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StudyMap

ESU National Shakespeare Competition

Humanities
English-Speaking Union

Branch registration deadline

October 30, 2026 (UTC-4)

A three-round performance competition in which US high schoolers memorize and perform a Shakespearean monologue and sonnet, advancing from their own school through an ESU branch heat to the national final in New York City. Around 15,000 students from roughly 750 schools take part each year.

Registration

Format
In person
Age
14-18
Participation
Individual
Location
United States
Entry fee
Free
Prize
A three-week summer conservatory place at the British American Drama Academy in Oxford for first place, a Shakespeare theatre camp for second, and 1,000 dollars for third.

Timeline

  1. Branch registration deadlineOctober 30, 2026 (UTC-4) source
  2. School registration deadlineJanuary 15, 2027 (UTC-5) source
  3. Branch winners announcedMarch 8, 2027 (UTC-5) source
  4. National finals weekend in New York CityApril 24, 2027 (UTC-4) source
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