Living and learning in London changed my life academically and personally. Before studying abroad, I had traveled a lot domestically, but never abroad. I love to travel with my family, but traveling abroad opened my eyes to so much more.

My program group was placed in flats in Central London. It ended up being an amazing location since we were traveling in every direction almost every day depending on our scheduled activities.

I participated in the program Exploring British Theatre. I took a theatre history class, a theatre in London class, and an independent study comparing stage management practices in the United States versus England. I had prior stage management training and studies in the United States, and my knowledge from my theatre history class complemented my research as well. To further explore stage management practices, I read stage management books from the United Kingdom, interviewed UK stage managers, and was even able to shadow a few stage management teams.

One of my favorite experiences was shadowing the stage management team of Back to the Future, a West End musical. I arrived early before the show to go through pre-show checks with the assistant stage managers, then I shadowed the deputy stage manager during the show, which is who calls the cues in the show.

Aside from classwork, we had the opportunity to be tourists as well, which I appreciated. We visited a new museum or gallery and saw a show almost every single day. We visited sites like Shakespeare’s Globe, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and even went on a river dinner cruise on the Thames.

My study abroad experience has encouraged me to explore more study abroad opportunities for my future, or even more in London. Study abroad programs are life-changing, and they are extra special at Michigan State.

Name: Allison Doederlein
Status: Junior
Majors: Stage Management and Management
Hometown: Gaylord, Michigan
Program: Exploring British Theatre in the UK