Shakespeare Speechwriting Competition
We’re delighted to announce a new partnership between PQA and Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation (CSSF), which is aimed at inspiring PQA’s students, principals and teaching staff with Shakespeare’s timeless words and stories. The collaboration kicks off with ‘What You Will’, a creative competition to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Folio – the very first published collection of his plays.
A fresh look at Shakespeare
Students aged between 6-18 from PQA Academies across the UK. His stories may be 400 years old, but Shakespeare’s plots and characters are just as awe-inspiring and thrilling today. This is the perfect opportunity for students to bring Shakespeare to life in a new way, showcase their creativity and make his characters their own.
Whether it’s a new soliloquy for Juliet or Othello, or some extra lines for a lesser-known character, students can pick exactly how their chosen persona communicates. The ‘speech’ doesn’t need to be written and can be expressed through any medium including art or movement, whether it’s a short film, speech or dance routine! The partnership brings together CSSF’s active approach to Shakespeare and PQA’s track record of excellent performing arts training for children – working together to challenge, support and inspire children to express themselves. CSSF will support PQA’s students and staff by providing award-winning resources, top tips, training and other opportunities to familiarise them with the stories and help them get creative.
Win Shakespeare goodies
The competition is sponsored by the world’s oldest publishing house, Cambridge University Press and is also supported by a host of actors and performers including Dame Harriet Walter, Alfred Enoch, Eliza Butterworth and Darren Harriott who have created their own Shakespeare speeches to inspire those entering. Winning entries will be selected from each colour group and announced in April 2024. They will win a trophy and a goody bag of Shakespeare merchandise for themselves and their Academy. The winning speeches will also be showcased on the Shakespeare Schools Foundation website.
We can’t wait to see what our students come up with whilst celebrating this important milestone in Shakespeare’s history!
Entries can be submitted here until 31st March 2024.
