Stratford upon Avon is an attractive market town with more than 800 years of history located in the heart of England. Home to the world’s most famous playwright, William Shakespeare, it blends heritage, culture, theatre, arts and gardens along with a thriving community offering a wide variety of leisure and shopping experiences.
Stratford is the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company, which is one of the best-known theatre companies in the world, and one of the best resources for students studying Shakespeare. Having just completed a successful year hosting the Complete Works, The Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan Theatre are now undergoing major transformation, but the RSC continue to offer an exciting schedule from The Courtyard Theatre. Recent highlights have included Gregory Doran’s production of Hamlet starring David Tennant and Patrick Stewart.
Shakespeare Institute students benefit from our exciting five-year collaboration with the RSC which has seen the University become a Founding Partner of The Other Place. Opened in spring 2016 to coincide with the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, The Other Place is the RSC’s creative hub for rehearsal, training, learning and research. Our students are able to access creative and teaching spaces at The Other Place, as well as the expertise of RSC artists and practitioners.
[Image - Royal Shakespeare Theatre auditorium. Photography by Peter Cook]
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust own and manage all the Shakespeare properties, as well as holding extensive archives including those of the RSC. Students studying with us make good use of the excellent resources offered by the Trust.
One of the advantages of living in Stratford-upon-Avon, is that it is easy to get around the town. Shops, bars, theatres, cinema’s etc are all within walking distance of each other. The Shakespeare Institute itself is only seven minutes from the Railway Station and five minutes from the town centre.
As a tourist town, there are plenty of part time jobs available for students looking to earn some money whilst studying with us. Students in full-time registration with the University are exempt from paying the local Council Tax. Information on finding accommodation in Stratford can be found on the Institute’s accommodation page.
Stratford-upon-Avon is surrounded by the beautiful countryside of South Warwickshire and it is in close proximity to the Cotswolds. There are many English Heritage and National Trust properties in the region including Warwick Castle. The railway station has direct links to Birmingham (50 minutes) and London (1hr 40 mins).