Ignite Awards

The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company Ignite Award is given for a Shakespeare monologue performance and evaluation for students in 9-12th grades. We at CSC believe that Shakespeare is for EVERYONE and that even after 400 years, his words inspire, empower, and best of all, ignite the imagination in ways that go beyond our wildest dreams. If “all the world’s a stage,” and we believe it truly is, this is your chance to become a player. Every one of you will have a different creative filter to interpret Shakespeare’s immortal words, bringing new understanding to his timeless work.

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ’em.” This is your chance to step into your greatness and learn the words that are a cultural touchstone around the world.

The Ignite Award process has three parts, all designed to spark your curiosity, kindle your understanding of Shakespeare’s language, and to transform your public speaking/presentation skills by using some of the same innovative methods we use with our professional performers and performers in training.

The CSC Ignite Award is created in collaboration with Marci Darling.

The Ignite Awards competition consists of:

1. Watching the Ignite Award video in its entirety for tips and expectations,
2. Participating in the performance, feedback, and adjustment components during a live one-hour Zoom adjudication (or assessment) session. (See below for 2024-2025 dates.)
3. Receiving an overall score and award notification two to three weeks later.

Entry Fee: $100*

*If this entry fee provides a financial hardship, please reach out to us at education@commshakes.org with a brief statement of need to inquire about our financial aid program. 

Preparation:

For the performance component: You’ll need to choose one of the monologues listed below: (Please click on title for link to the full text. Students of any gender may choose any monologue.)

• Romeo & Juliet: Juliet
• Romeo & Juliet: Romeo
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Helena
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Egeus

You’ll memorize and work on your piece using the tips and tools used in the Ignite Award video. Then on Performance and Feedback Day, you will perform the monologue online in a Zoom room with the adjudicator and 3 (three) other performers. The adjudicator will give you feedback, a few pointers and adjustments, then you will perform the monologue again. You will watch the other performers in your group, as we’ve found that experiencing the feedback and observing the work and feedback of others increases your skills. 

2024/2025 Ignite Award Adjudication Dates:

• Sunday, October 6, 2024: Appointments: 11:00AM-5:00PM
• Sunday, January 12, 2025: Appointments: 11:00AM-5:00PM
• Saturday, March 8, 2025: Appointments: 11:00AM-5:00PM

Adjudication Criteria:

We’ll be looking for: Memorization, Clarity, and Character, as described in the Ignite Award video. Within three weeks, we’ll get back to you in writing with a final score, adjudication notes, and an award notification.

Award Levels:

There are three awards: The Ignite Award, The Ignite Award with Distinction, and, for students who will graduate in June 2025, consideration for our Ember Award which is a pre-acceptance and $200 scholarship towards studying with us in the renowned summer acting intensive, the CSC Apprentice Program for calendar year 2026. 

How To Enter:

Please submit the application form by using the button below:

Questions?: Please reach out to us at education@commshakes.org