Drama

Arrive Istanbul
Meet your Tour Leader and fellow participants in the hotel lobby at 6:00pm before enjoying a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Istanbul (D)

Exploring Istanbul
With your Tour Leader, explore the historical and cultural city that is Istanbul. On a guided tour, visit the underground ancient cisterns that lay beneath the city, the Hippodrome (known now as Sultanahmet Square) that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople and the famous Ottoman-era, Blue Mosque. Complete your day visiting the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, a mosque, museum and former church and one of the world’s greatest monuments. Overnight Istanbul (B)

To Kusadasi
After a journey through the dramatic landscapes of Turkey, arrive at Izmir and visit the Agora Open Air Museum located in the city centre. Dating back to Roman times, the Museum is considered the biggest ancient market in Izmir. Look out for the portrait of Faustina, the wife of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, which graces the arch of the marketplace’s West Gate, or the thousands of graffiti works dating from the 2nd to the 4th century, which adorn the walls of the ancient stores. Continue your journey to Kusadasi for a local dinner in this seaside village. Overnight Kusadasi (B, D)

Ephesus
This morning, visit the spectacular Ephesus Archaeological.  Ephesus is renowned for its Great Theatre, one of the largest and most magnificent theatres in the ancient world. Built into the slope of Mount Pion during the Hellenistic period, the theatre was expanded and renovated by the Romans. This grand structure played a crucial role in the social and cultural life of Ephesus. Later this day, participate in a moving workshop at the Ephesus Museum. The workshop is designed to develop creative thinking and interpretation skills while tracing the past by examining the works in the museum. You will bring observations on historical objects to the stage with interactive drama and improvisation techniques. While activating the imagination with various exercises, you will have an experience intertwined with history and art. Overnight Kusadasi (B)

To the United Kingdom
After a short flight to London, transfer by coach to Stratford-upon-Avon, the home of Shakespeare. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to get to know this significant town. Overnight Stratford-upon-Avon (B, D)

Royal Shakespeare Company
Today will be one of the educational highlights of the tour, as you participate in a full day workshop with the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company. The interactive workshop will provide an opportunity to meet the actors, explore the plays and build on your understanding of Shakespeare’s writings and language. Overnight Stratford-upon-Avon (B)

Shakespeare’s Stratford
Today you will have the opportunity to delve into the life and times of Shakespeare by visiting Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Shakespeare’s New Place and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. See how he grew up, what inspired his works and how he became the most famous playwright in the world. In the afternoon, have a very English afternoon enjoying High Tea at one of the local teahouses. This evening, enjoy a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Overnight Stratford-upon-Avon (B, AT)

London and the West End
This morning, transfer to one of the world’s capitals of theatre, London. Start your experience of London with a guided tour of the West End getting to know the history and the highlights of this iconic area. You will hear stories about the famous stages that night after night showcase the best in theatre and host some of the most famous names to tread the boards. Tonight, enjoy your first performance on the West End. Overnight London (B, D)

London Workshop No.1 - Accents
This morning, embark on your first workshop in London with a local accents master (TBC). The workshop will give you the vocal training to perfect your local accents. You will also workshop how to develop your ability to model and teach accents in a school setting. In the afternoon, you will take a guided tour of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Drury Lane’s legacy as a home for visually staggering set-pieces began in the late 19th century after a succession of adventurous managers - most notably FB Chatterton, Augustus Harris, Arthur Collins and Alfred Butt - had made it London’s go-to destination for lavish musicals. Tonight, it’s back to the West End for another stella performance. Overnight London (B)

London Workshop No.2 - Accessibility
Today’s morning workshop will be facilitated by Sam Brewer, an actor, voice-over artist, theatre-maker, educator and access consultant. Sam will workshop with the group accessibility through play and creating shows for actors with disabilities. Afterwards, enjoy a typical English pub lunch (own expense) before having time at leisure to see more of London. Tonight, marvel at another performance on the West End. Overnight London (B)

London Workshop No.3 – Devising Theatre
This morning, take part in your next drama workshop with the Gecko Theatre (TBC). The workshop will give you the chance to experience Gecko’s unique style of movement and physical theatre, as well as an opportunity to gain an insight into the creative processes Gecko’s devising performers use when creating a show. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight London (B)

London Workshop No.4 – Physical Theatre
Experience the Frantic Assembly way at your last workshop in London (TBC). Frantic Assembly workshops, known for their “Frantic Method,” teach collaborative and physical theatre-making techniques, including warm-ups, games, choreography, devising, text and movement, empowering participants to create complex work safely and creatively. After the workshop, enjoy a matinee on the West End before sitting down to enjoy the company of your group at your Farewell Dinner. Overnight London (B, D)

Depart London
The tour will conclude after breakfast. (B)