Sydney Fleischman spent her summer in one of the artistic and theater capitals of the world: London.

Fleischman is a third-year theatre student with a performance concentration – and a long-time lover of theater.

“I love theater because it is an artistic medium unlike any other,” said Fleischman. “When you walk in to see a play, you are literally breathing the same air as the actors and feeling their energy.”

Fleischman participated in the faculty-led Theatre & Arts in London education abroad program through the CSU Office of International Programs. During this three-week long program, Fleischman was able to earn three credits toward her degree while attending world class productions, touring the finest art galleries and museums, and visiting Shakespeare’s historic birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon.

While at Stratford-Upon-Avon, the students saw a production titled Salomé at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Fleischman’s amazement with the performance was only overshadowed by an even more special moment for her.

“After the show, a couple students and I decided to go to a nearby pub called the Dirty Duck. When we got there, the actors from the show were enjoying a drink!” reminisced Fleischman. The performers were kind enough to speak to the group and offer their advice.

“They told us about how theater has changed their lives and to never stop learning as much as you can. It was a great moment for all of us.”

The career-building didn’t stop there. Fleischman and the rest of the participants toured professional theater programs around London, learning how the industry works outside of an academic setting.

London wasn’t the only item on Fleischman’s summer to-do list. After returning from across the pond, she has spent the remainder of her summer working at the Kids Do It All summer camp at the University Center of the Arts and rehearsing for upcoming local productions.