The Finale for the Branch High School Shakespeare oration contest, dire weather forecasts notwithstanding, did not deter the intrepid actors, their coaches, families, and hearty Branch Members from braving the gusty crossing of the Blue Ridge into the valley and onto the Blackfriars Theater, the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, Virginia.

As one says, the show must go on! This year’s contest brought a record number of schools, public and private, from Central Virginia – Eleven. The larger number of contestants, the greater experience of the coaches with the format, the fact three of the contestants were returnees (two of whom placed, Second and Third) made for increasingly stiff competition.

 

The Program opened with a welcome and introductions given by Branch Shakespeare Chair, Fay Cunningham (long time actor and coach), who, in addition to thanking the contestants, coaches, and families, went on to offer special thanks to her assistants, Richard Kelly as “prompter”, and Debbie Pruett and Ginna Kelly, for their efforts to mount a wonderful reception for all during the judging intermission. She the turned the stage over to Branch President Williams, who opened with a surprise improvised Monologue – a tongue in cheek take off on Henry V’s “St. Crispin’s Day Speech,” prior to the battle of Agincourt, in which he cried out that, “…those asleep in their warm beds in Charlottesville hold themselves cheaply, and the memory of them will soon be forgotten. But for those “intrepid” few, the brave few, this band of brothers (and sisters), who ventured forth to the Blackfriar’s fields this day, will be honored from this day forward, on this “St. Valentine’s Day” (almost), and remembered long into the future.” President Willams then settled, and duly said, “Scene”, and smiled. The stunned audience roared with laughter and hearty applause. He then, on behalf of the English-Speaking Union, officially welcomed all and then turned to the contestants and brought to their attention the fact that the iconic ESU- Shakespeare Competition is held in Russia, India, the Philippines, Argentina, Japan, France, Germany and England, among other countries in the Global ESU Branch Network. He then advised that the winner of the day’s contest would be sent to NYC in April by the Branch to compete against winners from all over the country. In conclusion, he reminded all present that some dozen years ago, the winner from Tandem Friends School went on to win the National competition and was sent by National to study with other winners from around the world at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London that summer.

 

And now, for what you are all anxiously awaiting – and the Winners were…

As noted, the competition was fierce. The performances were truly impressive. In order of their performances, the actors, and their schools follow.

 

 

Following the Receptions, all returned to the theater to hear the Branch-hired professional actor/coaches critique the young thespians – eager to hear how that might each improve their dramatics skills.

 

 

Then the moment arrived when the winners were called up and President Williams handed them their certificates and Branch prize-money checks of $600 (1st), $400 (2nd), and $300 (3rd), respectively. President Williams later remarked, that when the unsuspecting winner was named, in shock, she came up to receive her certificate and saw the check, and promptly gasped. Her reaction says it all. This is why this ESU program stands so clearly, so boldly, as a testament to the impact that this organization has on young people all over the world. It serves as a reminder to Branch members that if you have never ventured forth to join in this annual paean to the memory of Wm Shakespeare and observe, feel, see, and taste the influence he continues to have on our youth, then you have truly missed out. Hope to see more of you turn out for next year’s theatrical. 

Every year, adding to the thrill of the performances, the lunch that follows for members and friends, flushed with the thrill of the experience, is nothing short of just exuberant camaraderie and fun. Thanks again to Fay and her team who made it all possible.

Cheers. President Williams