Supporting your journey from page to stage

Central to the Theatre Festival process is you — the Teacher Director.

Taking part in the Shakespeare Schools Festival is a creative journey — and our Professional Learning offer is designed to support you every step of the way.

After 25 years of the Theatre Festival and 15 years of an unchanged Teacher Workshop model, the offer looks a bit different this year. We’ve put together this guide to support you to understand the changes. We’re very excited to bring you this offer this year and hope that you are too!

Whether you’re new to directing or building on experience, you’ll receive practical training, creative guidance and personalised support to help you feel confident leading your production.

A joined-up journey of support

Our programme is structured to support you at key moments:

  • Start strong with clear guidance (new Teacher Directors)
  • Develop your rehearsal practice (new Teacher Directors)
  • Refine your work with personalised support (new Teacher Directors)
  • Challenge and deepen your thinking (all Teacher Directors)
  • Stay inspired through creative collaboration (all Teacher Directors)

What’s included

For new Teacher Directors

  • Festival First Steps – a clear introduction to the Festival process
  • From Page to Stage – practical, inclusive staging approaches
  • Creative Development Calls– one-to-one support for your production

For all Teacher Directors

  • The Play’s the Thing – deepen your interpretation of your play
  • Playful Spaces – connect, experiment and grow your practice

Designed for teachers like you

We know how busy teachers are. That’s why our programme combines accessible online learning with high-impact in-person experiences, ensuring every Teacher Director gets the support they need.

Get the most from your Festival experience

We encourage you to take part in as much of the programme as you can to make the most of the support available. So, explore your sessions and book your place.

Support
Festival First Steps
Format: Online | 3.30–5pm
Audience: ✅ New Teacher Directors only

Dates:
  • Thursday 11th June (Autumn cohort)
  • Thursday 12th November (Spring cohort) (Your session will be allocated to your schedule)
Start your Festival journey with confidence. This essential session introduces the structure, key milestones and support available, helping you begin rehearsals with clarity and purpose.

👉 You’ll be automatically assigned a session — no booking required. Check your BackStage account.
From Page to Stage
Format: Online | 3.30–5.30pm
Audience: ✅ New Teacher Directors only

Dates:
  • Thursday 17 September (Autumn cohort)
  • Thursday 7th and Tuesday 12 January 2027 (Spring cohort) (Your session will be allocated to your schedule)
A practical workshop focused on bringing your play to life through clear, inclusive staging. Learn rehearsal room exercises which support all learners and shape strong performances.

👉 Your session will be allocated as part of your Festival journey. Check your BackStage account.
Creative Development Calls
Format: One-to-one | 45 minutes
Audience: ✅ New Teacher Directors only

When:
  • Scheduled approximately 2–3 weeks after your In-School Workshop
Targeted support at a key moment in your rehearsal process. Work with a CSSF Associate to refine ideas, solve challenges and build confidence in your directing choices.

👉 Your call will be scheduled for you, with options provided if you need to rearrange. Check your BackStage account to see if your date has been allocated yet.
Challenge
The Play's The Thing
Format: Online masterclass | 3.30 – 5pm
Audience: All Teacher Directors

Dates:
  • Between 21st September – 1st October (Autumn and Spring cohorts) (Allocated to your schedule)
Explore the play beyond the page.

These dynamic online masterclasses invite you to dive into the themes, ideas and creative possibilities at the heart of Shakespeare’s plays. Led by a CSSF Artistic Associate, each session brings together Teacher Directors with professional theatre-makers to explore what these plays can mean for a contemporary audience.

You’ll hear from actors including Alfred Enoch, Lucy Phelps and John Heffernan, who through their recent performances in these plays will share:
  • Their experience of bringing the plays to life in performance
  • The themes and moments that resonated most with them
  • How they worked with directors and companies to shape meaning for a 21st century audience
You’ll also:
  • Explore key themes and contemporary connections
  • Consider different design and directing choices
  • Develop ideas to deepen your own interpretation
👉 Sessions are scheduled for you. Check your BackStage account.
Inspire
Playful Spaces
Format: In person | One-day event
Audience: All Teacher Directors

Dates & Locations: (for Autumn and Spring cohorts)
  • Contact Theatre, Manchester – 6th October
  • Northern Stage, Newcastle – 7th October
  • Belgrade Theatre, Coventry – 12th October
  • Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, London – 13th October
  • Rose Theatre, Kingston Upon Thames - 4th December
An inspiring day of masterclasses, networking and reflection, helping you create inclusive rehearsal spaces where every young person can thrive.

👉 Booking required — sign up early to secure your place
FAQs
FAQs

Who are the different sessions for?

Our programme includes a mix of sessions designed specifically for new Teacher Directors, alongside opportunities open to all Teacher Directors.

If you’re new to the Festival, we strongly recommend attending:
  • Festival First Steps
  • From Page to Stage
  • Creative Development Call
These sessions are designed to give you the core knowledge, skills and confidence to get started.

Why is there more online learning this year?

We know it’s becoming increasingly difficult for teachers to attend external CPD. By offering key sessions online, we can ensure all Teacher Directors have access to essential training and support, wherever they are based.

Why isn’t there a Teacher Workshop in my area this year?

Our Playful Spaces events replace the previous Teacher Workshop model. These events are taking place in professional theatres and:
  • Bring together more teachers
  • Offer stronger networking opportunities
  • Include masterclasses led by industry specialists

Is Playful Spaces the same as a Teacher Workshop?

The format has evolved, but the purpose remains the same. Playful Spaces is designed to:
  • Prepare you to direct your Festival production
  • Build your confidence and creative toolkit

Do I need to attend everything?

We recommend attending as much as you can.

Can I bring a colleague?

Yes — collaboration is encouraged.
  • You can bring up to two members of staff to online sessions free of charge
  • You can bring up to two members of staff to Playful Spaces in most locations free of charge
  • Additional places at London Playful Spaces events are available at £99 + VAT per person

Why isn’t there a separate inclusive practice workshop this year?

Inclusive practice is now embedded throughout the entire Professional Learning offer.
  • Integrate inclusive approaches into all sessions
  • Ensure all Teacher Directors can access this thinking
  • Demonstrate that inclusive practice is simply good practice

Can you support with travel or accommodation?

In most cases, we’re unable to contribute to travel or accommodation costs.

Can you contribute to cover costs?

We are unfortunately unable to contribute towards cover costs.

My Playful Spaces event is after my in-school workshop — will it still be useful?

Yes. Playful Spaces is designed to support your rehearsal process at any stage, not just at the beginning.

I signed up late and missed some sessions — what can I do?

We recommend attending whatever sessions you can.
  • Online sessions will be recorded and available to watch later
  • Your Programme Coordinator can support you if you’ve missed key elements
We’ll help ensure you still feel prepared and confident to lead your production.