Shakespeare as a competition at St. Vincent

St. Vincent de Paul High School will be participating in the English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition by holding its school-wide event Friday.

In its 33rd year, this school-based program is designed to help students develop their speaking and critical thinking skills and their appreciation of literature as they explore the beauty of the language and timeless themes in Shakespeare’s works.

In three progressive competition levels, students memorize, interpret and perform monologues and sonnets in their own schools, at ESU Branch-sponsored community competitions and at the English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition.

The school competition winner advances to the San Francisco Branch Competition, where students perform their monologue and a Shakespeare sonnet. The winner advances to the national competition held in New York City, where students perform their monologues and sonnets before a distinguished panel of judges as well as their fellow contestants from across the country.

Based on their performances, seven to 10 students advance to the final round. Finalists, performing their selections along with a cold reading of a monologue, compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to attend a summer drama program.

The ESU also provides the semifinalists with two full days of educational and cultural activities in New York City, including an exclusive acting workshop at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University and a performance of a Broadway play.