Students at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Greece (Summer 2024) ABOUT THIS PROGRAM Next Program Offering: Summer 2026. Announcements will be made in the Fall 2025 semester. Ancient Greece, the birthplace of Western Theatre, established the artform through the widely popular Dionysian festivals. A blend of ritual and spectacle, music and movement, these performances were the naissance of tragedies, comedies, and farces that form the basis of many shows on stages and screens today. The foundational works of playwrights such as Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylus, and Aristophanes were first performed in the 5th century BC. However, their rediscovery during the Renaissance would further their influence, continuing into the 21st century via Broadway, the film industry, and beyond. By venturing to where it all began, students can experience firsthand live performances in ancient theatres during the annual Athens Epidaurus Festival, touring the Theatre of Dionysus, and the theatre complexes of Delphi and Delos - all while soaking up modern Greek culture through events, music, food, and local customs. Students will have the opportunity to attend lectures from local theatre and film experts on the topics of storytelling through performance and design and learn how these same techniques are relevant in today’s multi-billion dollar entertainment industries. TESTIMONIALS I already want to go back! The beauty of Greece is unmatched. - Bridget Blanchard (A.B.Theatre, 2026) Widens your view of the world of theatre beyond just our school, language, and time period. Theatre expands beyond all of these and it is so cool to get to experience. - Molly Kerr (A.B. Theatre, 2024) We had a great time and saw all that Greece had to offer. - Bianca Cardona (A.B. Theatre. 2025) Accommodations All hotels will be at least 3-Star accommodations, with breakfast included. Some special meals will be provided: Welcome Dinner, July 4th Celebration, and Farewell Dinner with music and dancing. Lunches on some excursions will also be provided. The itinerary will be updated with further details. All other meals are not included. Costs All associated costs can be found on the UGA StudyAway page for the Greek Theatre Study Abroad UGA StudyAway Academics Course Name Credits THEA 4460 History of Dramatic Art: Special Topics 3 Credit Hours THEA 4800/6800 History of Dramatic Art: Special Topics 3 Credit Hours Students will gain knowledge in areas related to Ancient Greek Theatre, architecture, art, music and culture including: Script analysis of extant plays of Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylus, and Aristophanes. Dramaturgical investigation of the plays Historical investigation of performance practice including: Speech Movement Mask and Costume Scenery and properties (aka props) Supporting Design elements such as special effects (deus ex machina, etc.) Ritualistic origins and elements Adjacent topics that will also be explored centered on Ancient Greece: Architectural and décor styles Culture and lifestyle Music Geopolitical history Graduate students may use THEA 9010 Research Seminar in Special Projects
