8-4RSC

WHAT IS THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY? WHAT IS ITS HISTORY AND ITS MISSION? //Answer Prepared by Nathan G.

The Royal Shakespeare Company is a company that puts on Shakespeare’s plays for modern audiences. They are based in the UK in London, but they have theaters in Stratford-upon-Avon, and on tour. They employ over 700 people to get their performances on the stage. Some plays that are soon to be produced are The Winter’s Tale, As You Like It, The Tempest, Julius Caesar, The Drunks, and The Grain Store, just to name a few. They have many programs to get people interested in Shakespeare. The Royal Shakespeare Company has many goals and tries to “keep modern audiences in touch with Shakespeare as our contemporary.”

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s history and mission is different than most Shakespeare organizations. The company started in 1875 when a Stratford brewer named Charles Edward Flower launched a campaign to build a theater where Shakespeare was born. He donated a large piece of land for the theater to be built. Later on, in the 1930’s through 1960’s, they grew greatly in respect and size. Many new actors and Shakespearean specialists joined the theater to make it as it is today. In the late 90’s, the company received new directors, built new theaters, and attracted more audiences. In Stratford-upon-Avon, they are currently constructing a new theater that is due to be completed in 2010. The company’s goal is to teach as many people as possible about Shakespeare’s stories and to educate the public. Right now, they are supporting a “Stand up for Shakespeare Campaign” to expose young people to Shakespeare. They hope to leave kids with a positive experience of Shakespeare's work. Through the 535,000 tickets that the Royal Shakespeare Company has sold, they have taught many people about the importance of Shakespeare in today’s society. Works Cited // "About the RCS." Royal Shakespeare Company. 5 Apr 2009 <[]>.

"A History." The Royal Shakespeare Company. 5 Apr 2009 <[]>.

Alexander, Catherine. Shakespeare: The Life, The Works, The Treasures. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2006.