This autumn, over 20,000 young people will be taking part in Shakespeare Schools Festival – the world’s largest youth drama festival. Through this experience, they’re gaining the skills they need to succeed.
They’ll perform abridged Shakespeare plays on local professional theatre stages. Over 750 schools from every nation and region of the UK will take part in the Festival, including primary, secondary and special schools, and Pupil Referral Units.
The Festival is the flagship project of award-winning charity Shakespeare Schools Foundation.
Former Children’s Laureate Dame Jacqueline Wilson says: “I think Shakespeare Schools Foundation does a marvellous job introducing our greatest playwright’s work to children.
“If they act in a Shakespeare play they discover the joy and excitement and magic in his stories, and find confidence and creativity within themselves. The audience is in for a treat!”
Following last year’s Festival, a young performer said: “I thought I’d be so frightened I’d run off the stage! The thought of standing up in front of people doesn’t scare me now.”
In 2018, 98% of teachers said that their students were more confident as a result of the Festival. 97% said students were able to work more effectively as a team.
Taking part in the Festival also helps young people do well at school. In 2018, 82% reported an improvement in students’ academic attainment.
Shakespeare Schools Foundation’s Chief Executive Ruth Brock said: “Performing Shakespeare on a professional stage opens doors to the future for children across the UK.
“With Shakespeare Schools Foundation, children do better in class and make new friends. Through a unique creative experience, they grow in confidence, resilience and empathy – they gain the skills they and our society needs for the future.”
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