Working in the Professional Theater is what I do (in addition to teaching theater at SPC).   When I first started teaching here, I knew I wanted to share the professional experience with students and I knew I wanted to take them to London.   London is one of the theater capitals of the world.  Shakespeare (don’t be afraid), avant garde theater, the National Theater, The West End are all a tube ride away.  This, along with professional actors giving workshops, is why this trip is perfect for theater people and people who just want to have more appreciation for the theater.

I have taken students twice before and each time I really enjoy the reactions of how amazed they are by this wonderful city and the thriving theater scene there.   Seeing sites such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, The London Eye and Piccadilly Circus are also part of the immersion into this historic and vibrant city.   When last there (2015) we met Andrew Scott (known for playing Moriarty on BBC’s Sherlock) in the Lobby of the National Theater as we ended our tour of their amazing facility.   Students also waited outside stage doors to get autographs and to talk with other professional actors after their performances.   Other experiences have included finding out what a “groundling” is in a Shakespeare production (and being one), master classes with working professional actors, visiting Statford-upon-Avon and seeing a show by the Royal Shakespeare Company and, of course, seeing where many of the Harry Potter movies have been filmed (and some have even visited the King’s Cross train station!).

I am looking forward to sharing this experience with new students this year….who knows who we may meet along the way!

Scott Cooper, Theater

Lead Instructor, London Theater 2017