United Kingdom
The Backstage Theatre Experience
FROM THE WEST END TO FRINGE THEATRE
The Experience
EXPLORE THE CITY OF LONDON THROUGH THE LENS OF A LONDON NATIVE WITH A PASSION FOR THEATRE. PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAINS OF SOME OF THE MOST FAMOUS STAGES IN THE WORLD, LEARN FROM ACTORS WHO HAVE MADE IT TO THE SPOTLIGHT AND GO OFF THE BEATEN PATH TO THE FRINGE THEATRE WORLD
This trip will not be running during Summer 2024. If you like this trip explore our Trip Guide or check out our upcoming trips below to find another summer adventure with Teen Travel Network!
Trip Highlights
- See drama come to life on three different stages: West End, National Theatre and Brixton House Theatre
- Explore London’s most famous neighborhoods and more local boroughs
- Get a backstage tour and attend a workshop at the famous National Theatre
- Shadow actors who have made it to the spotlight and hear their stories
- Visit the Tate Modern Museum and Shakespeare’s Globe
- See the iconic sites of London: Tower of London, London Eye and Westminster
United Kingdom
The Backstage Experience
Program Overview
London and theatre are a dynamic duo, like a perfect cup of tea and scones or Harry and Meghan. This program immerses you in the city’s vibrant essence from multiple perspectives – Central, North, and South – to embrace its diverse culture. Music, people, food and sights unite in a symphony of unforgettable experiences.
Embark on personal tours with working actors, earning their lives and careers; visit amazing theatre houses, like Shakespeare’s Globe, the National and Brixton’s House; and learn to navigate the city on our own. Capture authentic encounters with Londoners as your daily muse. Let these experiences shape your future characters, scripts, and designs. Gain a wealth of inspiration while savoring every essence of the city.
The spotlight beckons as you witness a diverse array of shows, from hidden gems in small theatres to the grandeur of the West End. The curtain rises on an unparalleled theatre adventure.
Meet Gavin Michael Peter
Gavin was an integral part in the development of Terra Education, working as a Director for one of the first teen travel experiences ever curated by the organization. Gavin’s love is community. Being a part of and authentically creating and growing a community is one of the most profound experiences of life. It is the basis for a better and more joyful life, according to him. He is ecstatic to be able to share his values for creating community, connecting with others, and passion for theatre with TTN travelers this summer. Some of his most profound memories come from performing and acting. He is determined to spread the joy and magic that theatre brings to life with TTN this summer.
Gavin’s experience in the theatre world and entertainment spans across different accolades. He has created and performed in the internationally acclaimed Zimbabwean theatrical group, Over the Edge, at a young age where they were known for their imaginative re–inventions of Shakespeare and their original African works. He has enjoyed a career in animation, voice acting in numerous productions, most notable of which is Jungle Beat, which released 8 seasons and 2 movies. He has also taught drama in middle school and high school while working in the International School System in London and Kigali, Rwanda. He has the honor of being an examiner for the International Baccalaureate Organisation in Theatre Arts. He’s also the organizer of the famous Harare International Festival of the Arts.
United Kingdom
The Backstage Experience
" I HAD TO GET OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE TO TALK TO STRANGERS WHO EVENTUALLY BECAME FRIENDS."
- ISSABELLA R., UPLAND CA
PROGRAM ITINERARY
THIS ITINERARY IS AN APPROXIMATION OF THE OVERALL PROGRAM EXPERIENCE. THE ORDER OF ACTIVITIES ON YOUR TRIP MAY CHANGE.
IF A PARTICULAR SCHEDULED EXPERIENCE IS CANCELED, WE MAY REPLACE IT WITH AN ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITY.
Day 1: Arrival Day
Welcome to London!
Our TTN Trip Leaders will meet you in the London airport wearing their TTN t-shirts.
We will spend this first day settling into our accommodation and building connections with fellow travelers. Before we sleep off our jetlag, we will enjoy a local welcome dinner.
Day 2 - 4: North London & Workshops
Begin your London chapter with a feast of iconic wonders and centuries-old secrets. Gaze in awe at Westminster Abbey, where fans of The Crown and Bridgerton will see its allure come to life. Buckingham Palace’s grandeur and the world famous crown jewels await your discovery. Get immersed in British history with the Tower of London’s entertaining Beefeater tour and ascend the London Eye for a sweeping city panorama.
Embrace the notion that “theatre waits for no one”– we’ll waste no time experiencing London’s theatre culture at the famous National Theatre. Here, edgy, honest performances resonate with the city’s spirit. Delight in not just a show, but an intimate tour delving into stagecraft secrets. Traverse the corridors where magic is spun, connecting you to the heart of theatre creation.
Days 5 - 7: Theatre Land & London's Art Scene
We’ve broken the ice and are on our way to becoming true actors, stagehands and art connoisseurs. The magical world of Theatre Land is filled with streets and lanes, each an adventure of its own. Spend the day exploring the twists and turns, strolling down an alley of mirrors and ending up at the set of Mary Poppins or Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.
Our Trip Leaders have roots in the dramatic arts and have plenty of connections to local artists and actors in the city. Local actors join our journey, sharing their theatre journeys from humble beginnings to the big stage and they will be answering questions and sharing their invaluable wisdom with our group.
Trace the River Thames to the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe, where a 400-year legacy unravels before us. Here, history reverberates as we delve into the theatre’s deep past. The Tate Modern Art Museum awaits on the South Bank, offering an array of masterpieces. This artistic haven bridges worlds, transporting us through curated exhibitions and immersive experiences that fuse art, design and technology.
Days 8 - 9: South London & Brixton House
Learn how to explore like a Londoner by taking a journey to the local borough of South London. This neighborhood boasts global influences, offering a treasure trove of experiences. In Brixton, meander through iconic streets, peruse mini market goods, and relish an array of flavors during a Clapham Commons picnic. Amid this edgy, distinctive landscape, our journey leads to the cherished Brixton House Theatre, a beacon of authenticity and passion in the world of off-West End performances.
Our grand adventure hits its height with a final character-building workshop, orchestrated by none other than local actors. It’s time to showcase the insights we’ve woven into our artistic skills. Wrap it up with a classic afternoon tea, complete with scones and finger sandwiches. Raise a cup to our shared journey and close the day with a heartfelt farewell activity.
Day 10: Departure Day
Before we know it, our behind-the-scenes adventure has come to an end. Head to the airport with incredible memories, new friends, and confidence that will benefit you for life!
TTN Trip Leaders will accompany travelers to the airport and check them in for their flights home.
As you settle into your seat for the journey home, reflect on the shows you saw, people you met, and things you learned. We’ll see you on your next adventure! Welcome to the Network!
United Kingdom
The Backstage Experience
Dates & Tuition
10-Day Travel Program
| 2024 Dates |
|---|
| JUL 09 – JUL 18, 2024 |
All-Inclusive Tuition
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