The students had researched previous productions of the play in the RSC's archive at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford-upon-Avon, compiling a portfolio of visual material and critical responses to the play and to past productions as a resource for members of the company. Students and company members shared the first read through of the play and then worked on scenes from their differing perspectives with the actors demonstrating how they approached the text in the early stages of rehearsal and students presenting their research to the company. Professor Carol Rutter, Dr Richard Rowland of the University of York and Professor Valerie Wayne from the University of Honolulu who is editing Cymbeline for the Arden3 series also took part.

The occasion put into practice the CAPITAL Centre's objective to offer a shared space, both physical and conceptual, for teachers, students and theatre practitioners to come together and inform each others' work.