Annual Shakespeare Performance Contest for English Speakers, Scheduled for 2024 by English Speaking Union
In the heart of New York City, students from Bronx Science and other high schools around the city recently showcased their Shakespearean skills at the English-Speaking Union (ESU) Semi-Final Competition. The event was a prelude to the annual British American Drama Academy (BADA) Mid-Summer Conservatory Program, an esteemed summer acting training focused on classical theater.
Kate Hankin reports on the competition, where stage fright was a common challenge for many participants, with 72-75% of students experiencing some form of it. Despite this, the competitors gave their best performances, showcasing their passion for the Bard's works.
Anna Koontz '25, a participant in the competition, believes that Shakespeare never grows old because each performance offers a different interpretation. She chose a monologue from Macbeth and enjoys the competition because it allows her to analyze Shakespeare outside of the classroom.
Nava Litt '25, a three-time winner of the Bronx Science Shakespeare competition, performed a monologue from Titus Andronicus and Sonnet 44. Despite not advancing to the finals competition held at the Morgan Library, Litt looks forward to competing again next year.
Liliana Mejia '27 enjoyed exploring the feelings of love in her monologue from All's Well That Ends Well. Evan Norat '26, runner-up in this year's competition, loves performing and feels empowered while acting.
The winners of the national level of the competition receive the opportunity to attend the British American Drama Academy Mid-Summer Conservatory Program. This prestigious program offers high-level instruction from distinguished actors and directors, aiming to develop participants' acting skills, Shakespearean techniques, and stagecraft.
One pathway to qualify for this elite program is through the ESU National Shakespeare Competition. Students who excel in the competition may win the opportunity to attend the BADA Mid-Summer Conservatory Program as part of their prize or scholarship.
Alexandria Liu '27 chose to perform Sonnet 116 because she enjoys exploring the concepts the poem illustrates. She appreciates how Shakespeare's works have inspired the best of every genre.
The BADA Mid-Summer Conservatory Program is a well-established partnership between the ESU and BADA, aimed at nurturing young Shakespearean actors by providing them advanced summer training opportunities in the UK. The exact application steps and qualification criteria for the program were not found in the current search results, but typically, participants must engage in the ESU competition at the state/regional level, with winners at the national level becoming eligible for BADA offers.
It's worth noting that current adaptations of Shakespeare's plays have influenced some of Gen Z's favorite movies, such as Ten Things I Hate About You, She's The Man, and West Side Story. Moreover, more than 360,000 students have participated in the English Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition since its creation in 1983.
Shakespeare's works have been applied to every reader's experiences for over 400 years, and the competition at Bronx Science is just one example of the enduring relevance of the Bard's plays. The Bronx Science Shakespeare Competition took place on February 8th, 2024.
- The British American Drama Academy Mid-Summer Conservatory Program, an esteemed summer acting training, not only focuses on classical theater but also offers education-and-self-development opportunities for young actors, as evidenced by the variety of insights shared by participants about their love for Shakespeare.
- Beyond classical theater, Shakespeare's works have significantly impacted modern culture, even influencing popular Gen Z movies like Ten Things I Hate About You, She's The Man, and West Side Story, corroborating the permanence of the Bard's impact on lifestyle and features of contemporary media.
