6/18: Final Post at Stratford-upon-Avon 

We have officially reached the end of our “study abroad” program, and while I am excited to be going back home (I miss my girlfriend’s cat), I am really going to miss England. Stratford-upon-Avon is such a beautiful city, and I am so glad that I got the time to explore and view the city, mostly at my own pace. This city is much quieter than London, but I think I enjoyed that aspect, more so than I would have if we had travelled here earlier in the trip. Stratford-on-Avon was a nice, relaxing breather from the hustle and bustle of the city, and it has given me time to acclimate back into my more traditional style of living in Arkansas. The ‘Shakespeare-ness” of the town is wonderful, it reminds me of a theme park, entirely based on the Bard and the fact that you can find theatre-based souvenirs at (mostly) any gift shop is so cool. Visiting Stratford has changed my perception of Shakespeare from this almost mythical figure into an actual person, who lived, breathed, and died just like all the rest of us. He even had a child with a woman out of wedlock, according to one of our tour guides. Since the greatest playwright of all time was a just as human as me, it makes me feel more confident in my writing and skills as an actor, and as a person. In general, Stratford-upon-Avon was an awesome time, but it does not compare to London. I had such a great time in London, and I am already thinking about applying for various master’s programs out here. I truly felt like the city was much more welcoming to people who do and love theatre, more than anywhere in the States, even New York, and there seemed to be much more opportunities for people who intend to pursue theatre. Also, even though I enjoyed most of the shows that I saw, there were not many “excellent” actors, in my opinion, and it made me feel much more confident in my chosen career path. I still hold theatre in a very high regard, but I wish that it was as accessible for everyone in the states as it is here. I think that London, and the people in it, hold a much higher respect for the artform that it is, and I wish that America saw it that way too. London seems to have a much greater respect for art and culture in general, and I believe that America should also gain this attribute, although it probably won’t happen anytime soon. My study abroad trip to London is something that I will talk about for the rest of my life, and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to experience something as awesome as this program was. Thank you, Shawn, Courtney, Tim, and Susan especially, for chaperoning this life-changing experience and I will be heavily recommending to anyone who is even considering going abroad. Peace out!