Fatima tells us 'what a unique and rewarding experience it has been' to be a Shakespeare Ambassador

Fatima
Fatima, Shakespeare Ambassador

This year, I had the exciting opportunity to be selected as a Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) Ambassador for my school, and what a unique and rewarding experience it has been.

Throughout the year, our team of ambassadors helped host and support several events. We made amazing memories, gained new skills, and discovered fresh perspectives on Shakespeare's works.

Although I was already involved in drama and had performed Hamlet at the Playmaking Festival the year before, becoming an RSC ambassador deepened my appreciation for Shakespeare in a fun and engaging way. It brought his stories to life beyond the page and stage.

 

Becoming an RSC ambassador deepened my appreciation for Shakespeare in a fun and engaging way.

One of the year's highlights was an all-day workshop with two RSC professionals. This immersive experience was a deep dive into the world of Shakespearean drama. We played drama games that were immersive, creative, and energetic — they helped us see how performance can be both expressive and accessible. As ambassadors, we also planned and delivered an assembly to younger year groups, aiming to share our love of acting, storytelling, and literature through Shakespeare's plays.

In another project, we performed a scene from A Midsummer Night's Dream and ran an after-school event for younger students focused on Shakespeare. We created presentations, pitched our ideas to teachers, and developed them into interactive, enjoyable sessions. It was a great way to introduce younger students to theatre in a way that felt fresh and approachable.

Being an RSC ambassador has been an incredible journey.

Alongside the performances and events, we were given "skills booklets" to reflect on our personal strengths and areas for growth. These helped us develop valuable life skills such as communication, creativity, teamwork, and confidence.

More recently, we had the opportunity to open the Playmaking Festival with a rap that introduces Much Ado About Nothing. This modern, lively performance set the scene for the festival and made Shakespeare more approachable to the audience. It's a great example of how Shakespeare can be made accessible and relevant today, and it was a hit with the younger performers who followed, removing the pressure of performing first.

Being an RSC ambassador has been an incredible journey. It has bolstered my confidence, fostered lasting friendships, and deepened my connection with Shakespeare's work. I hope this experience will pave the way for more opportunities in the future, both in the realm of theatre and beyond.

Shakespeare Ambassadors training at Sacred Heart Catholic High School