Napsugar Hegedus, Class of 2016

Learning Abroad Program: Theatre, Fine Arts, and Humanities in London 

U Background: BA in Theatre, Emphasis in Actor Training, 2016

Current Position: Theatre Teacher in China 

My Story

Studying abroad seemed completely unattainable at one point in my life. I was never sure how to get involved or find the right group of people to travel with, etc. The lead up to attending the program in London was so helpful and super reassuring (in regards to any doubts/questions I had). My teachers in the program were always holding meetings, giving us information, emails, you name it. So I never felt in the dark about any part of the trip. The program itself was one of the most memorable parts of my undergrad at the U. I loved the classes I took; we had such engaging conversations about the art we were witnessing. Jane England is a god, and managed to get some seriously amazing shows lined up for us. We were taken to so many thrilling places throughout the trip and given the tools to fully emerge ourselves into the London scene for 6 weeks. 

Seeing so many innovative shows, I all of a sudden was witnessing a different type of theatre: theatre that really showed me interpretations of humanity. It's bold to say, but it feels like my creativity, in my work, took a dramatic turn. These shows I was seeing gave me confidence to really dive deeper and gave me an endless well of ideas. I still think about those shows I saw often, the shapes they rendered, the stories they told, and I recall the discussions we were having in class and it heightens my awareness towards my everyday life. I took out an enormous loan that still haunts me to make it happen, and not one bit of me regrets it. I would highly recommended the Theatre, Fine Arts, and Humanities program.

I've been out of school now for 2 years and did the study abroad program 4 years ago. It was not my first time out of the States, but it was my first time living for a longer period of time outside of the States. It will always remain a good lesson on how to live and cooperate with other people. I am currently working in China as a theatre teacher, which is a vastly different experience in general, but having that international experience with the U makes assimilating much easier.

Note: Photo from when Napsugar directed and produced The Vagina Monologues in Nanjing, China