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About us

We seek to bring people together to experience stories that deepen our understanding of ourselves, each other and the world around us.

Our Vision

To inspire deeper human understanding through the power of theatre, by redefining how Shakespeare and great storytelling connects us all, creates opportunities and brings joy.

HOW WE DO THIS

We have a framework for the next five years, taking us to 2030. It defines what we want to do, why we want to do it and how we are going to achieve it through five clear objectives which guide us in everything we do. They are:

1. Creative brilliance

Create an inspirational, artist-led programme across multiple platforms that’s part of a local, national and global conversation.

  • Attract artistic talent through creating the best conditions for artists to make their work 
  • Grow the RSC’s audiences through our artistic programme
  • Expand the RSC’s presence nationally and internationally
  • Create innovative new storytelling experiences
  • Lead on government and policy advocacy for the theatre industry

2. Reframing Shakespeare

Bring Shakespeare to life for all, creating new forms of learning and engagement with and for schools, communities and partners across the UK.

  • Bring the works of Shakespeare to even more people through our creative learning programme
  • Transform the way young people and partner communities engage with Shakespeare
  • Establish the RSC as a leader in Shakespeare and arts impact research

Champion craft and talent by becoming an inclusive global centre for skills development and theatre innovation, in Stratford, the West Midlands and beyond.

  • Become a model for nurturing skills and talent locally and regionally
  • Improve access to the theatre industry through inclusive development pathways

4. Financial resilience

Build a robust, sustainable financial model and ambitious development and commercial strategies to underpin the RSC’s long-term growth

5. Transforming the RSC

Renew the RSC’s internal culture and processes to become a more effective, inclusive and environmentally sustainable organisation.

Our values 

Our values are at the heart of everything we do, and guide how we work together, make decisions and support one another. 

By being creativecollaborativeinclusivesustainable, and accountable we create a positive, supportive Company where everyone can thrive.

Our history

Our roots lie in the bold vision of a local brewer, Edward Fordham Flower, who in 1879 established a theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon with his son Charles.

The RSC as we know it today was formed by Sir Peter Hall in 1961, whose ambition was to produce new plays alongside those of Shakespeare and his contemporaries.

We continue this today across our three permanent theatres in Stratford – the Royal Shakespeare Theatrethe Swan Theatre and The Other Place – as well as in London, digitally and around the globe.

FIND OUT MORE

In This Section

Who's who

From our Board of Governors, Directors and Associate Artists, to the wider company, learn more about how the RSC is organised.

News, Features and Updates

Keep up to date with our latest news, features, blogs and casting updates.

How we make theatre

Our mission is to make the finest theatre productions - here's how we do it

RSC Jobs

Because not all our best roles are on stage

Shakespeare in Schools

Find out how we use our research to work with schools and national partners to bring the arts to all areas of education.

Digital & Creative Innovation

Innovation is at the heart of the RSC and is critical to our cultural landscape in helping us to understand what it means to be human.

Research

Read more about the different research programmes looking at the work of RSC Learning, including our award-winning research Time to Act.

Policies

Links to our full range of policies covering all areas of our work, from ticketing terms and conditions to safeguarding children.

Environmental responsibility

With over a million visitors every year, we know our work has an environmental impact. Find out about the steps we're taking to minimise this.

History & Collections

Discover our rich history and delve into our collection - one of the most significant Shakespeare and theatre collections in the world.

Our Impact

Find out key facts and figures about our company and our theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon