Annual Shakespeare Competition

Annual Shakespeare Competition

Collier County Library Orange Blossom Auditorium

There is no admission fee for this event.

The 2026 ESU National Shakespeare Competition has been launched. All of us at the ESU are excited to once again offer students the unique opportunity to engage with Shakespeare’s texts in a competitive yet supportive environment. As in years past, the program will culminate in a fun-filled weekend of events in New York City and a final competition held live on state at the Lincoln Center on Monday, April 27, 2026.

The English-Speaking Union’s Shakespeare Competition is a dynamic, performance-based program that brings Shakespeare to life in high school classrooms across the country. Through reading, analyzing, and performing Shakespeare’s works, students not only deepen their appreciation of literature but also develop essential skills that benefit them far beyond the stage.

Why Participate?

This nationally recognized program aligns with modern educational best practices and supports teachers in fostering critical academic and personal growth. Students:
Enhance essential skills in critical thinking, close reading, and public speaking.
Engage with all six levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy, progressing from comprehension to creative interpretation.
Build self-confidence through performance while decoding the beauty and complexity of Shakespeare’s language.
Explore universal themes through experiential, student-centered, and cross-curricular learning.
Meet key English Language Arts and Drama standards at the local, state, and national levels.
Dr. Cindy Gomez is the Naples Branch Chair for 2026. For more information, email
Dr. Gomez: phd2012@hotmail.com