In an exciting virtual experience, our Year 10 learners delved into the world of Shakespeare’s Macbeth through a live online lesson delivered by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). The session gave our students a unique opportunity to explore how Shakespeare’s stagecraft, characters, and language are brought to life for modern audiences. 
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) works with more than 1,000 schools, 500,000 young people and 2,000 teachers each year, bringing the benefits of Shakespeare in education to classrooms across the country. Through its Associate Schools Programme, the RSC partners long-term with schools and regional theatres to share rehearsal-based approaches that spark imagination, build confidence, and improve communication skills. Its work with teachers, students, and young people continues to shape how Shakespeare is taught, learned, and experienced in schools nationwide. 

During the lesson, learners watched professional actors and the director rehearse key scenes from Macbeth — Act 1, Scene 5, and Act 2, Scene 2. They were able to see how creative decisions are made in real time, from interpreting tone and motivation to exploring the tension between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The director shared invaluable insights into the characters’ relationships and how these moments are shaped for performance. 
The experience gave our learners a rare behind-the-scenes look at the artistic process and a deeper understanding of Shakespeare’s intentions. It helped them see how performance choices can reveal meaning, emotion, and complexity within the text. 
“It was fantastic to see students connect with Shakespeare in such a real and dynamic way,” said Kate Kelly, Lead Practitioner of Teaching and Learning, English. “The opportunity to watch professional actors rehearse helped them understand not just the language, but the living energy behind it.” 
This masterclass brought literature to life, giving our learners the chance to connect their classroom study to the creativity and collaboration that define professional theatre. Experiences like this demonstrate how powerful it can be when education meets industry expertise. 

About IndEX Inspire (Masterclasses) 
This experience was part of our IndEX Inspire (Masterclass) programme, one of four employer-led touchpoints that bring professionals into the classroom to connect learning with real-world practice and industry expertise. 
 
Every IndEX experience is designed to connect learning with industry. 
If your organisation would like to deliver a masterclass, set a live project, or support our learners’ professional growth, we’d love to collaborate. 
Get in touch with our Head of Partnerships, [email protected].