Ann Urbanski to Represent Chicago at the ESU National Shakespeare Competition

News

Feb 22, 2017,

A decidedly Springlike evening for Chicago this time of year,  seven finalists and their families and teachers attended the English-Speaking Union's Shakespeare Competition at the Newberry Library.

Tensions were high as seven talented and poised high school students prepared to perform their winning monologue and sonnet before the finalist judges for the chance to travel to NYC at the National Competition. Shakespeare co-chairs Peter Garino and Jackie Thompson welcomed guests and judges. Courtney Pitt, ESU Branch President and Katie Samples exchanged gratitude for a mutually benefiting program in beautiful Ruggles Hall. Special speakers Tim Kazurinsky and Dep Consul General to Great Britain, Martin hHalley,  added star power and global comradery for Shakespeare's timeless works.

It was a memorable experience for all who attended and watched as each student brought Shakespeare's characters to life. Judges Gary Houston, Melanie Keller and Linda Kimbrough  were challenged to award one student the ESU Chicago Branch scholarship and the opportunity to proceed to the National Competition.

We are proud of all the students and teachers who partake in the ESU Shakespeare Competition and we will be rooting for Ann Urbanski on the stage at Lincoln Center on May 1^st.

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