Classical Theatre in Greece

Students will fly as a group to Athens, the capital of Greece and at the heart of Ancient Greece, a powerful civilization and empire. Travel continues by bus and boat to the island of Hydra, where two weeks of the program take place. Hydra is one of the Saronic Islands of Greece, located in the Aegean Sea between the Myrtoan Sea and the Argolic Gulf. Hydra has a cosmopolitan atmosphere complete with neoclassical mansions, imposing yachts, and museums. Beyond the bustle of town, beautiful houses separated by narrow walkways, small beaches with crystalline waters and gorgeous hilly spots comprise the idyllic scenery of Hydra.

Students depart Hydra for the third week of the program to discover even more of Greece! Recite an ode on the umphalos at Epidaurus, climb the 999 steps to the Palamede Castle, sit in the carved seats of the Ancient Theatre of Argos, or enter the dark well in Mycenae.  Interspersed with planned activities, students will still have ample free time for exploration. 

Once back in Athens, students have a few days to explore the winding streets of the Plaka where its eclectic street markets offer something for everybody.

All students return home from Athens, enriched, and changed. Some choose to stay behind in Europe and travel by air or rail to Rome, Venice, Barcelona, Paris, or London.

Course: THA 4081: Classical Theatre Study in Greece (4 credits). The course satisfies the university general education requirement for the capstone experience for theatre majors.

Requirements:  An audition/interview is required for participation and is conducted in the early winter semester. No minimum GPA is required for this program.

The course includes units on Classical Theatre, Greek Culture, History of Theatre, Acting, Mask, and Choral Movement, and is supplemented by visits to archeological sites and museums.

Students are based at the Hydrama Theatre and Arts Centre (link), a traditional open-air Greek theatre in the round designed to reflect how plays were performed in ancient Greece, the birthplace of theatre. The program culminates in a public performance by Oakland University students for the residents of Hydra and visitors to the island. The play is selected by OU program faculty after the auditions and interviews are completed. 

On the island there are lectures, hands-on classes, and workshops with guest artists as well as Oakland faculty. A daily combination of rehearsal and studio time is also part of the curriculum until opening night and all students contribute to the event. English is the language of instruction and performance. English is widely spoken in Greece.

Classes/rehearsals are held 6 days a week with Sundays off. Morning sessions are 3 – 4 hours followed by lunch, evening sessions about 2 – 3 hours followed by dinner. Some evenings are taken up by seeing performances or going to festivals. 

Students should express their interest to program faculty as soon as possible. This allows them to know about meetings, auditions or interviews, approaching deadlines; and to meet faculty and other interested students.

On the island, students will reside in Vlychos, (link) a short walk from the Hydrama Theatre and Arts Centre where director and teacher Corinna Seeds is our host. Housing is double occupancy in a guesthouse. (Include name of guesthouse)

Students live, study, and rehearse on premises and eat at a taverna near the beach—all meals are included. Wifi is available at the taverna and there is plenty of time for swimming and enjoying the nightlife on the island.

While on tour, the group will stay in double occupancy rooms in hotels and share meals at local restaurants.

Tuition: 4 Credits

You will be charged for these credits on your eBill at your normal rate of tuition.

Program Fee: $4,900

To be paid to OU on our MarketPlace payment system and includes: housing and all meals, ground transportation and all excursions while in Greece, and health insurance.

Additional Costs: $2,025

You will need additional funds for these expenses not covered by program fee. Amounts are estimated.
Airfare: $1,500
Incidental personal expenses: $300
Passport (if you don't have one): $175
Books and supplies: $50

Scholarships and Financial Aid: You are able to use financial aid to cover your full cost of attendance to this program (tuition, program fee and additional costs). Scholarships are also available through your study abroad application.