A performance-based educational program serving grades 9-12
The ESU National Shakespeare Competition

Since 1983, the competition has engaged more than 425,000 young people. On average, approximately 5,000 students from close to 800 schools across the country participate.

Announcing the 2025 ESU National Shakespeare Competition in New York City!

 

Mark your calendars! From Saturday, April 26 to Monday, April 28, 2025, NSC Branch Champions from across the country will gather in New York City for an unforgettable weekend of inspiration, learning, and performance.

The weekend will culminate with the Final Competition at Juilliard’s  Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center.

Here’s what’s in store for our talented Branch Champions:

  • A welcome brunch to kick off the weekend
  • An exciting NYC sightseeing tour
  • Acting workshops with industry professionals
  • A top Broadway show

We are thrilled to bring together such extraordinary young performers from across the country. Let the countdown begin—we can’t wait to see you shine on stage!

2025 National Shakespeare Competition Prizes

Program Videos

Check out what NSC Finals weekend in NYC is really like!

Click here

National Shakespeare Competition Overview

 

 

The English-Speaking Union’s National Shakespeare Competition is a performance-based education program in which high school students nationwide read, analyze, and perform Shakespeare’s works.  Students develop communication skills and an appreciation of the power of language and literature.

The ESU National Shakespeare Competition is aligned with modern educational practices. Participating students:

  • practice essential skills such as critical thinking, close reading and public speaking
  • work through all 6 levels of Bloom’s taxonomy, from recall to creation, increasing self-confidence through reading, analysis and performance of Shakespeare
  • have multiple points of entry to explore universal themes and are challenged to decode for themselves the complex beauty of Shakespeare’s language 
  • work with teachers and peers in a student-centered program of experiential and cross-curriculum learning
  • meet local, state and national standards in English Language Arts and Drama.

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


Program Timeline

 

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.


Empowering Educators
Professional Development Opportunities

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.

 




Contact Us

Maryellen Liotta
Manager, Shakespeare Programs

144 E 39th St
New York, NY 10016

(212) 202-5031 x 246

mliotta@esuus.org