We are so proud of Tristan Jenkins for winning Second Place in ESU’s National Shakespeare Competition. Tristan is a senior at Olathe South High School. He impressed the judges with his performance of King Richard in the Shakespeare play Richard II and Sonnet 116.

We also want to thank his sponsoring teachers, David Tate Hastings and Skyler Smith, for their superb coaching in the school’s competition and to Sidonie Garrett, Executive Artistic Director of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival for her additional support and guidance with Tristan. Tristan will attend the American Shakespeare Center Theatre Camp this summer for three weeks in Staunton, Virginia.

Pictured: (L to R) Tristan Jenkins, Andy Wallace, and Spirit Waddell. Andy from the Kentucky Branch was First Place Winner and Spirit from the Atlanta Branch was Third Place Winner.

Congratulations to all the winners in the 2026 ESU National Shakespeare Competition.