The ESU National Shakespeare Competition is a performance-based education program. High school students develop analytical and communication skills by performing Shakespeare at the school, community, and national levels. Since 1983 more than 425,000 students have brought the timeless works of Shakespeare to life. 2024 marks the 41st year the ESU New York City Branch has participated in the National Shakespeare Competition.
The Competition helps students develop speaking and critical-thinking skills while they explore the beauty of the language and the timeless themes in Shakespeare’s works. By preparing a monologue and sonnet for public presentation, students bring Shakespeare to life in their own way and learn to express his works with understanding, clarity, and feeling. Approximately 600 teachers and 3,500 students in nearly 45 ESU branches participate each year.
High school students from the New York City area (Grades 9-12) will be competing for First Place at the New York City Finals with the winner advancing to the National Finals in New York City in April 2024. Students perform and recite Shakespeare monologues and sonnets in three qualifying stages: school, branch, and National levels.
If you are a Theatre, English, Forensics teacher, or administer a home school program, we encourage you to enter to give your students an opportunity to participate in this exciting competition. If you are an interested high school student, please alert your teachers to this valuable program.
New York City Branch 2025 NSC Events:
- NYC Semi-Final Round 1
Monday, February 10, 4:00–7:00 PM
ESU National Headquarters
144 E 39th St, NYC (between Lexington & 3rd Ave) - NYC Semi-Final Round 2
Wednesday, February 12, 4:00–7:00 PM
ESU National Headquarters
144 E 39th St, NYC (between Lexington & 3rd Ave) - NYC Branch Finals
Tuesday, February 25, 4:00–6:00 PM
The Players
16 Gramercy Park South, NYC (between Park Ave. South and Irving Place)