England has always been famous for theater, but how has that great on-stage tradition developed? In this course, you are the audience as you follow an intriguing history of five centuries from the exhilarating days of Shakespearean performances at the Globe and rival theaters to the exuberances of the Victorian era. Learn about the roles of famous actors and actresses of the 17th and 18th centuries, how the styles of theaters and performances changed, and what Jane Austen thought about her theater visits to London where theater buildings were architectural masterpieces. We will also explore the music hall performances of the 19th century, the spectacular performances in Covent Garden, and finally, the scandals around the performances of George Bernard Shaw’s plays in the 20th century. 
Continuing Education Units (CEU) : 0

You'll walk away with

• Familiarity with England’s famous theaters and their history
• Knowledge about significant playwrights, actors, and performances from the 16th century to today

Ideal for

• Theater buffs
• All members of the community—working, retired, and in-between