VILLANOVA, Pa. – The Villanova University-Abbey Theatre Exchange program was established in 2011, linking the University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with the prestigious national theater of Ireland. As a development of this historic intellectual and artistic partnership, Villanova has announced an “Abbey Theatre Internship Grant,” which will provide a University student with the funding to travel abroad and work for the Abbey Theatre for eight weeks during the summer of 2013. In addition to bringing the finest Irish theatre practitioners to Villanova, the exchange program now provides a grant for a Villanova student to intern at the Abbey Theatre during their prominent summer season.
The University’s exchange program with the Abbey Theatre has created a bridge between the renowned Irish institution and Villanova’s Irish Studies Program and Theater Department in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The collaboration brings some of Ireland’s preeminent theatre practitioners to the University’s campus to offer graduate and undergraduate courses, as well as workshops, conferences, lectures and other events that will be open to the public.
The recipient of the Abbey Theatre Internship Grant will be announced at Villanova University’s annual Abbey Theatre Lecture on Feb. 18, 2013, featuring award-winning Irish playwright Frank McGuinness. The internship program, which will begin at the end of May and continue for eight weeks, provides a student with the opportunity to work alongside theater professionals in the day-to-day operations of Ireland’s national theater and to help develop an innovative summer program for theater students. Application guidelines for the grant will be posted on the Villanova University Irish Studies Program Website. Students who have at least junior status or are enrolled in a graduate program in the College of Liberal Arts and Science at Villanova University are eligible. Applications will be due by Jan. 11, 2013.
Founded in 1904, the Abbey Theatre is a world-class institution that actively engages and reflects Irish society. It is also one of the most enduring institutions in literary history and has long occupied an important place in Irish emigrant cultures around the world.
The Exchange Program strengthens the already rich history of Irish Studies and heritage at Villanova University. Founded by Irish Augustinians in 1842, the University is home to the nation’s oldest Irish Studies program, an interdisciplinary exploration of the history and culture of the Irish people from the varying perspectives of literature, history, theatre, film, art, politics, music, language, and business.
About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova University’s Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University’s five colleges – the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the College of Nursing and the Villanova University School of Law. As students grow intellectually, Villanova prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them.
*For information about the Abbey Theatre Internship Grant, see Villanova University’s Irish Studies Program Website, or contact Dr. Joseph Lennon (Director, Irish Studies Program) at joseph.lennon@villanova.edu
