The RSC became the first theatre company to be awarded Independent Research Organisation (IRO) status in 2021.

Connected Symposium for teachers
Photo by Sam Allard, Fisher Studios © RSC Browse and license our images

We were  awarded IRO status by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the national funding agency investing in science and research in the UK.

Our vision for research is driven by the following themes at the heart of our work: 

  • The impact of interpreting Shakespeare on the identity of people and places across generations and geographies
  • Removing barriers to participation in arts and culture.
  • Changing theatre forms and audience engagement through innovations in immersive technologies
  • Intersectional inclusion embedded in practice and culture

We're committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Principles of co-production and co-creation are at the heart of our work with communities across the UK and also define our approach to research.

Current research

First-Encounters-with-Shakespeare_-_The-Comedy-of-Errors_-production-photographs_-2018_2018_Photo-by-Sam-Allard-_c_-RSC_266114-social

Find out more

Previous research

Three children seated cross-legged clapping hands and looking happy and excited wearing red school jumpers 

Find out more