Announcing the 2024 ESU National Shakespeare Competition Winners
News
2024 National Shakespeare Competition
On April 15, 2024, our 41st National Shakespeare Competition was held at Lincoln Center's Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater in New York City. Forty-four semi-finalists came from all over the country, along with parents, branch coordinators, and supporters. Thank you to everyone who made our National Shakespeare Competition such a great success! We are so proud of everyone who performed.
With his performances of Sonnet 17 and a moving monologue from Othello, Malachi White of the ESU New Orleans Branch won the English-Speaking Union's 41st Annual National Shakespeare Competition. He is a student of Gary Mendoza at Covington High School. As the first-place winner, Malachi will attend the British American Drama Academy Program this summer in London. Gary Mendoza will receive the $1,000 ESU Teacher Recognition award.
Malachi White, New Orleans Branch
Willow Peyton of the newly-established ESU West Virginia Branch took second place with her performances of Portia in Julius Caesar and Sonnet 55. As the second-place winner, Willow will be attending the American Shakespeare Center Theatre Camp in Staunton, Virginia.
Willow Peyton, West Virginia Branch
Evelyn Hall of the ESU San Francisco Branch took third place for her rendition of the Jailer's Daughter in The Two Noble Kinsmen and Sonnet 71. Evelyn will take home a cash prize of $1,000.
Evelyn Hall, San Francisco Branch
Top Three Finalists From Left to Right: Evelyn Hall, Malachi White, Willow Peyton