Feb 9, 2016 2 min read

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When people hear the name Shakespeare, most groan and are reminded of their English classes, reading “Romeo and Juliet” or “Julius Caesar.”

However, Shakespeare can be more than just plays that don’t make sense when read. Performing his works can actually be – dare I say – fun … once you understand what is going on, of course.

I learned this lesson firsthand just this past week, when I went with my acting class from my school, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School, to a Shakespeare competition at the Pittsburgh Playhouse theater. Each person memorized a monologue or scene from one of Shakespeare’s many works. Then we performed it in front of a panel of judges on the theater’s set for “Guys and Dolls,” which is also running until the end of February.

The judges determine the top actors and a “winner’s circle” is created. Winners are picked from a lower and upper division. This year’s winner’s circle will perform their monologues or scenes the night of Monday, Feb. 15, during a public performance.

Having participated this year, I can say that it is very scary and nerve-wracking – until you get up and actually perform. Once I did, I realized how fun it was and wondered why I was so scared in the first place. Getting to go with my classmates was very enjoyable because everyone was so supportive and cheered each other on. It’s not everyday that you get to watch 30 excellent Shakespeare monologues and scenes by your friends.

Having lunch afterwards at the Mall at Robinson was an added bonus, but that’s not all! On top of the wonderful experience, everyone got two free tickets to see a show at the theater and a T-shirt.

I would recommend participating in the contest to anyone remotely interested in performing or Shakespeare. Even if you aren’t, it’s always great to try something new. Like Shakespeare wrote, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players…”

By Julianna Ronto