Suitable for KS3 and KS4 (Years 7–11)
Duration 2 hours
Group size up to 120 per session
Location at your school
Delivered by Professional actors
Shaking the System: Shakespeare on Equality
A thought-provoking, two-hour workshop exploring how Shakespeare challenged prejudice, questioned power and championed empathy. Through performance, discussion and debate, students discover how four-hundred-year-old plays continue to illuminate some of society's most important conversations.
Make an EnquiryWhat Makes Our Equality Workshop Different
Unlike traditional PSHE sessions, students approach today's issues through Shakespeare's characters, creating space for curiosity, discussion and genuine critical thinking. Students aren't being told what to think. They're analysing characters, then gradually realising the same questions still exist today.
Shakespeare as a Social Commentator
Students discover that Shakespeare didn't simply reflect the prejudices of his age. Through characters such as Beatrice, Juliet, Caliban and Shylock, they explore how his plays often questioned accepted ideas about gender, race, power and justice.
Theatre That Builds Empathy
Rather than being told what to think, students experience characters' thoughts, motivations and emotions through live performance before debating difficult questions together. Theatre becomes a safe place to explore complex issues from multiple perspectives.
Connecting Shakespeare with Today's World
Students compare Shakespeare's exploration of prejudice with examples of contemporary media reporting, political discourse and public debate, examining how language influences the way individuals and groups are perceived.
What Happens in the Workshop...
1 ➟ Shakespeare and Equality
Students are introduced to Shakespeare not simply as Britain's greatest playwright, but as a writer fascinated by power, injustice and what it means to be human. Depending on the school's preferences, we draw material from several of Shakespeare's plays to build a coherent exploration of equality.
2 ➟ Gender, Power and Patriarchy
Through Beatrice and Benedick, students explore one of Shakespeare's healthiest relationships before contrasting it with Claudio's treatment of Hero and Lord Capulet's control of Juliet. Live interviews with characters encourage students to question authority, gender expectations and the historical position of women while considering how far society has changed.
3 ➟ Race, Identity and Human Dignity
Using scenes from The Tempest and The Merchant of Venice, students explore Caliban and Shylock as some of Shakespeare's most misunderstood characters. Through performance and discussion they examine colonialism, prejudice, antisemitism and belonging, asking why Shakespeare invites audiences to question the labels placed upon others.
4 ➟ Shakespeare and Society Today
The workshop concludes by connecting Shakespeare's ideas with contemporary society. Students compare historical and modern examples of prejudice, considering how language, media and public discourse continue to shape attitudes today. They leave recognising that understanding another person's humanity remains one of Shakespeare's greatest lessons.
KS3 - KS5 Curriculum Links
Our Shakespeare on Equality workshop supports learning across English, PSHE, Citizenship, History and Religious Education, while encouraging students to think critically, debate respectfully and engage confidently with complex social issues.
English Literature
Students explore Shakespeare through live performance, developing deeper understanding of character, language, context and interpretation while strengthening analytical thinking across KS3, GCSE and A Level study.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Students investigate themes of gender, race, religion, identity and power through Shakespeare's characters, encouraging thoughtful discussion grounded in literature rather than opinion alone.
PSHE and Citizenship
The workshop develops empathy, respectful debate and critical thinking by exploring discrimination, equality and social responsibility through historical and contemporary perspectives.
Historical Context
Students examine how attitudes have changed over four centuries while recognising that progress has often come through people willing to challenge accepted ideas. Shakespeare becomes a lens through which students explore social change.
Spoken Language and Debate
Students question characters, justify opinions, evaluate evidence and engage in structured discussion throughout the workshop, strengthening communication skills alongside confidence in expressing complex ideas.
Critical Thinking
Rather than searching for simple answers, students learn to question assumptions, consider multiple perspectives and evaluate how language influences attitudes towards individuals and communities.
What Teachers Say About Our Workshops
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Sky Blue were great communicators in the lead up to the workshop. On the day of the workshop, they were incredibly engaging and really understood how to work with teenagers to get the best out of them! Our students really enjoyed the performance and have continued to talk about it since."
- Hope Treadwell, English Lead, Walton High Academy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Sky Blue Theatre is far more than a visiting company. They are a highlight of our academic year and an essential part of our students' cultural and educational journey. We cannot recommend them highly enough! Their energy, professionalism, and passion for theatre make a lasting impact on everyone they work with."
- Katherine Oddy, English Teacher, Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate
What Your School Gains From The Experience
🎭 Themes
✓ Equality and human rights
✓ Gender and patriarchy
✓ Race and identity
✓ Religious prejudice
✓ Colonialism
✓ Power and authority
✓ Empathy and compassion
✓ Shakespeare as social commentator
🧠 Skills
✓ Critical thinking
✓ Empathy
✓ Discussion and debate
✓ Spoken communication
✓ Literary interpretation
✓ Contextual understanding
✓ Evidence-based reasoning
✓ Confidence expressing ideas
👥 Who benefits?
✓ Years 7–13
✓ English departments
✓ PSHE programmes
✓ Citizenship
✓ Religious Education
✓ History departments
✓ Black History Month
✓ International Women's Day
✓ Anti-Bullying Week
✓ Diversity and Inclusion events
✓ Whole year group enrichment
🌟 Why Book
✓ 100% active pupil participation
✓ Zero coach or travel logistics
✓ Critical thinking and analysis
✓ Fits seamlessly into your timetable
✓ Highly cost-effective per pupil
✓ Mass capacity (up to 100 per session)
✓ Rated Outstanding by UK teachers
Also Available for Secondary Schools
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Delve into comedy, conflict and powerful women through an interactive workshop that brings Shakespeare's most popular comedy vividly to life.
The Tempest
Explore power, magic and forgiveness through an interactive workshop that unlocks one of Shakespeare's most imaginative and thought-provoking plays.
Romeo and Juliet
Bring Shakespeare's most studied play to life through practical exploration of character, conflict and themes, helping students deepen their understanding through performance.
One Hour Shakespeare
We also do 1-hour workshops that are designed for up to 60 students with a focus on the key scenes. Enquire for more details.
Shakespeare Remix
Discover Shakespeare through scenes from multiple plays, building confidence with his language, characters and enduring themes through performance.
Macbeth
Explore ambition, power and consequence through one of Shakespeare's most exciting tragedies. A favourite for dramatic storytelling.
FAQs
How long is the workshop?
The workshop runs for two hours, ideal as a morning or afternoon session. We can also deliver two workshops in a single day for larger year groups or for another Year Group, with up to 120 students per session.
How many students can take part?
Our secondary workshops work brilliantly with whole year groups of up to 120 students per session. Every student can participate, either through volunteering, directing, questioning or debating.
Is it suitable for all abilities?
Absolutely. The workshop is designed for mixed-ability groups and works particularly well for GCSE sets of all levels. Our actors adapt the depth of analysis and the pace of discussion to match the group in front of them.
What do you need from us on the day?
Very little. We simply need a suitable hall or large classroom, access to a plug socket if required, and a few members of staff to support behaviour in line with your usual school expectations. We bring the costumes, props, energy and expertise.
What can pupils expect?
Expect a lively, practical workshop where pupils become part of the action. Using costumes, storytelling, performance and interactive activities, they explore Shakespeare's characters, themes and language by doing rather than simply watching. No previous acting experience is needed, and every child gets involved.
How do I book?
Simply complete our enquiry form and we'll normally reply within one working day with availability, pricing and any information you need.
How far do you travel
We work with schools across the whole of England. Travel costs are factored into our quotation, and we regularly visit schools from Cornwall to Newcastle. Distance is never a barrier to an enquiry.
Is this an English workshop or a PSHE workshop?
Both. The workshop uses Shakespeare to explore themes of equality, prejudice and social change, making it suitable for English, PSHE, Citizenship, History, Religious Education and whole-school enrichment programmes.
Is this suitable for KS3, KS4 and KS5?
Yes. The workshop is carefully adapted for Years 7–13, ensuring discussions remain age-appropriate while encouraging thoughtful participation from every student.
Does the workshop promote a particular political viewpoint?
No. Students are encouraged to examine evidence, consider different perspectives and engage respectfully in discussion. The workshop explores Shakespeare's characters alongside historical and contemporary examples without telling students what they should think. Schools regularly use this workshop to complement programmes exploring respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, British values and positive relationships.
Which Shakespeare plays are included?
We draw material from several plays, including Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest and The Merchant of Venice. The exact selection can be adapted to suit your curriculum and the focus of your event.
Do your actors have DBS checks?
Yes. Every Shakespeare Rewired workshop is delivered by experienced professional actors who hold enhanced DBS certificates and regularly work in schools across the UK.
Payment
We invoice after the booking confirmation, and payment is due within two weeks of the workshop having taken place. We want the booking process to be as straightforward as possible for schools.
Booking lead time
We recommend booking months in advance to secure your preferred date, though we do have availability at shorter notice. Get in touch, and we'll let you know what's available.
Start the Conversation with Shakespeare
Whether you're planning a PSHE programme, Black History Month, International Women's Day or an English enrichment event, Shaking the System uses Shakespeare to inspire thoughtful discussion about equality, prejudice and what it means to build a better society.
Request Availability and Pricing
Complete the short form below and we'll usually respond within one working day with availability, pricing and the workshop that's right for your pupils.