WKU student Madeline Marita of Florence has been selected for the prestigious nationally-competitive Fulbright Summer Institute in the United Kingdom.
She is in the Mahurin Honors College.
Madeline Marita
Marita is a second-year communication disorders major. She is the daughter of Jackie and Kevin Marita and is one of three American students selected by the US-UK Fulbright Commission to study theatre at Shakespeare’s Globe in London.
While studying acting and Shakespearean texts, she will also attend workshops focusing on combat and sword play, movement, dance and design. She and other students will also watch performances at Shakespeare’s Globe and take part in a question-and-answer session with Globe actors. The course seeks to demonstrate the historical and current value of Shakespeare’s plays through a practical examination of text and language, performance space, the materials of theatre practice, and the unique relationship between actors and audience at the Globe.
“I feel so incredibly blessed to have received this opportunity,” Marita said. “‘All the world’s a stage,’ and this summer, I get to make the world my stage as I travel to England to study abroad for the first time. I have been obsessed with Shakespeare’s work since middle school and I really cannot imagine a more amazing opportunity than getting to study at Shakespeare’s Globe. I hope to implement what I learn at the Globe in my future career as a Speech-Language Pathologist, using the iambic pentameter and natural rhythm of Shakespearean texts to help improve my clients’ speech.”
The US-UK Fulbright Commission is the only bi-lateral, transatlantic scholarship program, offering awards and summer programs for study or research in any field at any accredited U.S. or UK university. The Commission is part of the Fulbright program conceived by Senator J. William Fulbright in the aftermath of World War II to promote leadership, learning and empathy between nations through educational exchange. Award recipients and summer program participants will be the future leaders for tomorrow and support the “special relationship” between the US and UK.
The Commission selects participants through a rigorous application and interview process. In making these awards the Commission looks not only for academic excellence but a focused application, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, a desire to further the Fulbright Program and a plan to give back to the recipient’s home country upon returning.
Fulbright Summer Institutes cover all participant costs. In addition, Fulbright summer participants receive a distinctive support and cultural education program including visa processing, a comprehensive pre-departure orientation, enrichment opportunities in country, a re-entry session and opportunity to join alumni networks.
Each year, the Commission supports around 60 UK and US undergraduate students to undertake a demanding academic and cultural summer programs at leading institutions in the US and UK respectively.
