From Ian Wainwright of the RSC

For the first time in over 50 years there are no regular performances on the RSC’s Stages.

This week, we began to hand over our social media channels (our virtual stages) to you, in the largest ever celebration of Shakespeare in our history. This is your chance to perform on the RSC’s (virtual) stage.

We need you to post film/photographs of you performing extracts of Shakespeare, either scenes or single speeches, performed in your own home. Choose your favourite Shakespeare moment or a speech that particularly speaks to you in these challenging times.

To Share your Shakespeare by film or photograph simply upload it to Instagram, Twitter or Youtube, tagging @theRSC and use the hashtag#ShareYourShakespeare from Wed 15 April onwards.

We can then share them on our online over the RSC’s social media channels (our virtual stages) for everyone to see.

The most creative, surprising and inspiring contributions will be shown from Thursday 23 April, William Shakespeare’s Birthday, in the biggest ever Shakespeare performance delivered by and for the global community.

Turn household objects into set props and costume let your imagination run wild, from those old curtains in the attic to the contents of the recycling bin. Create your own set – turn your garden shed, bathroom, spare bedroom or cupboard into a stage set. Create your own epic production or simply speak the words to camera.

And we can help. For tips tutorials, workshops, lessons, full productions and extracts to help you rehearse and perform your piece go to www.rsc.org.uk/at-home-with-shakespeare

#ShareYourShakespeare is a virtual celebration in which we are inviting everyone to share their love of Shakespeare in whatever way they choose. When people are missing the connections of community and are finding new ways to be creative in lockdown, we want you to become the Royal Shakespeare Community. If you don’t fancy performing a speech why not bake a cake, paint a picture, serenade a neighbour over the garden fence with a sonnet.

Whether you are a young person or an adult, seasoned professional or enthusiastic amateur, first timer or lifelong Shakespeare fan this is your opportunity to perform for the Royal Shakespeare Company. #ShareYourShakespeare aims to bring together RSC alumni, audiences, partners, schools and our acting company in a virtual celebration of shared creativity, community spirit, collective resilience and the enduring power of storytelling. So join RSC actors including David Tennant (Dr Who, RSC Hamlet), Ray Fearon (Fleabag) Jane Lapotaire, Katy Stephens, and David Threlfall (Shameless).

We really hope that you can contribute, too, and show your support for your RSC and the theatre industry as a whole.

Ian Wainwright Shakespeare Nation Participation Producer

Royal Shakespeare Company Waterside | Stratford-upon-Avon | CV37 6BB