The New York City students competed in the 9th Annual Public High School Shakespearean Monologue Contest. Burgundy and velvet all around, framed tapestries, white molding and carved plaster, the setting exudes theatrical mood within this beautiful, elegant little theatre with its deep stage and wooden seats. Host Juan Villegas delivered an introduction that boosts pride, confidence and ease, and the performances began.
One after another, the participants performed their monologues with courage and heart. Like previous contests, the judging proved difficult as students put out their best effort for a competitive afternoon of Shakespearian acting and fun.

Bronx New Day Academy Principal Mara Ganeles surely echoes the opinion of all the schools and everyone involved with this event, “We are proud to have a student represent our school at this competition.”
THE PLAYERS AND RESULTS:
1st Place: Beverly Lopez Hamlet, Ophelia, IV,5
2nd Place: Marcus Omowale Julius Caesar, Brutus, III,2
3rd Place: Letel Gonzalez Romeo & Juliet, Romeo
4th Place: Dorian Steele A MidSummer Night’s Dream, Puck,

5th Place: Angelica Flores All’s Well That Ends Well, Helena, I,3
(4th and 5th Place Won an autographed copy of “Contested Will,” by Professor James Shapiro)
Remaining Students:
Alba Luz Gonzalez, Nathiel Tejada, Vanessa Guzman, Angelica Estevez, Yulainy Ramirez, Stanley Mercedes, Jonathan Tejeda, Kayla Young, Michael Ramirez, Giovanna Del Giacco, Marina Del Giacco, Carlos Gonzalez, Fatoumata Gumaneh, Tiffany Sierra, Kenneth Herrera, Alexis Valentin, Kira Guadalupe, Angel Zeas, Beatrice Adegbenro, Shawn Chester,

Teachers & Schools:
Karl Bruckner, School For Excellence
Victoria Hanabury, New Day Academy
Kelly Brock, HS for Media and Communications,
John Istel, New Design
Charles Browning, Theatre Lab
Christian Clarke, Bronx Academy for Letters
Michael Morrison, Franklin K. Lane
Yetta Garfield, Lower Manhattan Arts Academy
Ms. Crespo, Urban Assembly for the Performing Arts
Judges:
Nicholasa Mohr, Latina Author
Crystal Field, Executive Director, Theater for the New City, actress, director and author
Ian Gordon, Playwright
T. Scott Lilly, Acting Teacher, musician, composer and writer

“This event helps establish a valuable tradition of opportunity for inner-city students to stretch their minds and engage in enriching educational and artistic challenges.”
Congratulations to all the participants, teachers, schools and staff.
For continued support: Our deepest gratitude goes out to Academy Award Winning Actress Susan Sarandon, Owner and Founder of Poet’s Den Theatre Ji Soo Lee and “The Puffin Foundation” for the Arts.
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