A three-level performance competition from the English-Speaking Union of the United States in which high school students memorize and perform a Shakespeare monologue from the ESU's annual packet, adding a sonnet at later rounds. School winners advance to a local ESU Branch competition, and Branch winners perform for judges at the national round in New York City in late April. Judges are professionals in Shakespeare studies, production or education, and props are not allowed.
Offered by English-Speaking Union of the United States. Competition for high school students in USA. Format: In-person. Cost: Free. Grades 9–12. Deadline: rolling or not yet announced.
Fields: Arts, Humanities, Writing
Info checked October 2026.
No date is posted for the 2026-27 cycle yet. Check the official page for when applications open.
Yes. National Shakespeare Competition is free to take part in.
High school students in grades 9 to 12. It takes place in person in nationwide. Age, residency and citizenship rules are on the official page.
More academic competitions for high school students