Dreyfoos Student’s Shakespeare Monologue Showcases Excellence in English Speakers Union Contest

When Dreyfoos School of the Arts senior Daniela Amador performed a monologue from As You Like It, playing the role of Rosalind in this year’s English Speakers Union Contest—she captivated the judges and audience with her delivery and personalization—capturing the top prize in the Palm Beach County English Speakers Union’s Shakespeare Recitation Contest. The theatre major will represent the District when she heads to the national English Speakers Union competition scheduled for New York in May. Beverly Blanchette, dean of the Dreyfoos Theatre Department said “We are extremely proud of Daniela and her achievements this year. Not only is she a finalist in this prestigious national competition where she will perform at Lincoln Center, she has also been accepted to many of her top choice conservatories including North Carolina School of the Arts and CalArts!”

As the Palm Beach first place winner Daniela will receive $200 and an expense paid trip to New York City to participate in the national competition which includes workshops and a play. The top winner nationally will receive the Amanda Steele Scholarship for summer study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. The Palm Beach chapter of the English Speakers Union is one of 58 chapters nationally participating in the Shakespeare Recitation Contest. The English Speakers Union website states “annually, 16,000 students and 2,000 teachers from 60 ESU Branches participate in a curriculum-based program designed to help high school students develop their communications skills and appreciation of language and literature, through the study, interpretation and performance of Shakespeare’s monologues and sonnets.”

For more details contact Jane Grandusky, magnet coordinator, 561-805-6203 or email granduj@palmbeach.k12.fl.us.