Open Stages is a new project that aims to embrace, develop and celebrate amateur theatre, re-forging the bond with the world of professional theatre.

As part of the World Shakespeare Festival, the Royal Shakespeare Company is inviting some of the RSC Open Stages' most exciting amateur companies to perform their own Shakespeare-themed productions at the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Throughout 2011 and 2012, the RSC, in partnership with a number of producing theatres and amateur theatre associations, is running a national programme of skill-sharing events and showcases across the UK. 

Over 260 amateur companies have signed up to produce RSC Open Stages productions, from Penzance to the Isle of Skye, with over 6400 people taking part.  Some companies have been regularly performing Shakespeare since well before the establishment of the RSC and some are trying it for the first time.  Productions have been performed everywhere from castles to village halls, beaches to ballrooms, supermarkets to forests.

The best of amateur theatre will be coming to Stratford-upon-Avon in a series of showcase events during the World Shakespeare Festival.  These performances take place on 13, 14, 15, 21 and 22 July 2012. 

Further details to be announced.

To find out more about the project, visit www.rsc.org.uk/openstages