The annual Shakespeare Schools Festival South Africa (SSFSA) is at the Baxter Theatre until Saturday August 20. Aadam Gaidien, 22, pictured, from Muizenberg, has a long association with the SSFSA. From 2015 to 2018 when he matriculated, he was part of the SSFSA as a performer participating with his school, Vista Nova High. SSFSA founder Ksenyina Filinova-Bruton invited him to be an MC for the festival in 2019 and he has done the job each year thereafter. “This festival has definitely made a huge impact on my life,” he says, "helping me grow into the person I am today. I'll always be thankful to the festival for all the opportunities it has given me.” Aadam is currently working at becoming a surf board shaper. Tickets for the SSFSA cost from R85 through Webtickets.