On April 27, 2026, the English-Speaking Union hosted the 43rd Annual National Shakespeare Competition at Lincoln Center’s Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater. This inspiring event brought together 39 exceptional semi-finalists from across the country, joined by parents, teachers, ESU Branch coordinators, members, and passionate supporters of the arts.

Our sincere thanks to everyone who helped make this celebration of Shakespeare and student talent such a tremendous success. We are deeply proud of every student who stepped onto the stage. 

We are thrilled to announce that Andy Wallace, representing the ESU Kentucky Branch, was named the first-place winner of this year’s competition. His powerful interpretation of Sonnet 29 and a moving monologue from King Lear captivated the judges and audience alike. Andy is a student of Katie Blackerby at DuPont Manual Youth Performing Arts School.

As first-place winner, Andy will attend the prestigious British American Drama Academy (BADA) Midsummer Conservatory program in Oxford, England for 3 weeks this summer – an incredible opportunity to hone his craft and study classical theatre with leading professionals.

Tristan Jenkins, of the ESU Kansas City Branch, took second place with his performances of King Richard in Richard II and Sonnet 116. As the second-place winner, Tristan will attend the American Shakespeare Center Theatre Camp this summer for 3 weeks in Staunton, Virginia.

Spirit Waddell of the ESU Atlanta Branch took third place for her portrayal of Ophelia in Hamlet and Sonnet 3. Spirit will receive a $1,000 cash prize.

Top Three Finalists From Left to Right: Tristan Jenkins, Andy Wallace, Spirit Waddell

The Ten Finalists of the 2026 National Shakespeare Competition:
Back row from left: Chloe Li (Boston), Jacob Cox (Naples), Kass Lott (San Francisco), Eden Earl (Phoenix), Tristan Jenkins (Kansas City)
Front row from left: Dorian Gray (Rhode Island), Madison Lott (New Orleans), Andy Wallace (Kentucky), Jordyn Ledbetter (Research Triangle), Spirit Waddell (Atlanta)

People’s Choice Awards Nearly 7,000 people from around the world voted for this year’s ESU National Shakespeare Competition People’s Choice Award. The People’s Choice Award, generously provided by the ESU Cleveland Branch, awarded a $1,000 first-place prize to Dallen Arendt of the ESU Wisconsin Branch, who received 559 votes. In second place was De’Mari Marsh of the ESU Central Florida Branch, who received a $500 prize. Third place went to Victoria Chang-Nunley of the ESU Denver Branch, who received a $250 prize. Thank you to the Cleveland Branch for making the People’s Choice Award possible! People’s Choice Winners from left to right: De’Mari Marsh, Dallen Arendt, Victoria Chang-Nunley, with Cleveland Branch President Bill Kennedy

ESU National Board Chair, Dr. E. Quinn Peeper with ESU President and Executive Director Karen Karpowich

This year’s ESU National Shakespeare Competition judges included renowned members of the theater community:

Semi-Finals Judges:

Ian Gould – Actor and Educator

Rob Hatzenbeller – Actor and Shakespeare Coach

Catherine Loomis – Professor, Author and Shakespeare Scholar

Dathan B. Williams – Director, Playwright, Educator and former 

Associate Artistic Director for the Harlem Shakespeare Festival

NSC Semi-Finals Judges from left to right: Catherine Loomis, Dathan B. Williams, Rob Hatzenbeller, Ian Gould

Finals Judges:

Paige Davis– Broadway Actor and Television Personality

Safiyah Harris – Broadway Actor, Singer/Songwriter

Peter Francis James – Theater and Film Actor

Patrick Page – Tony-nominated Broadway and Film Actor

NSC Finals Judges from left to right: Patrick Paige, Peter Francis James, Safiya Harris and Paige Davis

The ESU provided the 39 semi-finalists with a weekend of educational and cultural activities in New York City, including: Acting workshops with ESU Shakespeare coaches and alumni, and with Broadway veteran Erin Dilly; a double-decker bus tour of New York City; and, a performance of Maybe Happy Ending on Broadway. Shakespeare educators also participated in a professional development workshop at the ESU led by Columbia University educator & ESU Globe Alum, S.K. Smith. ESU National Shakespeare Competition Educators

Perhaps the best part of the weekend for our semi-finalists was the chance to spend time in New York City with other students from across the country who share a love of Shakespeare.

Semi-Finalists at Maybe Happy Ending on Broadway

Semi-Finalists on a double-decker bus tour of NYC

About the National Shakespeare Competition The English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition is a school-based program designed to help high school students develop their speaking and critical thinking skills and deepen their appreciation of Shakespeare. Through three progressive competition levels, students memorize, interpret, and perform Shakespeare’s monologues and sonnets at their schools, in ESU Branch-sponsored community competitions and at the national level in New York City. For more information, contact Maryellen Liotta at mliotta@esuus.org. National Shakespeare Competition Presenting Donors Dr. Loveday Conquest and Mr. Fred Kleinschmidt presenting Semi-Finalists with their certificates This ESU National Shakespeare Competition is presented by our major donors Dr. Loveday Conquest and Mr. Fred Kleinschmidt. Additional Funding was provided by  The Frederick Loewe Foundation ESU Cleveland Branch ESU Denver Branch The National Shakespeare Competition is just one of many educational programs and initiatives of the English-Speaking Union, which over the years have changed the life trajectories of so many—students, teachers, English language learners, new immigrants, and ESU members. Founded in 1920, the ESU is a nonprofit, nonpolitical organization that promotes English as a shared language to foster global understanding and goodwill by providing educational and cultural opportunities. To learn more about upcoming events, education programs, how to become an ESU Member, or to donate, please visit www.esuus.org.

The English-Speaking Union’s National 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.

National Recognition & Educational Impact

The ESU National Shakespeare Competition has been honored by esteemed organizations such as the Globe Center (USA), the Children’s Theatre Foundation of America, and the American Academy of Achievement.

Join a legacy of educators who use this program to inspire students, cultivate a love for Shakespeare, and build skills that last a lifetime.

Fall (School Level)

The program begins in classrooms nationwide each fall, culminating in school-wide competitions in early winter in which students memorize and perform a monologue.

Winter (Community Level)

The school competition winner advances to a community ESU Branch competition, usually held between January and March. Here students perform their monologue and a Shakespearean sonnet. The winner advances to the national competition held in New York City.

Spring (National Level)

At the ESU National Shakespeare Competition (held in late April, near Shakespeare’s birthday on April 23), students perform their monologues and sonnets in New York City before a distinguished panel of judges as well as their fellow contestants from across the country. Based on their performances, seven to ten students advance to the final round. Finalists compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to attend a summer drama program.

At the ESU National Shakespeare Competition, we’re dedicated to the growth and success of the educators who inspire and guide our students. We offer an array of professional development programs throughout the year, available both online and in-person. These opportunities are designed to equip English language and performance educators with innovative tools and strategies to bring Shakespeare’s works to life in the classroom and on the stage.

By collaborating with esteemed partners such as the British American Drama Academy (BADA), Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust, the Folger Shakespeare Library, and Shakespeare’s Globe in London, our programs deliver valuable insights. From teacher training workshops to curated resources, we help educators make Shakespeare accessible, engaging, and deeply relevant for their students. Join us in our mission to transform learning and performance through the timeless power of Shakespeare.

Participants in ESU professional development programs may earn PD credits under the New York City Department of Education.

The ESU National Shakespeare Competition is more than a contest — it’s a life-changing experience that builds confidence, sparks creativity and opens doors for students across the country. But don’t take our word for it. Hear directly from those who have lived it: students who found their voice, educators who witnessed growth and parents who saw the overall positive impact the experience had on their children. 

“The ESU National Shakespeare Competition provided a huge boost to my self-esteem and gave me faith in my ability to interpret art.”

    — Malachi White, NSC 2024 First-Place Winner from Covington, Louisiana 

 

“The ESU National Shakespeare Competition was a pivotal moment in my growth as an artist. It challenged me to push my boundaries, deepened my love for the craft, and gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams. The experience not only refined my skills but also affirmed that I have a place in the world of the arts.”

    —John Way, actor/producer and NSC 2012 alum

 

“This experience completely changed everything in the most positive way. A more confident kid came back home with bigger dreams and a clearer sense of purpose. I’m so grateful for the impact it’s had on him.”

    —Alexandra Fuentes, Parent, ESU Naples Branch

 

“For nearly two decades I’ve seen the positive impact of the ESU National Shakespeare Competition on the students I serve. Just as a race helps me focus my training as an athlete, this competition helps students focus on text analysis, character development, and the manifestation of their acting choices.”

    —Christian Kiley, NSC Educator, ESU Los Angeles Branch

 

“Finding quality professional development for theatre educators is very challenging, but the ESU teacher programs are top notch.”

    —Gail Chase, NSC Educator, ESU Central Florida Branch

 

“As a parent of the first national winner from Hawaii, I have a deep appreciation for how the ESU National Shakespeare Competition can embolden students to strive for high goals while adding new dimensions to their lives.”

    —Mark Lawhorn, Parent, ESU Hawaii Branch

Maryellen Liotta
Manager, Shakespeare Programs

144 E 39th St
New York, NY 10016

(212) 202-5031 x 246

mliotta@esuus.org