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On Oct. 4 and 5, the NS Shakespeare team competed in the Shakespeare Competition at SUU, placing third overall.
The competition proved to be a transformative experience for the team, gaining growth not only in their acting skills but also in their personal lives.
“I think Shakespeare always helps them grow as actors and people,” NS drama teacher Alex Barlow said.
This was felt throughout the competition as students discovered new depths of expression and creativity within themselves. The challenges they faced were not merely technical; they were emotional and personal, pushing them to explore their limits.
“Shakespeare this year was hard for me because I was also working on the musical at the same time,” junior Emma Wallace said. “It took me longer than it normally does to find my character and gain motivation to work hard.”
Despite all their hard work put forth for the competition, many were also rehearsing for an upcoming musical, adding an additional layer of stress.
“It was a lot in a short amount of time,” Barlow said.
Taking on all of these commitments tested their overall strength and patience, but it also showcased their dedication and passion for the performing arts. The pressure was high, yet it helped to bring them all together in the end, holding a sense of teamwork that was evident both on and off the stage.
“They go to have this great experience and bond together,” Barlow said.
As the Shakespeare team explored the highs and lows of competition, they found comfort in each other, developing a support system that would serve them well beyond the stage.
“There were definitely some moments where it wasn’t easy,” junior Lin Anderson said.
Yet, even though times got hard Anderson pushed forward with an open mind.
“I did lose all confidence a few times,” Anderson said, “and I don’t know if I ever fully got it back during that time, but I overcame it by telling myself that I was actually doing well with it.”
While the team placed third overall, certain students placed individually and were recognized for their performance.
“I took 1st place with my monologue and got a $500 scholarship to the Shakespeare Festivals actor intensive training,” Wallace said.
Their accomplishments were not just in their efforts or final placements, but in the personal victories each student achieved along the way.
“I saw some of their best work from some students that I haven’t seen from them yet,” Barlow said.
This competition was not merely about winning; it was about pushing boundaries and discovering new strengths. This experience left an interesting mark on all who went.
“I think that this experience definitely brought all of us closer together,” Anderson said.
