| RSC OPEN DAY 2005 DETAILS | STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
SUNDAY APRIL 24, 10.30am - 5.30pm |
Imagine a party where the guests include Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the starship Enterprise, 007’s Miss Moneypenny, Hogwart’s caretaker Mr. Filch, members of one of the most famous acting dynasties on earth, and, err, Po from the Teletubbies. Fantasy stuff? Nope.
 | | Award winning actress Vanessa Redgrave |
It’s going to happen, and on your doorstep. All these distinguished and well known faces, and more, are coming together to help celebrate the Bard’s 441st birthday. Despite the film roles the majority of us know them for, they are all RSC actors of some distinction, have a passion for Shakespeare, and are coming to mark his birthday this year. The RSC has planned an Open Day on Sunday 24th April with a fabulous itinerary for all age groups and interests. Highlights include: Actors Patrick Stewart, David Bradley and Samantha Bond talk about their careers. The Big Party – mingle with the stars and enjoy a very special party. Vanessa and Corin Redgrave explore Shakespeare with RSC Honorary Director, John Barton. RSC actors, directors, designers, musicians, choreographers and craftspeople give behind the scenes insights into their work. Events for 5-16 year olds. Special tours backstage and around the RSC’s set and props workshops, and the chance to talk with members of the RSC Costume department . | "It looks set to be a great day that offers everyone the chance to find out more about what we do. " | | Michael Boyd, RSC Artistic Director |
Between 10.30am-5.30pm festivities will include talks, demonstrations and many opportunities to get creatively involved. There will also be the chance to get up close and personal with the actors who have worked for the Company, including Vanessa and Corin Redgrave, Patrick Stewart, Samantha Bond and David Bradley. In addition to the normal packed programme of activities that are free-of-charge there will also be a series of extra special events. These events will have an entry charge, and as spaces are limited, tickets can be booked in advance from Saturday 26 March on the RSC Theatre Events Ticket Line - 01789 403492.
 | | David Bradley, aka Hogwart's caretaker |
Harry Potter stars and RSC actors David Bradley (Filch) and Ray Fearon (Centaur), together with CBBC presenter Poi Fan Lee (aka Teletubby Po) will talk about all things magical, whether it’s sorcery in Shakespeare or flying around Hogwarts, in a session entitled ‘Shakespeare’s Wizards.’
Anyone who has ever wondered what it’s like to work for the RSC and in the movie industry can catch ‘From Stratford to Hollywood’ as Patrick Stewart and Samantha Bond reveal all about their journey from the banks of the Avon to the hills of Hollywood. Also revealing all will be three of the RSC’s most popular actors who will be giving the lowdown on their Bottoms! Desmond Barrit, David Troughton and Malcolm Storry will talk about the challenge of presenting one of Shakespeare’s most loveable clowns – Bottom the Weaver from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.
 | | William Shakespeare |
RSC Honorary Director, John Barton will lead a workshop about Shakespeare’s text in performance with Vanessa Redgrave and Corin Redgrave in ‘How Shakespeare Writes For Actors’. Theatre surgeries will see some of the country’s leading experts in their field share their valuable knowledge of the industry. Sessions will be led by Ishia Bennison and Richard Cordery (RSC actors), Rachel Kavanaugh (Director) and John Cannon (RSC Director of Casting). TV Historian, Michael Wood will join RSC Associate Director, Gregory Doran, the Rt. Hon Lord Hattersley, and actors David Oyelowo (from Spooks), Kathryn Hunter and Alexandra Gilbreath in conversation about Shakespeare’s legacy in a session entitled ‘What Shakespeare Did For Us’.
 | | Take part in make-up workshops |
Backstage tours will be on offer throughout the day, and there will also be the chance to visit the RSC Workshops to see where the sets and props are made, and to talk with members of the RSC Costume department. And for those who fancy being treated like a real celebrity an exclusive ‘Star Tour’ will be a backstage tour like no other. An actor will guide people around every nook and cranny of the theatre, taking in the Star Dressing Room, rehearsal rooms, the wig and make-up departments - all rounded off by tea and cake in the world-famous Green Room. At the end of the Open Day members of the public can buy tickets for ‘The Big Party’. This will be a rare opportunity to mingle with the stars, enjoy a glass of bubbly and a slice of birthday cake. A special fashion show, dancing and fireworks will round off what is sure to be the glitziest and most glamorous party around! One of the most popular features of the Open Day is the range of drama and theatre activities specially designed for those aged between 5-16. The Other Place is certain to be a hive of activity, offering younger visitors the opportunity to act, sing, try on costumes and make their own fairy mask.
 | | Sword fighting workshops |
A host of other free events includes a big voice and movement warm-up run by Gary Sefton who played the Beast in the RSC’s successful Christmas show, Beauty and the Beast, and a stage fight workshop run by RSC Fight Director, Terry King. It’s set to be one heck of a birthday party, and old William himself would have absolutely loved it. Members of the public can find out more or request a copy of the Open Day leaflet by contacting 01789 403492 or info@rsc.org.uk. Further information at www.rsc.org.uk. CELEBRATE SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY AT THE RSC’S OPEN DAY RSC OPEN DAY 2005 - STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
SUNDAY APRIL 24, 10.30am - 5.30pm | 
