Theatre in Greece Study Abroad

THE SCHOLAR:
I am an undergraduate scholar and a second year theatre major with an emphasis in stage management at the University of Kansas. I'm a resident assistant in Margaret Hashinger Hall, president of the Phi Kappa Tau Beta Theta Chapter, a KU Multicultural Scholar, and I hold a place on the Honor Roll of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences . I am a first generation student: the first to go to a four year college in my immediate family.

THE TRIP:
For one month (start and end date TBA), I plan to study abroad in Greece. I will be living in the township of Katohi Greece, a rural farm community that is about three miles away from the ancient, hilly complex of Oiniades where the theatre is located. If I have the pleasure of attending the program I will experience the rehearsal process and performance of a Greek Tragedy play in the ancient outdoor theatre of Oiniades. In addition to the production of the play, we will study modern Greek, classical Greek culture, history of ancient Greek theatre and architecture, and Greek song and dance. Being granted the opportunity to attend the program would allow me to apply the skills I have acquired as a stage manager over the years in the monumental Greek amphitheater.

Pictures and information about Katohi, Greece:

http://www.bondari.com/greece/

THE SETBACKS:
The cost of the program is roughly nine thousand dollars. I have taken the initiative to fund as much of the program as I possibly can. I have applied to all the scholarship opportunities made aware to me by the office of study abroad at KU. As well, I have savings of my own that I plan to apply towards the program. However, I am facing some setbacks. My university's Office of Study Abroad was not able to give much aid to offset costs for the trip.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
Despite the setbacks, I am moving forward with the mentality that I am going on this study abroad trip. Now, I just need your help to fulfill my dreams of traveling to the true birthplace of theatre and artful writing. It would be an overwhelming experience that I cannot forget. You can help by pledging your support to my cause.

This is what your money will be going to:
KU Program Fee - $3,760.00


WHY?
It is undoubtedly true that your donations are assisting me in my efforts to get to Greece. However, your donation does not end with me. With your donation comes the visibility of others in my position. Typically, the least likely group to take their studies abroad are first generation students and students of color. Monetary issues, are a leading cause of this, however, the fear of acceptance contributes as well. With larger visibility, we can empower other first generation students as well as students of color to combat those inner monologues that defeat them. We can encourage these students by increasing visibility. Larger visibility will allow them to see students like themselves doing the things they hope to do.

The opportunity to trace the origins of storytelling and theatre in Katohi, Greece would be an overwhelming experience that I cannot deny myself of. Katohi, Greece will be my first destination of many international excursions with theatre to come; and what better place than where theatre and the art of storytelling began.

Your contribution sends a positive message to the youth that their dreams can be achieved. I know that I am not alone in my dream of studying abroad. There are many other first generation students and students of color that have similar aspirations. With your donation, you are letting others know that they are not alone in their journey.

You can inspire other young people to put their passions to great use. Even if you cannot donate, please spread this link to your friends. Help build community, make a difference, and affirm the reality that dreams really do come true.


You can read more about the program here:
https://ku.studioabroad.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10077