The annual trip to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Canada, offers Wheeling Jesuit students and faculty a unique opportunity to experience the theater. In addition to watching plays, those who attend the trip enjoy perusing shops, dining at the Boar’s Head Pub, walking along the Avon River, and strolling through the Shakespeare Gardens.
Begun in 1970 by Professor Emeritus Paul Orr, the program is one of the longest-running traditions at Wheeling Jesuit. The Stratford trip is currently run under the direction of Department Chair and English professor Kathryn Voorhees, who notes that it is “gratifying to see the reaction of students who,” up to that point, “have only read Shakespeare, not seen it on stage.” According to Voorhees, the experience shows students “how something so old can seem so relevant.”

Although the trip is sponsored by the Department of English, Professional Communications, & Fine Arts, students and faculty from any department are welcome to and often do attend.

Sign-ups for the Stratford trip are in January. For more information, contact Dr. Voorhees at voorhees@wju.edu.

“The Stratford trip is a great opportunity to know the professors and each other better in a fun and relaxing environment!”

-Andrew Bellevage
Major: English; Minor: Psychology
Class of 2013

“My favorite part about the Stratford trip (beside the great plays) is the free time. With no set itinerary, students are free to explore the charming town.”

-Natalie Bays
Major: English
Class of 2013