RSC OPENS UP REHEARSAL ROOM TO SCHOOLS FOR THE FIRST TIME
ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY OPENS UP REHEARSAL ROOM TO SCHOOLS FOR THE FIRST TIME
Schools in the UK will be given unprecedented access to the Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) world-famous rehearsal rooms as part of a new series of 45-minute LIVE LESSONS.
RSC LIVE LESSONS for Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth, will be streamed live and direct into classrooms up and down the country, giving students a unique insight into the creative process and interpretive choices that directors and actors make as they prepare to stage a new production. Live Lessons are generously supported by Virgin Media.
The RSC LIVE LESSON for Romeo and Juliet will be broadcast on 25 January 2018 between 10.30 and 11.15am. Led by Erica Whyman, RSC Deputy Artistic Director and Director of the RSC’s forthcoming production of Romeo and Juliet, the lesson will provide an overview of the show’s concept before focussing on the famous balcony scene between Shakespeare’s notorious star-crossed lovers. This is the most watched and studied scene from the play.
Following an initial welcome and introduction, Erica will work with the actors to rehearse the balcony scene in different ways, exploring alternative approaches and questions which have come up for her cast in rehearsals. Students will also be able to feedback and send in their questions to be answered by Erica and the actors as part of a live Q&A at the end of the LIVE LESSON.
Schools can register now at rsc.org.uk/education/live-lessons Each school will receive resources to help them prepare in class beforehand. As well as lesson plans and activities to do in the classroom, they will be sent a short film outlining the context and design concept for the show, as well as interviews with Erica and members of the cast.
Erica Whyman, the RSC’s Deputy Artistic Director, said:
“We are extremely excited to be opening our rehearsal room doors to young people. Rehearsals are traditionally a sacred space for actors and directors where they can experiment, explore and try out different approaches before they are ready to perform their work in front of an audience. I hope that offering this very special access will give young people a real sense of the challenge and pleasures of bringing this amazing play to life.
“Rehearsal rooms are spaces of intense learning - not dissimilar to a classroom - so giving students the chance to join us on our creative journey will not only give them a better understanding of Shakespeare’s play, but a real insight into how we arrive at some of the creative decisions and choices that we make”.
The second RSC LIVE LESSON will take place on 19 April 2018 at 10.30 - 11.15am and focus on Macbeth. To register visit rsc.org.uk/education/live-lessons Schools can also sign up to take part in the RSC’s Free Schools’ Broadcasts of both full-length productions later in the year. Further information can be found at rsc.org.uk/education/schools-broadcasts
The RSC’s stage production of Romeo and Juliet will run from 21 April until the 21 September at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. For further information visit rsc.org.uk or call the RSC’s box office on 01789 403493.
Live Lessons are generously supported by Virgin Media as part of its commitment to make good things happen through digital.
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For further information contact Jo Hammond at jo.hammond@rsc.org.uk T: 07739 330294.
Notes to Editors:
About RSC Education
The Royal Shakespeare Company creates theatre at its best, made in Stratford-upon-Avon and shared around the world. Everyone at the RSC - from actors to armourers, musicians to technicians - plays a part in creating the world you see on stage.
We encourage everyone to enjoy a lifelong relationship with Shakespeare and live theatre and through our Education work change the way that children and young people experience Shakespeare at school. Our approach is rooted in a 130 year history of making theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon and sharing that wealth of skills and knowledge with teachers and students all over the world.
We build long term relationships with school, teachers and communities and particularly those who have the least access to Shakespeare, the RSC and cultural provision. Each year we reach over 530,000 young people in over 1,200 schools across the UK, inspiring children of all ages, backgrounds and abilities and ensuring that Shakespeare is for everyone.
Further information from: rsc.org.uk/education
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