Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest
This annual winter event is open to all elementary, middle and high school students in grades 4-12. Anyone interested in the works of William Shakespeare who would like to perform a monologue or a scene is welcome to participate. You may enter as part of a school group or on your own.
"I learned a lot about Shakespeare. My favorite part of the contest was performing, practicing and the coaching session. I plan on entering the Shakespeare Contest again next year. It was a fun, helpful and good experience."
- Student, Age 12, Boyce Middle School
Deanna Garuccio, Eric Miller, and
Justin Hogue performing a scene
fromTwelfth Night
Photo: Suellen Fitzsimmons Contestants present their pieces on The Public's main stage in front of a panel of judges. Those who advance to the final round of the contest have the opportunity to perform before an audience at the Showcase of Finalists.
At age 17, Lara Hillier made her professional acting debut at Pittsburgh Public Theater as Miranda in The Tempest, opposite Theater Hall of Fame-inductee Brian Murray. Hillier, a four-time Shakespeare Monologue and Scene Contest winner, credits Pittsburgh Public Theater with being "an inspiration in every sense of the word."
"The staff's commitment to introducing Shakespeare to a younger generation is enormously inspiring. The individual attention paid to each and every performance [during the contest] is remarkable. Kids develop an appreciation for classical theater, and they enjoy it. I've gained wonderful memories, friendships and performance opportunities that I will never forget."
- Lara Hillier, Shakespeare Contest participant and four-time winner
All student participants receive a Pittsburgh Public Theater T-shirt and two complimentary passes to a Pittsburgh Public Theater production. All finalists receive Shakespearean texts and each winner receives two Gold Flex Plans and the Arden Shakespeare Complete Works.
Click here to read news articles about the 2007 Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest.
Click here for a list of Recommended Monologues.
Click here for a list of Suggested Scenes.
Click here to view the 2007 Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest Winners.
Click here to view the 2007 Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest Finalists.
Many thanks to the sponsors of the
2008 Annual Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest.
BE A PART OF THE 14TH ANNUAL SHAKESPEARE MONOLOGUE AND SCENE CONTEST!
YOU COULD BE CHOSEN TO PERFORM IN THE SHOWCASE OF FINALISTS ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18th AT 7:00 PM ON THE O'REILLY STAGE!
THE PRELIMINARY ROUND IS FEBRUARY 11th - 15th.
- The contest is open to all students in grades 4 -12.
- No previous acting experience necessary.
- Choose a monologue or scene from any Shakespeare play.
- Memorize it.
- Don't worry about costumes and props; think about actions and words.
- All participants receive a free t-shirt and two passes to a Public Theater show!
There are lots of people who want to help you do your best! Coaching workshops hosted by the Public Theater begin Monday, January 14 and continue through Friday, February 8. These sessions are FREE.
Online Registration open now!
There will be a free coaching session held at Carnegie Mellon University on January 19th, 2008 beginning at 10:00 a.m. If you would like to schedule a coaching session that day or have inquiries about coaching sessions held at the Public, please contact Rob Zellers, Director of Education & Outreach, at 412.316.8200 ext. 715.