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
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
We invite schools join us for the 2014 ESU National Shakespeare Competition!
About the Competition
The English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition provides teachers across the country with a performance-based program for the study of English Language Arts and Shakespeare. It is a school-based program serving Grades 9-12. 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.
NEW THIS YEAR...
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2013 National Shakespeare Competition
30th Season
Teenager from Queens, NY Wins National Shakespeare Competition
Captivating audiences with a performance of a sonnet and monologue from Shakespeare, Xavier Pacheco (far right) from Corona, New York, a student of Gabriel Silva at the Urban Assembly School for the Performing Arts in New York City, won first prize at the 30th season of the English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition. The Competition was held on April 22nd at Lincoln Center in New York City for 58 winners of ESU Branch competitions nationwide. Xavier had previously won the ESU New York Branch regional competition. For placing first at the national competition, he will attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art's Young Actors Summer School in London, England. Read Full Story
To see videos of student performances, click here.
