Hear from leading academics, actors, directors and RSC staff about Shakespeare, theatre and the shows on our stages.
ABOUT THE SUMMER SCHOOL
The 79th RSC Summer School will take place from 24 to 27 August 2026.
Day tickets are now available - £58 for individual days.
Book for day of sessions exploring a play or topic that interests you. Use the programme below to see what's on.
If you have an enquiry about the Summer School please contact learning@rsc.org.uk
Programme
MONDAY 24 AUGUST
ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE, 10.30am - 3.30pm
Our first day will explore the stage adaptation of Game of Thrones: The Mad King, with sessions featuring Producers, Production Managers, Cast, Directors and Design Teams to look at the genesis, development and rehearsals for this exciting new production.
Sessions:
- From Fantasy to Reality: Bringing George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones: The Mad King to life
- In Rehearsals for George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones: The Mad King
- Design, Movement and The Mad King
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TUESDAY 25 AUGUST
SWAN THEATRE, 10.30am - 3.30pm
We will examine Laura Wade’s new adaptation of The Cherry Orchard with sessions focusing on the process of translating and adapting The Cherry Orchard, the technical design of the show, and a Q&A with Tamara Harvey and Alfred Enoch looking at their collaboration at the RSC.
Sessions:
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The Cherry Orchard in Context with Dr Rose Whyman
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The Cherry Orchard: From Page to Stage Featuring Alfred Enoch and Bill Pullman
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“Into the light, friends… into the light”: Lighting The Cherry Orchard
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WEDNESDAY 26 AUGUST
SWAN THEATRE, 10.30am - 3.30pm
Day three will look at A Midsummer Night’s Dream as a piece of theatre for young audiences, both past and present, and how iconic productions such as Peter Brook’s A Midsummer Night's Dream (1970) have influenced this Unicorn / RSC co-production. We will also explore the Shakespeare Curriculum, the RSC’s landmark initiative for teaching Shakespeare in schools.
Sessions:
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"Is all our company here?": Meet the team behind A Midsummer Night's Dream, featuring Amber Sinclair-Case, Chris Jared and Emmy Stonelake
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A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Suitable for Children? with Professor Michael Dobson
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Shakespeare Curriculum: A Revolution in Teaching Shakespeare
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THURSDAY 27 AUGUST
THE OTHER PLACE, 10am - 4.30pm
In a grand closing day for our 79th RSC Summer School, we celebrate the life, work and legacy of Buzz Goodbody, the first female Director at the RSC and founder of The Other Place, and explore the landscape of politically-engaged theatre that began in the 1970s, including a showcase event on David Edgar’s seminal 1976 drama Destiny.
Thursday will also include a catered lunch hosted at The Other Place. Lunch is only provided for week ticket holders.
Sessions:
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Buzz and Before: The Origins of TOP with Professor Abigail Rokison-Woodall
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Buzz Goodbody: Her Life, Work & Legacy, featuring John Goodbody, Louise Jameson, Ron Daniels, Elizabeth Freestone
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“Cry havoc”: Politically-Engaged Theatre and the RSC, featuring David Edgar, Seán Linnen, Penny Cherns, Tanika Gupta
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The Making of Destiny, with David Edgar
*All speakers are subject to change in the case of extenuating circumstances.
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Performances
We recommend seeing the productions that will be explored during the week but you can also enjoy our varied programme of events if you have not seen the productions. Tickets to see the productions are not included in your Summer School ticket, and should be purchased separately.
You can watch the shows in our summer repertoire at anytime prior to the Summer School or during the week. Summer School attendees may with to book:
Game of Thrones: The Mad King on Monday 24 August (7.15pm)
The Cherry Orchard on Tuesday 25 August (7.30pm)
A Midsummer Night's Dream on Wednesday 26 August (5pm)
For sold out performances please check back for returns.
Any enquires please contact learning@rsc.org.uk
The RSC Summer School is delivered in collaboration with The Shakespeare Institute, University of Birmingham.
The work of the RSC Creative Learning and Engagement team is supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation, GRoW @ Annenberg, The Polonsky Foundation, The Thompson Family Charitable Trust and other generous supporters.
