The RSC is once again teaming up with professional partner theatres to support amateur companies in the production of a Shakespeare or Shakespeare-themed production.
This initiative, Open Stages, started in 2010 with a 'skills exchange' programme that ran across the UK and resulted in the production of over 260 RSC Open Stages amateur Shakespeare productions. It took place again last year as part of the 2012 World Shakespeare Festival.
Part of the run-up to the 2016 celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, Open Stages will work with fewer amateur groups but at an increased level of engagement, to include director mentoring.
Partnering theatres so far announced are The Lyric Theatre, Belfast, Sherman Cymru, Cardiff, Royal Shakespeare Company and Nuffield Theatre, Southampton, Open Stages receives funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
For further information visit www.rsc.org.uk/explore/projects/open-stages/.