December 5, 2019

Study abroad opportunity translates into professional experience at venues including West End theatres, the National Theatre, and others

Hackettstown, N.J., Dec. 5, 2019—A study abroad semester in London translated into solid career experience—and the thrill of a lifetime—for Centenary University student Anthony Raddi. A resident of Cedar Grove, N.J., Raddi had the opportunity to work with a number of well-known theatres and production companies, including two West End Theatres and The National Theatre, while fulfilling a lifelong dream to study in London last spring.

“Throughout my time abroad, I had the amazing opportunity to work at many prestigious theatres and companies in London,” said Raddi, a theatre arts major with a concentration in technical theatre, who spent a semester abroad at Richmond, the American International University in London, last spring. “Working at the National Theatre was definitely a dream come true. It was the greatest experience of my life, to date.”

In addition to the National Theatre, Raddi worked with top lighting professionals on two West End shows, All About Eve at the Noël Coward Theatre and Waitress: The Musical at the Adelphi Theatre. He also interned at the Kilm Theatre, the Royal Court Theatre, and White Light, which is London’s largest audio, video, and lighting supply company. “While at White Light I prepped, fixed, and maintained various moving light and intelligent fixtures for multiple national tours, West End shows, The O2, and The Royal Albert Hall, to name a few,” Raddi recalled. “It was here that I gained extensive knowledge in moving light mechanics and operations.”

At Centenary University, Raddi advanced his training through productions with Centenary Stage Company, an Equity company in residence at the University. Through Centenary Stage Company, students gain points as Equity membership candidates, as well as experience working with professionals, without ever leaving campus. Last year, Raddi was inducted into the Centenary University chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, the national theatre honor society.

As he prepares to graduate next spring, Raddi is thankful for the career-focused education he has received through Centenary’s Theatre Department and Study Abroad Program. “I have worked alongside industry professionals during lighting installations and tech rehearsals, as well as being able to be backstage during the run of shows,” Raddi said. “I would not have been able to have such life changing experiences without the guidance I received at Centenary University.”

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township. The Centenary University School of Professional Studies offers degree programs at two locations, Parsippany and Edison, as well as online and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.