RSC Key Photography Competition

Please note that this competition has now closed.

Watch this space for the announcement of the winners.

We are looking for the next generation of theatre photographers.

Are you a keen photographer aged between 16 and 25 looking for your first professional credit? We’re on the hunt for four exciting young photographers to take the rehearsal photos for our four summer Shakespeare plays in 2018 – Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet and The Merry Wives of Windsor, which will play in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon and Hamlet which will tour England.

0104_RSC-KEY-Photographic-Competition_SITEFINITY_1824px — © RSC Browse and license our images

So, what do I have to do?

It couldn’t be simpler to enter. All you need to do is post a photo on your Instagram tagging @TheRSCKey in the photo and using the hashtag #RSCPhotoComp

**There are some rules…**

For your photo to be considered it must have been taken by you and needs to feature at least one person. You can only enter one photo, so make sure it’s your best work! You'll also need to own or have access to a camera that is suitable for taking high quality professional photographs suitable for reproduction.

You must be 16-25 years old at the time of entering, a UK resident and be a member of the RSC Key (it’s free! Sign up here).

The closing date for entries is Sunday 3 December at 11.59pm. Any entries received after this time won’t be judged. There are a few other rules, so check out the full terms and conditions before entering.

What’s the prize?

Our panel of expert judges will choose four lucky winners who will be commissioned to take the rehearsal photos for Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Merry Wives of Windsor and Hamlet. Each winner will receive a fee of £250 (plus up to £65 for expenses) and will be mentored by a professional theatre photographer.

Your photos will be used and promoted through RSC channels and will be featured in the show’s programme, and you will be fully credited on them.

You’ll also get a pair of complimentary tickets to come and watch the show you photographed.

What makes a good rehearsal photo?

Doctor Faustus rehearsals, 2016

In rehearsal photos we look to capture key scenes that will be recognisable to the audience who are seeing the show.

Photo by Helen Maybanks © RSC Browse and license our images

Don Quixote rehearsals , 2016

Quiet or funny moments caught between people unaware of the camera are often the most insightful rehearsal images.

Photo by Helen Maybanks © RSC Browse and license our images

Dido, Queen of Carthage rehearsals, 2017

We like our rehearsal photos to cover key actors in character for their role as it gives the audience insight into creating that character.

Photo by Topher McGrillis © RSC Browse and license our images

Kingdom Come rehearsals, 2017

It is also important to capture the interaction between Actors and Creative Team members that happens in the rehearsal process.

Photo by Ikin Yum © RSC Browse and license our images

Hecuba rehearsals, 2015

Our rehearsal photos don’t all need to be literal – they can sum up a moment of the rehearsal process in a more abstract or artistic way.

Photo by Topher McGrillis © RSC Browse and license our images

A Christmas Carol rehearsals, 2017

When there is movement or dance in a scene we would want to demonstrate the exuberance and excitement of that process.

The Rover rehearsals, 2016

We prefer to capture the Director of the production in an active role, guiding the process.

Salomé rehearsals, 2017

Sometimes the walls of the rehearsal room have costume designs or references that gives our audience an understanding of the research behind the show.

Twelfth Night rehearsals, 2017

If we can cover the full company in one photo it gives a sense of scale to the rehearsal process, and how the Actors work as an ensemble.

Launch Gallery

Who are the judges?

Prasanna Puwanarajah

Director of our Venice Preserved production, actor and writer, Prasanna Puwanarajah makes his directorial debut at the RSC with this gripping 80s styled classic.
Andy Williams

Andy Williams is the Head of Visual Communications here at the RSC. He has been working in the industry for many years and works hard to reflect the the story of each production in our artwork.
Coke Navarro

Coke Navarro is the artist behind the Venice Preserved concept image. He is an illustrator and comic artist from Valencia, and currently a member of the Central Illustration Agency' s artist list, focused on posters and cover artwork. When not working on commissions, he develops personal comics and animation projects.

FAQ - Key Graphic Novel Competition

How will I know if I’ve been successful?

If you are shortlisted for the competition we will contact you via the email you entered with to ask you for more information about yourself. You must respond within 48 hours. The winners will then be announced on 7 August 2019.
What happens if I win the competition?

If you are then selected as one of the winners we will contact you via email to discuss your prize.
I turn 26 after the deadline, can I still enter?

Yes. You must be aged 16-25 at the time of your entry so it’s okay if you turn 26 after posting your entry. Just make sure you join the RSC Key before you turn 26!
How many pieces of artwork can I submit?

You can only enter one piece of artwork, so make sure it’s your best! Pick the photo that you feel is the best example of your style. If you email us with more than one photo, we will only judge the first one that we receive.
Does it cost anything to enter?

No. There is no charge to enter the competition.
Am I eligible to enter the competition?

To enter the competition, you must be: (a) UK resident; and (b) aged between 16 and 25 years old at the time of entry and (c) be a registered member of the RSC Key at the time of entry.
Will you share my entry on social media?

The winning artworks will appear online on RSC social media channels along with the details of the competition and winning artists. The RSC may also use the artwork for other purposes.
What rights to my artwork do I retain?

You retain the copyright of the photo you submit into the competition.