Photos of the West End of London

London Theater: Page to Stage

November 10–15, 2025

Pricing: $6,950 per person; For a single room add $1,790

For more information, contact ATA at 877-298-9677 or Reservations@academic-travel.com

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Overview

Join Chautauqua Theater Company’s producing artistic director Jade King Carroll on an immersive journey into the heart of London’s theater scene. Unravel the mysteries of storied theaters and delve into the play development and writing processes. You will have the opportunity to go backstage literally and figuratively as you meet with theater professionals who all have a hand in making sure that the show goes on. As you learn about some of the building blocks that go into producing theater, each day will be punctuated by captivating performances on some of London’s most iconic stages.

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Questions?

Please contact ATA at:
Toll-Free Number: 877-298-9677
Reservations@academic-travel.com

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Trip Highlights

  • Experience five performances on some of London’s most celebrated stages selected by Jade King Carroll. 
  • Hear and learn the inside stories of the history of London’s theaters. 
  • Explore backstage at the National Theatre and meet with a member of the creative team from one of its productions.
  • Learn about costumes from an expert at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. 
  • Meet with a member of the literary staff at the Royal Court to discuss the writing process.

Trip Expert: Jade King Carroll 

Jade King Carroll is Producing Artistic Director of the Chautauqua Theater Company. She is a distinguished director specializing in new play development, with extensive collaborations with acclaimed playwrights like Dael Orlandersmith, Chisa Hutchinson, and more. She has fostered emerging writers at prestigious organizations such as the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, Williamstown Theatre Festival, and more. Carroll’s directorial portfolio includes new audio dramas for Audible, Marvel, and more. As the Artistic Associate at Second Stage Theatre, she worked on world premieres by prominent playwrights and managed 2ST’s education department.

Carroll’s expertise extends to directing classical productions, having directed over 50 productions nationwide at renowned venues including Primary Stages, Shakespeare Theatre DC, and others. Her commitment to expanding the cultural canon is evident through her numerous directing and teaching roles at institutions like Juilliard, Princeton, and NYU. Carroll’s accolades include the Paul Green Award, a 40 Under 40 award from SUNY New Paltz, and the 2020 Drama League Award, highlighting her significant contributions to the theatrical arts.

Jade King Carroll

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 1

Act I

Arrive on individual flights and transfer independently to your hotel, located in the literary and theater-rich Bloomsbury neighborhood. Meet your fellow travelers and tour staff for a quintessentially English afternoon tea and welcome reception at your hotel. Then stroll to the West End for a performance* selected by your Chautauqua expert, Jade King Carroll.

Included Meal: Tea

Accommodations: The Bloomsbury Hotel

*The performance schedule and theaters will be determined at a later date when the schedules have been announced

Day 2

The Inside Scoop

Depart the hotel on foot with your travel director for a walking tour through London’s Theatreland as they regale you with inside stories about the history of London’s theaters. Enjoy lunch at leisure in Covent Garden, then transfer by coach to South Bank for a backstage tour of the iconic National Theatre including a meeting with a member of the creative team of one of the current productions. Dine pre-show as a group, then delight in one of the offerings* on one of The National’s stages.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations: The Bloomsbury Hotel

*The performance schedule and theaters will be determined at a later date when the schedules have been announced

Day 3

The Development Process

Gather with your Chautauqua expert this morning for a discussion about new plays and the play selection process. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant as a group, then attend a matinee performance* at one of London’s renowned theaters specializing in new work. The evening is yours at leisure to explore London. Or make it a two-show day!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations: The Bloomsbury Hotel

*The performance schedule and theaters will be determined at a later date when the schedules have been announced

Day 4

The Design Process

Meet with your Chautauqua expert for a discussion about the design process and collaborating with designers. Later in the afternoon, travel to the other side of the Thames to Shakespeare’s Globe for a behind-the-scenes guided tour including a special talk about Shakespearean costumes. Dine at The Swan as a group, then take in an evening performance* at the Sam Wannamaker Theater.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations: The Bloomsbury Hotel

*The performance schedule and theaters will be determined at a later date when the schedules have been announced

Day 5

The Writing Process

Enjoy a morning at leisure. This afternoon, travel to the Royal Court, known as the “writer’s theater” to meet with a member of their literary staff to discuss the writing and dramaturgical process. Celebrate your journey with a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Conclude with a performance* at the Royal Court Theatre.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations: The Bloomsbury Hotel

*The performance schedule and theaters will be determined at a later date when the schedules have been announced

Day 6

The Epilogue

Depart the hotel at leisure for independent transfers to London’s Heathrow Airport. Or stay and experience even more theater.

Included meal: Breakfast

Accommodations: The Bloomsbury Hotel

What’s Included?

  • All accommodations for the duration of the tour
  • Meals, as noted in the itinerary
  • All sightseeing and visits as noted in the itinerary
  • Expertise of a Chautauqua expert, ATA-hired travel director, and local guides throughout the tour
  • All gratuities for on-tour guides, drivers, hotel, and restaurant staff as part of the group program
  • All on-tour transportation, unless otherwise noted
  • A group transfer from the airport for those arriving according to the
    designated itinerary
  • Quietvox listening devices to facilitate audibility and social distancing on tour
  • The assistance of an ATA professional travel team to assist with pre-trip questions, travel arrangements, including flights, extra hotel nights and other services
  • Comprehensive pre-departure mailings and materials with information about the destination and what to expect on tour, including a suggested reading list
  • Emergency evacuation insurance

Accommodations

The Bloomsbury Hotel, London
5 nights
This elite hotel lies in the heart of upmarket Bloomsbury, housed in an Edwin Lutyens designed, neo-Georgian building. The interior is artfully designed with a combination of historical pieces, elaborate wallpaper, Art Deco embellishments and colorful decadence. The 153 rooms and suites range in style from classic, crème color schemes and neo-gothic woodwork, to modern twenties touches and velvet chairs. All rooms include luxury bedding, fluffy bathrobes, slippers, as well as Malin & Goetz toiletries. Multiple dining options are available, including a chic 1920s styled cocktail bar, and a refined restaurant serving traditional British fare and afternoon tea. Hotel amenities include a large library, a 24-hour gym, and a beautiful central courtyard. Tottenham Court Road tube station is seconds from the hotel, with many attractions within minutes, like Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and Seven Dials market.