Transforming the home of the RSC - 05/03/2010
With the completion of the new Royal Shakespeare Theatre in sight, we explore the benefits this transformation will have on visiting educational groups.
In April 2007 a major redevelopment project got underway in Stratford-upon-Avon, home of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Aiming to create a modern take on the courtyard theatres of Shakespeare’s day, the key intention was to create a new main stage for the company, the new Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Officially opening in November this year with a series of preview events, we explore the impact and benefits that the new theatre will have for visiting school groups.
Shaping the future
Even before the first cranes moved onto the site of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre to begin its major transformation, students and teachers were involved in shaping the future of the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon.
As part of a wide-reaching consultation, young people from four schools in Stratford-upon-Avon got involved to say what they wanted the new theatre to be. The students, from years five, six and 13, spent time visiting the old theatre, talking to the architects and the team in charge of managing the transformation, so they could understand the restrictions with the old building. This student voice also talked to the local community so they could represent their views as well as the thoughts of their follow pupils.
School groups asked for a place to hang out, a more exciting design, more involvement with schools, a dedicated education space, and more than one entrance so that people could enter the building from all around.
As this major project enters its final year and the company plans for the re-opening of the theatre, it won’t be long before schools from all over the country will be able to experience the improvements for themselves.
One of the biggest problems for the original 1932 theatre was that many young people and first time Shakespeare attendees would sit in the balcony seats, leaving them feeling a million miles away from the actors on stage. They felt disconnected from the performance and the experience meant that many people didn’t want to return to the theatre again.
