2026 Shakespeare Competition

On Friday, January 23, Cazenovia High School held its annual Shakespeare Monologue Competition, featuring seven talented performers in grades 8 through 12. Sebastian Gebers, the reigning Syracuse Regional Champion, won with his psychologically gripping performance as Edmund (King Lear). For the fourth consecutive year, Sebastian will represent Cazenovia at Syracuse Stage’s Regional Competition this February. All are rooting for him to return to the National Competition in New York City again!

Jayce Hyatt, a junior, was awarded second place for his sinister and captivating performance as Iago from Othello. As runner-up, Jayce will act as Sebastian’s understudy in the Regional Competition. Junior Bea Karn’s dynamic portrayal of Helena (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) earned her this year’s honorable mention. Senior Ella Blair also returned to the stage with a moving performance as Juliet from Romeo and Juliet, and freshmen Maya Jenkins and Ashley Barnes made impressive debuts as Ophelia and Hamlet from Hamlet. While ineligible to advance in the official competition until next year, 8th grader Bobby McDowell performed a hilarious monologue from A Midsummer Night’s Dream as Lysander.
8th graders Nathan Reichert and Oliver Revette hosted the competition, entertaining the audience with Shakespeare trivia while the judges, Mrs. Christi Gesner, Mrs. Claudia Johnson, and Ms. Britt Zumpano deliberated. Behind the scenes, Mak Craver’s stage assisting ensured that the competition ran smoothly from start to finish.

Shakespeare Club is grateful for the continued support of the local Cazenovia Shakespeare Club, led by Mrs. Alice Borning. This year’s audience also included members of the Syracuse Branch of the English-Speaking Union, who were deeply impressed with the level of talent here in Cazenovia.

Special thanks to Audrey Henry, Mr. Ben Wightman and the Communications Club for lighting the stage, providing sound for our hosts, and streaming the competition. Students interested in future competitions are encouraged to join the Shakespeare Club. See Ms. DiNapoli for more information.

A huge congratulations to all of our performers for another amazing competition! To view performances, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd-CmHRRg-A