Shakespeare Schools Festival, the world’s largest youth drama festival, is coming to the Isle of Wight this autumn.
3 school groups – over 70 children – will be taking part at Medina Theatre on 7th November where they will perform abridged Shakespeare plays. They will join more than 20,000 young people across the country taking part in the festival.
The Festival is the flagship project of award-winning charity Shakespeare Schools Foundation.
Former Children’s Laureate Dame Jacqueline Wilson says:
“I think Shakespeare Schools Foundation does a marvellous job introducing our greatest playwright’s work to children. If they act in a Shakespeare play they discover the joy and excitement and magic in his stories, and find confidence and creativity within themselves. The audience is in for a treat!”
In 2018, 98% of teachers said that their students were more confident as a result of the Festival. 97% said students were able to work more effectively as a team.
Taking part in the Festival also helps young people do well at school. In 2018, 82% reported an improvement in students’ academic attainment.
Shakespeare Schools Foundation’s Chief Executive Ruth Brock says:
“Performing Shakespeare on a professional stage opens doors to the future for children across the UK. With Shakespeare Schools Foundation, children do better in class and make new friends. Through a unique creative experience, they grow in confidence, resilience and empathy – they gain the skills they and our society needs for the future.”
