With us, thousands of young people and their teachers from primary, secondary and special schools from across the UK have developed the confidence to take on whatever life holds for them. One 14 year old pupil who has been learning in a behaviour unit for the last three years describes his experience with Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation: "At school, I found it difficult to work with other people...I was scared and worried because I wanted to get on with other people, but I couldn't. I found out about Shakespeare Schools Festival and I felt like I wanted to be part of it. I have made a lot of friends around school now and I am a lot calmer and happier. When I was on stage I felt like the atmosphere was calm and peaceful in my brain. I have learnt that there is nothing to be ashamed of. I am proud of what I achieved." Not only have we reached this milestone, but to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, we have also taken over 30,000 young people to 131 stages nationwide. Marking the great playwright’s legacy we have delivered over 320 exhilarating performances in local theatres nationwide and in special celebrations in the West End, for Her Majesty the Queen and for the Prime Minister in Downing Street’s renowned rose garden. A huge thank you to everyone who has helped us get here and who has been part of the journey! But we are not finished yet - we want to reach the next 250,000 young people as soon as possible. Join us on #OurStage and direct your students in a life-changing performance of Shakespeare on a local professional stage. Register your school to take part in our 2017 Festival here. We couldn’t run the Festival without the continued support of our brilliant donors - each year we must raise over £1 million to make it happen. Help us change more lives by donating here. Chief Executive Ruth Brock says: “We’ve wanted to show that the true test of 2016 had to be whether the joy of Shakespeare is brought to everyone. Actively engaging with these plays - as they were intended, said not read - is the most astounding route to confidence that there is. I don’t think that should belong to the few, I think it’s the birthright of every child. So, in this 400th anniversary year, we’re looking forward; working to ensure these extraordinary plays are used to transform lives this year, next year and for hundreds of years to come.”