Announcing the Winners of the 2026 ESU National Shakespeare Competition!
On April 27, 2026, the English-Speaking Union hosted the 43rd Annual National Shakespeare Competition at Lincoln Center’s Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater. This inspiring event brought together 39 exceptional semi-finalists from across the country, joined by parents, teachers, ESU Branch coordinators, members, and passionate supporters of the arts.
Our sincere thanks to everyone who helped make this celebration of Shakespeare and student talent such a tremendous success. We are deeply proud of every student who stepped onto the stage.
We are thrilled to announce that Andy Wallace, representing the ESU Kentucky Branch, was named the first-place winner of this year’s competition. His powerful interpretation of Sonnet 29 and a moving monologue from King Lear captivated the judges and audience alike. Andy is a student of Katie Blackerby at DuPont Manual Youth Performing Arts School.
As first-place winner, Andy will attend the prestigious British American Drama Academy (BADA) Midsummer Conservatory program in Oxford, England for 3 weeks this summer – an incredible opportunity to hone his craft and study classical theatre with leading professionals.
Tristan Jenkins, of the ESU Kansas City Branch, took second place with his performances of King Richard in Richard II and Sonnet 116. As the second-place winner, Tristan will attend the American Shakespeare Center Theatre Camp this summer for 3 weeks in Staunton, Virginia.
Spirit Waddell of the ESU Atlanta Branch took third place for her portrayal of Ophelia in Hamlet and Sonnet 3. Spirit will receive a $1,000 cash prize.
Top Three Finalists From Left to Right: Tristan Jenkins, Andy Wallace, Spirit Waddell
