National Shakespeare Competition Brings Westlake Student To NYC

WESTLAKE, OH - Westlake High School senior Emily Schordock delivered a rousing performance of a sonnet and a Shakespearean monologue and placed as a semi-finalist for the 34th annual English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition in New York City.

The competition was held May 1 in the Mitzi Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center. Schordock was one of 54 semi-finalists. Her competitors came from across the nation.

The competition started with nearly 20,000 participants in the U.S. To get to New York City, Schordock won the ESU Cleveland Branch competition.

Schordock got to spend two days in New York City focusing on educational and cultural activities. Her itinerary included an exclusive acting workshop at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, led by faculty members. Schordock was coached by Westlake High School Language Arts teacher Ann Hasenohrl.

The ESU National Shakespeare Competition is a school-based program that is meant to help students hone their speaking and critical analysis abilities, in addition to their appreciation of classic literature. While exploring the beauty of language and the works of Shakespeare, students compete in three progressive competition levels. Students memorize, interpret, and perform monologues and sonnets in their own schools, at ESU Branch-sponsored competitions, and national competition.

Photo From Westlake Schools