North Sanpete High School theater department wins top honors at Utah Shakespeare Festival
-
- Bottom Left: Benjamin F. Melo C., Nolun N., Tavian S., Kamron C., 2nd row: Mimi A. Aspen T, Hannah T, Aiden L, Kameron R., 3rd row Evan K, Adelaide J, London I 4th row Rachel, K Misty B, Tanner M, Jill H, Kate S, Rebekah W., Opal W. Trevor J
-
- The North Sanpete High School Drama department achieved a historic victory at the 49th annual High School Shakespeare Competition, taking home the prestigious 1st place Sweepstakes title in their division.
Bottom Left: Benjamin F. Melo C., Nolun N., Tavian S., Kamron C., 2nd row: Mimi A. Aspen T, Hannah T, Aiden L, Kameron R., 3rd row Evan K, Adelaide J, London I 4th row Rachel, K Misty B, Tanner M, Jill H, Kate S, Rebekah W., Opal W. Trevor J
MOUNT PLEASANT — North Sanpete High School’s theater department earned top honors at the 49th annual High School Shakespeare Competition, capturing first-place Sweepstakes in its division and winning several of the competition’s most prestigious awards.
The North Sanpete Hawks took first place in the Cambridge Division, which includes 3A and 4A schools, at the three-day competition hosted by the Utah Shakespeare Festival and Southern Utah University in Cedar City. The event, considered North America’s largest scholastic theater competition, brought together nearly 3,000 students representing 99 schools from multiple states.
North Sanpete’s impressive showing included first place in the overall division Sweepstakes, first place in Ensemble Scene and first place in Duo/Trio Scene. The duo/trio award went to students Nolun Nielsen, Kamron Cox and Tavian Smith.
Senior Misty Bailey also received the Larry Lott Acting Award, recognizing the best performer in an ensemble scene. The award includes a $1,000 scholarship to Southern Utah University.
The accomplishment continues a remarkable tradition for the North Sanpete theater program. Since 2019, the school has captured both the first-place Sweepstakes and first-place Ensemble Scene titles five times, establishing itself as one of Utah’s standout high school theater programs.
The North Sanpete High School Drama department achieved a historic victory at the 49th annual High School Shakespeare Competition, taking home the prestigious 1st place Sweepstakes title in their division.
Director Alex Barlow said the annual competition provides students with a valuable opportunity to develop their acting skills while discovering the lasting relevance of Shakespeare’s works.
“The Utah Shakespeare competition is a highlight experience for us every year,” Barlow said. “Performing Shakespeare is not easy, but it is always incredibly satisfying to see students master performing Shakespeare. Many of Shakespeare’s words are still very relevant today.”
For Bailey, the experience also renewed her enthusiasm for the stage.
“Performing at Shakespeare helped me rediscover my love for performing,” Bailey said.
The competition challenged students to demonstrate their skills before more than 80 judges and industry professionals. North Sanpete’s success across multiple categories reflected the preparation, teamwork and dedication of its performers.
The theater department is already turning its attention to its next production, the annual school musical, Big Fish. The heartwarming story of a father and son is scheduled to run Nov. 18-23.
Following its success on the Shakespeare competition stage, the North Sanpete theater department will bring its talents home for another opportunity to entertain local audiences and showcase the abilities of its student performers.
