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The Lexington Branch of the English speaking Union (ESU) is sponsoring the 2024 National Shakespeare Competition. The competition will be held on Jan. 13, 2024, at Blackfriar’s Theater in Staunton.
Open to the winners of area high school competitions held earlier this school year, approximately eight students are expected to participate. Each will perform a Shakespearean monologue and recite a sonnet from a carefully curated selection. Competitors will be judged on their understanding of the texts and on their ability to communicate that understanding to an audience. The competition is free and open to the public.
The ESU National Shakespeare competition is the oldest nationwide performance based education program. High school students read, analyze, perform and recite Shakespeare’s works. Since 1983, the competition has helped more than 400,000 young Americans develop communication skills and an appreciation for language and literature.
In April, the winner of the ESU Lexington Branch Competition will represent the Branch in the national semifinals level in New York City. Ten finalists will be chosen by a panel of distinguished judges and will perform their selections.
For more information regarding the ESU and the National Shakespeare competition, visit https://www.esuus. org/esu/programs/shakespeare_ competition/.
