Going Behind the (Arts) Scenes in Scotland

With relatives living in the Charleston area – where she also attended theater camp during her summer breaks – Las Vegas–native Emma Piazza always thought of the Holy City as her second home. And that made her college decision clear. 

A recipient of the Jean and Tap Johnson 1967 Legacy Study Abroad Scholarship, the Valerie B. Morris Endowed/Annual Scholarship in Arts Management and the Center for International Education Scholarship, Piazza has made the most of her time at the College – from working backstage at theater performances to playing on the Women’s Rugby Club team to studying abroad in Scotland. 

“I never thought I would have the chance to study abroad, and CofC made that a possibility for me,” says the junior double-major in theatre and arts management, who in June traveled to Glasgow, Scotland, with her class, Presenting the Performing Arts: Behind the Business and Culture of the Arts in Scotland, led by Claire Long, arts management adjunct faculty member, and Heather McDonald, instructor and director of the Music Industry Concentration. “When I started looking for a program, I originally thought of going to London to continue studying for my theatre arts degree, then Professor Long brought up the opportunity to join her to study the business side of performing arts in Scotland.” 

Time in Scotland

Over the course of three weeks, the program offered immersive visits to a variety of theaters and museums throughout Glasgow, culminating in a day trip to Edinburgh. At each stop, the students engaged directly with professionals working in the arts, gaining valuable insight into the realities of day-to-day life in arts-related careers.  

“I was amazed at how vast the art scene was in Scotland,” says Piazza. “It was certainly something I never expected. I could see myself eventually going back to pursue a career.” 

Piazza especially enjoyed visiting the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

“Emma’s participation in a cèilidh hosted for us by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland really stood out to me,” says McDonald of the Scottish social event with folk music, traditional dancing and storytelling. “She immersed herself in learning the dances and joining in with the Scottish students. She looked completely at home and natural while fully taking in this unique cultural experience. It’s a favorite memory of the trip for me!” 

Indeed, Piazza really dove into and embraced the culture during the trip.

“I was genuinely surprised by the kindness and warmth that the locals of Glasgow gave my group and I when stepping into a completely different culture,” she says. “It was so incredible to be welcomed into a part of the world where we could fully immerse ourselves in their traditions and daily lives. Everyone was more than willing to help us understand, appreciate and learn a different way of viewing not only our lives, but our neighbors and what that kindness can truly be.”

Mutual Impact

McDonald saw Piazza’s bond form with other CofC students, Scottish students and guest speakers alike.

“Emma was such an important part of the trip,” says McDonald. “She broke the ice with all of our guest speakers by asking them the same question: What is the biggest animal you think you could take in a fight? It was really charming and completely disarmed everyone – and I think helped facilitate some great conversations by getting people to let their guards down.”  

Piazza will forever be grateful for the relationships she made on this trip. 

“I never expected to have made so many new friends in such a short amount of time,” she says of her classmates. “We all are on different paths at the College, but we all share a passion for the arts. Without this trip I might not have been able to form relationships with all these incredible people.” 

The experience was something Piazza wouldn’t trade for the world, and she extends gratitude to everyone who helped her get there.  

“The scholarships I received helped me cover the majority of the trip and made it possible to go,” she says. “I hope that anyone who wants to study abroad realizes how much support they have and to just go for it.” 

Piazza also hopes to return to Scotland one day to pursue a career as an arts director – and maybe have the chance to reconnect with everyone who made an impact on her first trip abroad.