Shakespeare Nation 2026

Shakespeare Nation (2026)

Hall for Cornwall is once again on the lookout for people to join our Shakespeare Nation Community Company in collaboration with the
Royal Shakespeare Company.

Shakespeare Nation is a programme run nationally by various associate regional theatres of the Royal Shakespeare Company. It provides opportunities for adults to become Shakespeare Champions. We want to hear from you if you’re interested in onstage or offstage opportunities, whether you have a love of Shakespeare or whether it terrifies you. We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals new to performing alongside more seasoned Shakespeare enthusiasts, and all we ask is that you have a love of theatre, a passion for performance and want to have fun whilst creating.

The next project for Shakespeare Nation will be  Romeo and Juliet, and the Hall for Cornwall stage has been booked for SUN 26 APR 2026.

Alister O’Loughlin from Prodigal UPG will direct the project, with Sam Colborne returning as Assistant Director. There will also be occasional workshops with RSC practitioners.

Shakespeare Nation will start up again on WED 14 JAN 2026 with rehearsals once a week (6.30pm–9pm), and a couple of all-day sessions during the February Half Term and also during the first week of the Easter Holidays (9am–5pm). The venue for the sessions will be Truro City Council, above Hall for Cornwall’s Boscawen Bar.

Rehearsal schedule as follows:

WED 14, WED 21, WED 28 JAN

WED 04, WED 11, TUE 17*, WED 18*, WED 25 FEB   *full-day rehearsals (February Half Term)

WED 04, WED 11, WED 18, WED 25, TUE 31* MAR   *full-day rehearsal (Easter Holidays)

WED 01*, WED 08, WED 15, WED 22 APR   *full-day rehearsal (Easter Holidays)

To confirm, the full-day rehearsals will be TUE 17 & WED 18 FEB and TUE 31 MAR & WED 01 APR. There will also be a rehearsal on SAT 25 APR ahead of the performance at Hall for Cornwall in the evening of SUN 26 APR.

If there’s anything Hall for Cornwall can do to make your experience of participating easier – we are committed to breaking down barriers to attending.

Shakespeare Nation is funded by the Royal Shakespeare Company. All workshops and sessions are free to attend and are for those 18+.

Shakespeare Nation 2026 is now sold out.