About Us & Activities

National Shakespeare Competition

The National Shakespeare Competition is a performance-based program focused on the study of English, Language Arts, and Shakespeare. This school-based program serves Grades 9-12 and enables students to develop communication skills and an appreciation of the power of language and literature. The Competition has engaged more than 400,000 young people since its inception in 1983.

Through the English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition, students:

develop essential skills: critical thinking, close reading and public speaking
increase self-confidence through reading, analysis and performance of Shakespeare
explore the beauty of Shakespeare's language and classic themes
bring the timeless works of Shakespeare to life and learn to express his words with understanding, feeling and clarity
meet local, state and national standards in English Language Arts and Drama.