Michael Uzzi '25 Wins Monmouth Country ESU Shakespeare Competition

Michael Uzzi '25 won the Monmouth County branch of the ESU Shakespeare Competition this past weekend. This achievement qualifies him for the tri-state area competition, with the potential to advance to Nationals.

The English-Speaking Union’s National Shakespeare Competition is a performance-based education program in which high school students nationwide read, analyze, and perform Shakespeare’s works.  Students develop communication skills and an appreciation of the power of language and literature.

"We are so proud of him and his hard work," said Ranney Theatre Director Kathryn Maslak. "Please join me in congratulating Michael on this incredible accomplishment."

The program begins in classrooms nationwide each fall, culminating in school-wide competitions in early winter in which students memorize and perform a monologue. The school competition winner advances to a community ESU Branch competition, usually held between January and March. Here students perform their monologue and a Shakespearean sonnet. The winner advances to the national competition held in New York City. At the ESU National Shakespeare Competition (held in late April, near Shakespeare’s birthday on April 23), students perform their monologues and sonnets in New York City before a distinguished panel of judges as well as their fellow contestants from across the country. Based on their performances, seven to ten students advance to the final round. Finalists compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to attend a summer drama program.