USC Middle School Orators Honored for Shakespeare Re-Enactments
During this year's Shakespeare Monologue and Scene Competition, 6th grade students Shay McDowell, Joe Phillips, Bryce Keating and Morgan Meddings were commended for their portrayal of “Titania,” “Bottom,” “Oberon” and “Puck” from A Midsummer Night's Dream and were each awarded an Honorable Mention by the Pittsburgh Public Theater. With over 1,000 participants, this is quite an honor!
Fort Couch students Sam Dvorin, Tyler Carroll, Lexi Feldman, Tommy O'Brien, and Danny O'Brien also earned honorable mentions.
While providing enhanced opportunities for young people to experience the excitement of live performance while learning the works of William Shakespeare, the annual Pittsburgh Public Theater contest is open to students in grades 4-12.
Judging criteria for the adjudication include the following:
- Understanding of the text
- Emotional connectedness
- Character development
- Physical and vocal performance
- Pacing and the interaction amongst the actors in a scene
The Boyce Challenge students worked under the direction of Mrs. Diane Ecker. The Fort Couch participants were coached by Ms. Connie Gibson and Dr. Timothy Wagner.
Pictured clockwise from top left are Boyce Shakespeare contest participants Morgan Meddings paired with Bryce Keating, Shay McDowell performing with Joe Phillips, followed by the duet team Tommy O'Brien and Danny O'Brien, and finally Fort Couch student Lexi Feldman.
