Eight Middle School students and two Lower School students gathered eagerly in Mrs. Cindy Green’s Middle School English classroom for some advice from a real “pro” on preparing for the upcoming Pittsburgh Public Theatre Shakespeare Monologue and Scene contest this month. The “pro,” WT Junior Zoe S. has competed inthe contest for the past eight years, making it to the final round three times and taking home  first place one year, for her portrayal of  Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew.

It was clear that Zoe would not only take this opportunity to answer the budding actors’ and actresses’ questions, but also throw in some life lessons: “If you forget a line or fudge it, don’t worry. Take a deep breath, give yourself some time and it will come back to you. Remember though, Shakespeare was a pretty smart guy so make sure you understand every word that is in your scene or monologue…he wrote his plays a certain way for a reason. Don’t wear a Steelers jersey to the competition. Look professional; you want the judges to take you seriously.”

Zoe performed a scene for the admiring students, who then to showed off their own talents as they appreciatively accepted Zoe’s praise and critiques. Two Lower School students played Helena and Demetrius from A Midsummer Night’s Dream while the Middle School students acted out scenes from a variety of Shakespeare plays…all equally impressive.

Green commented, “One of the things I've been happiest about with this elective is that the Middle School students have gotten to experience, and they converse about Shakespeare with people of different ages and perspectives, from Lower School students to professional actors and playwrights. As a very talented Upper School student who has had success with Pittsburgh Public Theater's Monologue and Scene contest, Zoe was a great role model, and I was so pleased that she was able to spend time and share her insights with us.”

The students will compete on Monday and Tuesday, February 8, 9 at the O’Reilly Theatre at 2:00pm. Good luck to all participants!

For more details please visit: http://www.ppt.org/content/studentshakespearemonologue.cfm