North Hills Students Prep for Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest

North Hills School District students gained special insight and tips on Feb. 19 from Pittsburgh Public Theater coaches prior to the annual Shakespeare Monologue and Scene Contest. 

Drama coaches, who are local English and drama professors and actors, helped approximately 20 junior and senior high students at North Hills Senior High and nearly 40 elementary students at Highcliff Elementary. 

More than 1,000 students participate in the yearly contest that is open to elementary, middle and high school students in grades four to 12. To prepare for the contest, students rehearse and memorize a scene from a Shakespearean work. Monologues must be 25 to 60 lines long, and scenes must be under five minutes. 

Students from across the area will perform their monologue or scene at the Pittsburgh Public Theater’s main stage before a judging panel from March 14 to 22 for a chance to advance to the Showcase of Finalists on March 25. 

Participants are judged on their understanding of the text, emotional connectedness, character development, physical and vocal performance and pacing and interaction amongst the actors in the scene.

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