Students Shine at Spring Shakespeare Showcase

One excellent way to honor literary works is through the art of recitation. With oral readings, enthusiasts can continue the legacies of classic authors and honor contemporary ones. For years, schools, libraries, and book clubs have held recitation contests in which participants select, practice, and perform a certain piece from the oeuvre of a great writer. These competitions are typically judged on stage presence, delivery, and memorization. 

Charlotte Catholic’s English department hosted its own Shakespeare recitation contest on April 23rd, in honor of the Bard’s birthday. The competition allowed students to celebrate Shakespeare and showcase their acting skills. The opportunity to act in front of their peers was one allure of the event, but the real excitement came from the chance to win the grand prize of $300. 

Anticipation grew in the weeks leading up to the competition. Some eager participants proudly shared the excerpts they planned to recite, while others kept their picks under wraps in hopes of surprising the audience. Conversations among those who were not performing centered on predicting the likely winners. Would a seasoned thespian snatch the top prize, or could an acting novice steal the spotlight?

On the day of the competition, performers and spectators paraded into Mr. Riter’s Black Box theater shortly after the final bell. Almost every performer arrived in costume, dressed as Shakespearean characters. Several also brought props to assist in their performances. English and Journalism teacher Mr. Smith warmly welcomed the audience and introduced the judges of the competition. 

The judges, Mr. Kuhn, Mr. Riter, and Ms. Butler would evaluate each performance according to a rubric to decide the first, second, and third-place winners. Participants would be graded on a plethora of criteria, including pronunciation, emotion, and poise. 

Contest Judges Deliberating Diligently Credit: Harrison Lawrence

After the introductions, each performer took to the stage, set the scene for their chosen excerpt, and recited their speeches with flair. Sixteen performers across all grade levels performed various speeches and dramatic scenes. Several of the performances were from plays in CCHS’ English curriculum, with multiple contestants reciting passages from Hamlet, Macbeth, and Julius Caesar. 

Performers varied in acting experience, with some students having starred in school plays and others having never performed in front of an audience. However, each performance was impressive, and every actor put effort into their recitations. 

After the performances ended Mr. Smith returned to congratulate the performers and announce that the judges needed additional time to deliberate and the winners would be declared the next day. On April 24th, the winners were named on the morning announcements amidst eager anticipation: Senior Kate Hughes won first place and the $300 prize. Placing second and third were Sophomore Juliana Taylor and Senior Angela Ortiz-Green. 

The Shakespeare Recitation Contest will return for the 2024-2025 school year.