A theatre company for youngsters with a passion for Shakespeare is to expand in 2014, with three new branches around the Midlands.
Warwick-based Shakespeare Young Company is to set up new branches in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
An offshoot of Playbox Theatre which develops theatre for and with young people, SYC will open in the Chipping Norton / Burford area on 28 February.
The new company will invite young people to train and develop their own productions for the area and to tour.
Shakespeare Young Company in Oxfordshire will draw its actors from a wide area. It will draw on the rural population who often have to travel to major cities to attend theatre training. Further bases in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire will follow.
Director of Shakespeare Young Company Stewart McGill said, “SYC has been a remarkable evolution. More than 250 young people have had the opportunities to develop productions, create studio projects, tour to events and festivals and discover the many styles, genres and methods of playing Shakespeare.
“Next summer we’re planning a late-night experience based on a ghostly play from the 1500s that Shakespeare probably saw.”
SYC has also announced two new productions for spring 2014. Romeo and Juliet will open on Thursday 20 March at St Mary’s Church, Warwick and there will be further performances at The Dream Factory, Warwick. The Merchant of Venice will open on Friday 21 March at The Dream Factory.
Further details will be announced in January.