Current research

Explore our current and most recent research projects.

Research plays a critical role in our work, from exploring the role of immersive technologies in performance, to engaging a more diverse talent base and understanding how Shakespeare can improve learning outcomes. Discover our current and most recent research projects below.

RAPID EVIDENCE REVIEWS

In 2025, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Cultural Learning Alliance (CLA) co-commissioned Rapid Evidence Reviews (RERs) on the value of Dance, Drama, Music, and Art, Craft and Design Education.

Overseen by Professor Pat Thomson and authored by leading academics, the RERs review the existing evidence base for the benefits of arts education and advocate for its vital importance in schools.

FIND OUT MORE

 

First Encounters workshops The Tempest 2025_2024_Photo by Sara Beaumont _c_ RSC_387744

Time to Act

Time to Act is a major research project which is evaluating the impact of rehearsal-room approaches to teaching Shakespeare on language development and academic self-concept in young people.

The project builds on our 2018 Time to Listen study. It is led by RSC Research Fellows Dr Matthew Collins and Dr Lynsey McCulloch and supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

More about Time to Act

 

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Rehearsal Room Writing

This is a major research project assessing the impact of Shakespeare’s works and RSC teaching approaches on children’s writing, commissioned by the Educational Endowment Foundation and funded by the Department for Education’s Accelerator Fund.

Rehearsal Room Writing builds upon the 2024 Time to Act study and is led by RSC Research Fellows, Dr Lynsey McCulloch and Dr Matthew Collins, alongside the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) and the University of Exeter.

Find out more

 

First Encounters workshops The Tempest 2025_2024_Photo by Sara Beaumont _c_ RSC_387708

Voices From The Classroom

A collection of case studies have been written as part of our major research project, Time to Act.

To produce this series of case studies, we asked teachers from our Associate Schools Programme and Teacher Research-Network to record and reflect on the changes that have occurred in their classrooms as a result of their work with us.

Read Case Studies

 

Making Shakespeare Accessible in SEND settings_ 2025_2025_Photo by Sara Beaumont _c_ RSC_396075 (2)

RSC AND UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM PARTNERSHIP

The RSC and the University of Birmingham have collaborated for many years to provide formal and informal opportunities for knowledge exchange and research about Shakespeare’s work, as well as theatre practice for students, scholars and artists.

Recent research-led collaborations include Signing Shakespeare, an innovative research project and a series of practical resources aimed at supported deaf young people in their study and enjoyment of Shakespeare.

More about Signing Shakespeare

 

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