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, along with 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.
Key Dates:
• Applications close: Friday 18 December 2026
• Applications shortlisted: W/C 11 January 2027
• Interviews/notifications: W/C 18 January 2027 - either in person or online
• CPD & Intro Day: Monday 22 March 2027, 4:00-5.30pm, at Nottingham Playhouse (attendance is essential)
• Tech Day: Monday 28 June 2027 at Nottingham Playhouse (attendance is essential)
• Performance Day: Tuesday 29 June 2027 at Nottingham Playhouse (attendance is essential)
Rehearsal schedule:
| Rehearsal 1 |
w/c 17th May 2027 |
| Rehearsal 2 |
w/c 24th May 2027 |
| Rehearsal 3 |
w/c 7th June 2027 |
| Rehearsal 4 |
w/c 14th June 2027 |
| (Spare week) |
w/c 21st June 2027 |