As a regional Shakespeare competition winner, MHS junior Eric Armstrong earned a chance to compete against 57 students from around the country in the English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition at Lincoln Center Theater in New York on April 27.
Armstrong performed a sonnet and a monologue at the 32nd annual
competition. All of the student participants spent two days
participating in educational and cultural activities in New York City,
including an acting workshop at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York
University.
MHS Drama Director Bethany Mason has praised Eric’s dedication to his
craft and credits his attitude and work ethic for his achievement of
this honor.
The English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition is a
school-based program 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
National Shakespeare Competition. The program has engaged more than
250,000 young people since its inception. Citing its 32nd season this
year, the Honorable Bill De Blasio, Mayor of the City of New York,
proclaimed April 27th as William Shakespeare Day.
For more information, read the press release.