In 2017, aged 13, Scout Worsley (Pictured, Left) from Bradford was recruited alongside 20 other talented 12-18 year olds from across the country to become part of the RSC’s new young company, Next Generation Act. Now aged 20 and having graduated from Bristol School of Acting, Scout has been cast as Miranda and will make her professional debut in the company’s latest First Encounters touring production of The Tempest, directed by Aaron Parsons (Pictured, Right).

As part of the Next Generation Act company, Scout performed as Venus in Sapho and Phao; Jessica in First Encounters: The Merchant of Venice; Peter in Henry VI: Rebellion; and as Leonato in All Mirth and No Matter. At school, she also performed in the RSC’s annual school’s Playmaking Festival and was part of a small chorus of young people in the RSC’s First Encounter: Julius Caesar when it visited Bradford in 2018. 

She said: “At school, my English teacher encouraged me to take my interest in acting seriously. But it was when I joined Next Generation Act that my confidence really started to grow and I began to see that I could pursue it professionally. From the start at the RSC I met and worked with some of the most incredible and inspirational people. And because they believed in me, I started believing in myself, feeling more and more like this was where I belonged and what I wanted to do with my life.

“Besides all the practical experience, one of the biggest advantages has been the networks I’ve built. The mentors I met and worked with at the RSC are still the people I call on now for advice and guidance. When I started my own theatre company last year, it was that same pool of brilliant people that I turned to for support - something I’d never have had access to without Next Gen. 

“To come full circle and be back at the RSC for my first professional role since graduating from drama school also feels significant. It’s daunting taking those first steps, but coming back to where it all began is hugely comforting and reassuring”.

First Encounters: The Tempest is aimed at 7-13 year olds and new audiences and will tour for 12 weeks until Saturday 10 May 2025. Performances will take place in partner schools, partner theatres, and community venues in Bradford, Stratford-upon-Avon (Tues 25 - Sat 29 March), Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Newcastle upon Tyne, Corby, Blackpool, Cumbria, and Northampton.