies enabling those with practical skills
and those with training in literary criticism to learn from each
other and benefit from their different but complementary approaches
to Shakespeare and the study of drama.
The Faculty
The faculty ranges from internationally respected figures in British
universities to professional critics and well known actors and directors.
The Academic Chairman is Professor Michael Dobson, Professor of
Shakespeare Studies at Birkbeck College in the University of London.
BADA prides itself on its close ties to the professional theatre
and many of its teachers work regularly for the Royal National Theatre
and the Royal Shakespeare Company. In addition to the classes, a
stimulating range of talks and masterclasses are offered.
Programme Content
All students study three core courses which form the heart of the
program. These are devoted to study of Shakespeare's Tragedies,
either Shakespeare's Comedies or Theatre History, and Dramatic Criticism
for which students see a major theatre production every week. In
addition students may choose two or three courses from a range of
electives: Acting Shakespeare, Acting Styles, Directing, Playwriting,
The 19th Century Novel, Shakespeare's Contemporaries and Fiction
Writing.
Skidmore College
Skidmore College which accredits the Shakespeare Programme is a
highly respected liberal arts college for men and women, founded
in 1903 and registered as a four year degree-granting college in
1922. Skidmore offers more than sixty degree programs and its curriculum
balances a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences with preparation
for professions, careers and community leadership. The Theatre Department
offers an opportunity to pursue the serious study of the theatre
arts within a liberal arts setting. The Department is the summer
home of the Saratoga International Theatre Institute founded by
Anne Bogart and Tadashi Suzuki.
The British American Drama Academy
The British American Drama Academy was founded in 1983 by Anthony
Branch and Carolyn Sands and enables students from overseas to study
theatre with leading teachers from Great Britain. The Academy organizes
a number of programs in association with leading American Colleges
and Universities. These include the Midsummer In Oxford Program
in association with The Yale School of Drama and UCLA, The Midsummer
Conservatory Program and the London Theatre Program accredited by
Sarah Lawrence College.
Student Life
Accomodation
Students will live in apartments near Central London's theatres, shops,
restaurants and public transportation. Each apartment has a telephone,
fully equipped kitchen and bathroom. Washing machines are available
within the building.
Insurance
All students must be adequately covered by medical insurance while
they are abroad and must complete the Skidmore Health Form. A special
insurance policy is available to participating students who have not
made other arrangements.
Computer Facilities
Although computer facilities are available at BADA, many students
elect to bring personal laptops.
Academic Credit
Each course offered receives 3 hours of credit. Students may earn
a total of 12 to 18 semester hours of credit depending on the courses
they study.
Excursions & Social Events
At the beginning of the program students will be taken on a coach
tour of London. There are weekly visits to the theatre and additional
theatre visits in Stratford-upon-Avon.
A number of social events are arranged.
Books
Each student has access to a copy of The Riverside Shakespeare. Additional
books and plays are provided without charge but must be returned to
the BADA library at the end of the program.
Class Size
Acting classes are limited to a maximum of 16 students.
Programme Dates
The Shakespeare Programme takes place in the Fall of each year.
Please contact Skidmore College or BADA for precise dates of the forthcoming
programme.
Admissions
Admission to the Programme is highly selective. Applicants must be
in their junior or senior year at College or University and possess
the requisite GPA.
Fees
Please contact Skidmore College for full details of the fees, which
cover full tuition, accreditation by Skidmore College and all excursions
and theatre tickets. It includes housing and living allowances and
selected books. The fee does not include air transportation, airport
taxes, passport fees, health care and insurance.
Financial Assistance
Limited financial assistance is available.
Applications should be sent to:
The Scholarship Committee
The Shakespeare Programme
BADA
14 Goucester Gate
Regents Park
London NW1 4HG