FIRST ENCOUNTERS

Our First Encounters productions are created to give 7-13 year olds a fantastic first experience of Shakespeare whilst also being brilliant introductions for anyone new to his work. Using edited versions of the original language, they bring the plays to life on stage in just 80 minutes to create the perfect introduction for young people and their families.

Upcoming Tours

Our next First Encounters touring production is King Lear in Autumn 2025. The production will be directed by Justine Themen, with set and costume design by Anisha Fields, movement direction by Martin Hylton, composed by Arun Ghosh and dramaturgy by Stewart Pringle.

We have already contacted Associate Regional Theatres and Associate Schools who will host this tour. First Encounters: King Lear will tour throughout the Autumn term to Northampton, Isles of Scilly, Cornwall, Skegness, Nottingham, Coventry, Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Southampton, Portsmouth, Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Peterborough and Kent.

Hosting Packs

Here are examples of our hosting pack, which is sent to all schools hosting performances of the tour.

First Encounters Hosting and Information Pack: The Tempest, 2025

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First Encounters Hosting and Information Pack: Twelfth Night, 2022

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First Encounters: The Tempest, Spring 2025

Photos by Topher McGrillis (C) RSC

[First Encounters] Image > The Tempest 1[First Encounters] Image > The Tempest 2[First Encounters] Image > The Tempest 3[First Encounters] Image > The Tempest 5[First Encounters] Image > The Tempest 7[First Encounters] Image > The Tempest 8[First Encounters] Image > The Tempest 9[First Encounters] Image > The Tempest 10

Teacher Packs

We also create teacher packs, which provide teaching resources directly related to the production.

First Encounters: The Tempest - 2025 Teacher Pack

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First Encounters: Romeo & Juliet - 2024 Teacher Pack

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Past Tours

Two hands cupped together holding water with a small boat with a white sail floating on top.

First Encounters: The Tempest, Spring 2025

Directed by Aaron Parsons, with set and costume design by Aldo Vázquez and sound & music by Jack Drewry.

Outline of two young people reaching across between two blocks of flats, a starry sky behind them.

First Encounters: Romeo and Juliet, Spring 2024

Directed by Philip J Morris, with design by Ebrahim Nazier and music by Benjamin Kwasi Burrell.

A wave washing onto golden sand, with the play title spelled out in pieces of rubbish and driftwood.

First Encounters: Twelfth Night, Autumn 2022

Directed by Robin Belfield, with design by Georgie White and music by Simon Slater.

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FUNDERS & SUPPORTERS

The Associate Schools Programme is support by:

The Associate Schools programme is supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation, The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust, The Loppylugs and Barbara Morrison Charitable Trust and other generous supporters.

© 2025 Royal Shakespeare Company. The RSC is a registered charity (no. 212481)