Central Florida Branch Shakespeare Competition

News

On February 20, 2023, 17 students from the tri-county area arrived at Orlando Shakes to participate in The English-Speaking Union's annual Shakespeare competition. Contestants were vying for the opportunity to win $1,000.00, an additional prize to cover the cost of travel to New York City for the National competition, and a scholarship to Orlando Shakes' The Young Company, which is valued at $250.00. This year's contenders made for difficult judging decisions. On the panel of judges this year were Anne Hering: Director of Education at The Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Donna Miller; former Program Coordinator for Orange County's Language Arts, and Dr. Maurice "Socky" O'Sullivan: Kenneth Curry Professor of Literature Emeritus at Rollins College.

From Left to Right: Casey Kerr, Delaney Polk, and James Helsinger

Casey Kerr from Lake Nona High School took First Place with a portrayal of Bottom from A Midsummer Night's Dream and Sonnet 81 under the direction of their teacher, Ms. Jennifer Gautier. Second Place went to Delaney Polk from Windermere Prep. Delaney was coached by her teacher, Ms. BambiEllen Fadoul, on her depiction of Lady Macbeth from Macbeth and Sonnet 144. In Third Place was James Helsinger who was trained by his teacher, Ms. Marie Gentile, at Boone High School.

New to the competition in 2021 was the Richard Burbage Award. Named after one of the most famous actors at The Globe Theatre, this award celebrates the work and dedication of teacher sponsors who have managed year after year to keep their students engaged, their involvement in our competition ongoing, and our audiences enriched. The 2023 recipient of the Richard Burbage Award is long-standing sponsor Kristopher Kahn of Cypress Creek High School. The final award given this year is The Love of the Bard Award. This award requires a teacher nomination and is an award given annually to one student who, "Exhibits determination, grit, fortitude, and a true passion for Shakespeare's works." This year's winner is Malaki Headrick of Avalon Private School.

After serving 27 years as either the Shakespeare Competition Coordinator for the Central Florida Branch of the ESU, or an Assistant Coordinator, Ginger Bryant completed her final year of service in her rewarding role. Brett Carrier will be seamlessly stepping into the role for the 2024 Shakespeare Competition.

Return to News & Events