RSC Next Generation is a response to the fact that young people from low income families are under-represented in the theatre world.
As part of the RSC’s talent development programme, leading theatre-makers, actors and directors will give advice, teaching, support and practical experience to teenagers.
Up to 24 talented 13 to 18-year-olds will join RSC Next Generation to develop their skills as actors, with the company continuing to offer support until the students are 18. Meanwhile 40 to 50 students aged 13 to 18 will be given a backstage pass, enabling them to discover what goes on behind the scenes to bring each RSC production to life.
A third strand to the RSC’s initiative will see the company working with budding young directors over the age of 18, helping them to acquire the skills to take plays “from page to stage”.
Participants in the programme will be drawn from the thousands of young people who have taken part in the RSC’s associate and partner schools programmes.
More than 500 secondary schools in areas that are under-represented in the cultural industries have been involved in these initiatives.
Launching the programme earlier this month (February), RSC artistic director Gregory Doran said: “Theatre has been my passion since childhood and it’s there that our imaginations are first sparked.
“I am so pleased that we are opening up opportunities for a new generation of young talent to explore theatre careers in acting, directing and backstage, and that we are doing this important work in collaboration with our theatre partners and schools across the country.
“Shakespeare belongs to everyone and what better legacy than to give new voices a chance to shine.”
To find out more about the RSC’s work with schools go to www.rsc.org.uk/education