Young people from all over the country will travel to Stratford-upon-Avon this week (2-14 July) to celebrate the work they do as part of our Associate Schools Programme and its talent development initiative, RSC Next Generation.

The festival line-up includes: 

• A series of short 20-minute showcases inspired by Macbeth
• A special one-off performance of Macbeth by 120 students in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre 
• The first public performance by our first young company, Next Generation ACT

Made up of 20 young people aged between 13 and 17, Next Generation ACT is one strand of our Next Generation talent development programme for gifted young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Performing at the RSC for the first time on Saturday 14 July, the company will stage Sapho and Phao, John Lyly’s Elizabethan tale of infatuation, jealousy and social status. 

Our Director of Education Jacqui O’Hanlon said: “Our Playmaking Festival celebrates the talents of the young people, teachers and theatres that we are privileged to work in partnership with. It is particularly thrilling that for the first time this year, the festival includes the first public performance by our Next Generation company of young actors, all recruited through our Associate Schools.” 

The Playmaking Festival performances are open to the public, and cost £3 per ticket. To reserve tickets call the Education Box Office on 01789 403434. 

Book tickets for Sapho & Phao