News and Events

Announcing the winners of the 38th English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition

National News

April 26th, 2021 - New York City: Adapting to the ever changing circumstances brought on by the global pandemic, the English-Speaking Union (ESU) hosted the 38th annual National Shakespeare Competition virtually for the second time ever. We are proud to announce the winners of the year's competition:

Delilah Delgado of the ESU San Diego Branch won 1st Place with her quick witted and thorough renditions of Phoebe from As Your Like It, and Sonnet 62. 

Her teacher, Samantha Howard of the Bishop's School will receive the $1000 Teacher Recognition Award, being the second such award recipient, since the award's founding last year.

Anna Sheehan of the ESU Boston Branch took 2nd Place. Her teacher, Barbara Whitlock of Montrose School will receive the $500 Teacher Recognition Award. 

Samuel Christian of the ESU Los Angeles Branch won 3rd place. His teacher, Elizabeth Dennehy of Los Angeles County High School for the Arts will receive the $250 Teacher Recognition Award.  

The second annual People's Choice Award was won by Spencer Morvillo of the Monmouth County Branch, student of Smita Ganatra at Glen Ridge High School received 487 votes.

Over 6,000 people voted from around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Ghana, and China, expanding the competition's community despite the pandemic.

To read more about our winners, finalists, esteemed judges, and this year's competition, please download the full press release here.

Return to News & Events