Emma Rice to launch new company Wise Children

Emma Rice, the outgoing Shakespeare's Globe artistic director, is to launch a new company called Wise Children.

The company, which was included in today's NPO announcement, will be based in the south west and will create ensemble work to tour nationally and internationally.

Emma Rice’s School for Wise Children, a training and apprenticeship scheme, will train independent artists and aims to diversify the creative workforce.

Talking about the new company, Rice said: "I look forward to growing Wise Children to become the inclusive, passionate and imaginative company I know it will be. We will nurture and support diverse new voices and talent, bringing them together with the most brilliant and creative established artists and practitioners in the industry.

"This is a movement with a commitment to the generous exchange of skills, humanity and ideas at its heart. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to share in our journey and to celebrate the power of theatre and all the curiosity, bravery and freedom it brings."

Rice's final season at the Globe is currently underway, titled the Summer of Love, the next production is Matthew Dunster’s Much Ado About Nothing, which opens on 20 July.