‘Shakespeare Shorts’ provides an opportunity for students from OX14 Schools to take part in
an inter-school drama competition. Year 9 students learn and perform a monologue or
duologue from any Shakespearean play. Students will be chosen from each participating school
and get the chance to perform alongside one another at a Grand Final.
By participating in the competition, students will be able to extend their knowledge of literacy
beyond the curriculum and strengthen and develop Oracy and Performance skills.
Schools will be able to integrate the competition as they see fit. Some may run this as a
voluntary co-curricular activity during a lunchtime, afterschool or drama club. Other centres
may decide to incorporate the competition into academic lessons. There is also the opportunity
for schools to select students who they feel would benefit most from the programme.
Finalists will get the opportunity to take part in a practical workshop before the final. This will
give students from different schools the chance to collaborate and work alongside one another.
No costume is to be worn, all actors will wear basic blacks, and no props. The only set allowed
will be a maximum of two chairs. We want every student to have a level playing field.
Internal selection – schools will host their own competition/performance for the internal
selection to select their finalists. The number of finalists from each centre will depend on the
number of centres taking part. We would want a maximum of 12 performances in the final.KEY DATES:

1. Internal selection judged by centres – must be done with names and monologues/duologues
submitted by end of February
2. Workshop and final – led and adjudicated by a visiting actor/practitioner with experience of
classical acting, held at the Radley Theatre, Abingdon, Friday 20th March, 6.30pm workshop
and 8pm Grand Final. (Sadly, the Unicorn Theatre is not available this year due to a
refurbishment)
TIMINGS:
• 2-3 minutes monologue max
• 3-5 minutes duologue max