To be a visitor to London's West End, all you need is a Tube pass and the patience to wait in line for a ticket. Through the classes offered at the Battersea Arts Centre (BAC), however, you just may become a West End star.
Offered over the course of a single weekend and open to aspiring thespians of all ages and abilities, the BAC’s acting and directing classes are a wonderful way to experience the theatricality of London in a hands-on environment. Classes are taught by professional actors and directors, and give beginners insight into the inner-workings of theatre. Single classes on everything from costumes to song-writing are also offered on Tuesday nights.
For those ready for the spotlight, the BAC offers the unique experience, “Make a Show,” in which students collaborate for three days and then present their piece at the BAC in front of a live audience. (Lessons on abating stage fright not included.) No previous experience is necessary. Now there’s no reason to let the professionals have all of the fun and take all the credit.
7223 6557; www.bac.org.uk. “Make A Show” £45, concessions £30. Usually runs all day M and Sa-Su, with performances Tu-W.
For 50 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.