The English-Speaking Union

National Shakespeare Writing Competition

I Am Shakespeare Competition

•Creative writing with academic dimensions
•Higher Rigor
•Exclusively for high school students
•Inspires a real connection to Shakespeare's language for non-performers

Submissions accepted now! 

Deadline to submit is December 31, 2022

Winner will be announced in early 2023

Prizes for teachers and students! 

SUMBIT YOUR ENTRY BY CLICKING HERE!

CLICK HERE FOR THE ESU NATIONAL WRITING PROGRAM HANDBOOK

CLICK HERE FOR TEACHER RESOURCES INCLUDING THE RUBRIC 

 I AM Shakespeare is a a sonnet writing contest sponsored by the English-Speaking Union (ESU).  

Students will strictly follow the form of a Shakespearean sonnet (14 line, ending couplet, volta, iambic pentamenter) and write a contemporary sonnet inspired by their lives.

This competition requires a good understanding of sonnet structure, and familiarity with Shakespeare's themes and works. This high-rigor competition is open to high school students only.

Students are encouraged to submit work from their actual classes, or they may submit work written specifically for this contest.