Our Next Generation: Talent Development programme gives talented young people from Associate Schools the chance to explore a career in acting, directing or working backstage.

Programme Structure

Next Generation is made up of three strands:   

  • ACT:

    Up to 26 talented young people aged 13-18 join Next Generation to hone and develop their skills as actors. We’ll be recruiting new company members from across the country this autumn to join for our 2024 production, which will be in summer 2024 (dates and venue to be announced).

  • DIRECT: 

    For young people aged 18+ who demonstrate the obvious creative leadership and directing skills needed to take a play from page to stage. A residential took place over the summer for new members from Hull and London and we’ll begin a mentoring programme for Next Generation Direct members from this and the previous pilot this year.
  • BACKSTAGE:

    Continuing our successful current 'Backstage Pass' programme, each year up to 30 young people aged 13-18 get the chance to discover what goes on behind the scenes to bring each production to life. Taking place in spring 2024, we’ll be inviting back young people from last year’s programme and inviting new members to join us for our insight into backstage and production skills. If you’re interested in being involved, contact Paul.  

Find out more

You can find out more about our Next Generation Programme or contact us using the Next Generation email address: next.generation@rsc.org.uk 

Find out more about Careers and Apprenticeships

We have also created a series of films exploring the theatre careers you can pursue off stage: Next Generation Introduces...

Henry VI_ Rebellion production photos_ 2022_ shoot 1_2022_Photo by Ellie Kurttz _c_ RSC_327250
Members of Next Generation Act in performance in Henry VI: Rebellion, 2022

RSC Next Generation is generously supported by the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust, Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation, John S Cohen Foundation and Noël Coward Foundation.

Next Generation Act Company bursary places are generously supported by The Leverhulme Trust Arts Scholarship.

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