About Us & Activities

ESU National Shakespeare Competition

The National Shakespeare Competition is a performance-based program focused on the study of English, Language Arts, and Shakespeare. This school-based program serves Grades 9-12 and enables students to develop communication skills and an appreciation of the power of language and literature. The Competition has engaged more than 400,000 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.

2018-2019 ESU National shakespeare competition: Niagra Frontier/Buffalo branch

The 36th Annual ESU National Shakespeare Competition: Niagra Frontier/Buffalo Branch will take place on March 2nd, 2019 at 10:00 AM, location TBD. The deadline for area schools to register is February 20th, 2019. The deadline for area schools to hold their competition is March 1st, 2019. Contact Al Franco at afranco@starpointcsd.org.