Maxwell (MC) Smitherman (11) performed his own interpretation of Shakespeare’s Berowne’s monologue and Sonnet 65 at the Regional Shakespeare Competition in Archbishop Riordan High School last Saturday.

After a round of school-wide competition between 12 performers, MC was chosen to represent the Upper School’s first participation at the regional competition. He auditioned with the same Berowne’s monologue from “Love’s Labor’s Lost” that he performed at the actual competition.

While he did not place in the regional competition, MC said that he was able to learn from other performers while he was there.

The Shakespeare competition brought together a dozen students who auditioned for the regional match.

MC regularly practiced his monologue and sonnet with Draper during his Shakespeare in Performance Class and extra help sessions.

“What’s great is that what he’s working on applies directly to the [Shakespeare in Performance Class], so the class gets to work with him together as he prepares,” Draper said.

While MC has previously performed in several plays, this was his first time performing solo.

“It’s more personal [and] individual[ly] focused on how I can put myself into these single positions in a play rather than a whole play,” MC said. “I prefer shows because I like interactions with other people on stage and the chemistry between two characters as opposed to something where it’s just me talking.”

Students from the region, all who have passed through school wide competitions, gather together to witness unique approaches to performing as well as a “celebration of Shakespeare,” according to Draper.

“I don’t enjoy having artists compete; it’s an interesting choice,” Draper said. “But, I like the idea of a bunch of artists getting together and watching each other play.”

Before the competition, MC mentioned his main objective was to see his fellow actors’ interpretations of Shakespeare.

“Hopefully, I get to interact with everyone else that’s there, and I can watch their performances,” MC said. “I want to learn as much from the other people who have gotten into this as I can. I want to figure out how I can become better from it.”

Charles Shuttleworth initially brought the competition to the Upper School this year after participating in its judging in his former New York school.

“I really enjoy the competition,” Shuttleworth said. “It improves students’ understanding and appreciation for Shakespeare. Between their talent and their drive, I thought they were likely to do well. I think the momentum will build [in the years to come].”

Shuttleworth hopes to make the Shakespeare competition into an annual competition in the future.

This piece was originally published in the pages of The Winged Post on March 13, 2015.