Cary student performs at the 35th Annual National Shakespeare Competition in New York City

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Morgan Swales performing at Lincoln Center in New York City

April 26, 2018 — New York City: April 23 may have been a normal Monday for most high school students, but for Morgan Swales from Apex High School it will be a day to remember forever. Morgan, student of Laura Levine, placed as a semifinalist at the 35th Annual National Shakespeare Competition on William Shakespeare's birthday while competing against 55 students from around the US on stage at the Mitzi Newhouse Theater in Lincoln Center as the culmination of a year-long competition hosted by the English-Speaking Union (ESU).

Prior to arriving in New York City for the competition, Morgan wrote:
Shakespeare has a lasting impact on the arts. So many popular titles are based off his work. It's amazing to think how one artist can change so much. It feels surreal to be representing and performing famous work at a national competition. I'm honored to be attending. I am most excited about the hustle and bustle of the city, the food and to see other students' performances.

To qualify for the National Shakespeare Competition finals, Morgan won the regional ESU Research Triangle Branch Shakespeare Competition on February 16, 2018.

Each year, more than 20,000 high school students participate in the English in Action National Shakespeare Competition at the school, regional and national levels through the help of more than 2,500 teachers and 55 ESU branches nationwide. As part of the competition, students perform a monologue and recite a sonnet from Shakespeare and are judged on their understanding of their selected texts and on their ability to communicate their interpretation to the audience. Through this school-based program, students in grades 9-12 develop critical thinking and speaking skills and increase their self-confidence through the performance of Shakespeare's work.

Since 1983, the English-Speaking Union has given more than 300,000 students of all backgrounds the opportunity to bring the timeless works of Shakespeare to life and to learn to express his words with understanding, feeling and clarity. The competition has been recognized by the Globe Center, the Children's Theatre Foundation of America and the American Academy of Achievement.

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