Nottingham Playhouse Schools Shakespeare Festival is a unique large-scale performance on the main stage.

Nottingham Playhouse Schools Shakespeare Festival is a unique large-scale performance and CPD opportunity for schools to bring a class of Key Stage 2 or 3 children to perform on the Main Stage at Nottingham Playhouse in front of a live audience.

A class of up to 35 students from each school will work with their teacher and a Nottingham Playhouse director to prepare a scene from a famous Shakespearian play (title TBC). A movement director will also work with students for one session throughout the rehearsal process. The sections from each school will then all come together to create a full show, with live music, theatre lights, costume, set and props.

Rehearsal sessions for the Schools Shakespeare Festival will take place in school during May and June on days and times that work best for the school. The Tech Day will take place on Monday 28 June, and the performance on Tuesday 29 June.

Each participating school will receive:

  • A 2-hour twilight CPD session for up to 5 school staff at Nottingham Playhouse, led by our expert practitioners, on helping young people understand and enjoy Shakespeare. We will also outline how you can support your students for performing on the Main Stage.
  • 4 x 2-hour rehearsals in school led by a Nottingham Playhouse Director. One of these rehearsals will include a visit from the Movement Director.
  • Ongoing support from the Playhouse team in rehearsing and preparing the scene for performance.
  • A school day at Nottingham Playhouse for the young people to practice on the stage and experience in a technical rehearsal.
  • A second day to participate in a dress rehearsal then perform to the live audience.

The fee for taking part in Schools Shakespeare Festival is £900 + VAT. We are keen to work with a wide range of schools, if you have any questions please contact participation@nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk.

To register your interest in Schools Shakespeare Festival 2027, please fill out the form below by Friday 18 December 2026 at 12pm. Interviews for schools will take place W/C 18 January 2027 – these will be either in person or on Microsoft Teams.

Register your interest

Programme

School reviews

Our parents were incredibly proud of their children and were blown away by the quality, creativity, and atmosphere of the entire show.
The children's understanding of Shakespeare has soared, and this has impacted other year groups too. We feel so lucky to have been involved.
Having the opportunity to perform in such a beautiful space will be a lasting memory for our children.
Your passion gave them confidence, joy, and memories they’ll carry with them for a long time.

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