The English-Speaking Union of the United States: Education. Scholarship. Understanding.

Programs

National Shakespeare Competition

High school students from across the country compete for a chance to perform at New York City's Lincoln Center

 

High school students from across the country compete for a chance to perform at New York City's Lincoln Center

 

High school students from across the country compete for a chance to perform at New York City's Lincoln Center

 

High school students from across the country compete for a chance to perform at New York City's Lincoln Center

 
The English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition provides high school teachers across the country with a performance-based program for the study of English Language Arts curriculum and their teaching of Shakespeare.  Through the Competition, students develop communication skills and an appreciation of the power of language and literature.  The Competition has engaged more than 250,000 young people since its inception in 1983. 

Through the English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition, students:

  • develop essential skills: critical thinking, close reading and public speaking
  • increase self-confidence through reading, analysis and performance of Shakespeare
  • explore the beauty of Shakespeare's language and classic themes
  • bring the timeless works of Shakespeare to life and learn to express his words with understanding, feeling and clarity
  • meet local, state and national standards in English Language Arts and Drama.

Students read, analyze, perform and recite Shakespearean monologues and sonnets in three qualifying stages: at the school, community and national levels.  Approximately 2,000 teachers and 15,000 students in nearly 60 ESU Branch communities participate each year.

The ESU National Shakespeare Competition has been recognized by the Globe Center (USA), the Children's Theatre Foundation of America and the American Academy of Achievement.  Many distinguished judges have served on the Competition panels.