Each year thousands of young people from primary, secondary and SEND schools across the country unite in the world’s largest youth drama festival. Our comprehensive Festival process culminates in exhilarating performance evenings; young people playing Shakespeare in professional theatres, raising aspirations and unlocking the potential of students and teachers alike. Registration for our 2023/24 Festival is now open.

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What is it?

Shakespeare Schools Theatre Festival is a cultural education project that supports young people to perform abridged Shakespeare plays on professional theatre stages. From Northern Stage in Newcastle to G Live in Guildford, we work with some of the country's most outstanding regional venues to give thousands of young people each year a vital cultural experience.

Over approximately eight months, our young people will be supported to prepare their production with workshops led by professional actors and directors, and a range of award-winning resources. Our Shakespeare scripts have been abridged by acclaimed writers including Sir Tom Stoppard and Jamila Gavin, and our dedicated Programme Coordinators are on hand to support teachers through each step of the process.

Join the Festival now and give your students the chance to shine onstage.

Register Now

How does it work?

Step One

Connect with likeminded CSSF Teacher-Directors for an illuminating full-day, in-person CPD session.

Guided by our expert drama facilitators, novice Teacher-Directors will learn all the key skills they need to take on the project, while CSSF veterans will develop new skills and practices, taking their teaching to the next level.

 Step Two

Your students will be joined by a CSSF facilitator for a half-day workshop, in your school.

Learn the secrets of theatre staging, uncover the hidden intentions and flourishes in Shakespeare's scripts, and get expert support and advice from a theatre professional, tailor-made to the needs of your performance.

Step Three

The Festival process culminates in a celebratory performance on a local, professional theatre stage.

Your students will deliver their Shakespeare production to a paying audience of family and friends, alongside other local schools, in a spectacular celebration of creativity.

Try before you buy! Click the link below to download a selection of our National Curriculum-aligned resources on Macbeth and A Midsummer Night's Dream absolutely free.

Download Resources

How much does it cost?

State schools: £1,253 (+VAT)
Independent schools: £1,961 (+VAT)

Register Now

Or, take a look at the other exciting programmes that we're running this year: