The Shakespeare Monologue Competition was recently held at Lahainaluna High School. PHOTO BY LOUISA SHELTON.

LAHAINA – On Feb. 4, three talented Lahainaluna High School students performed Shakespeare monologues with incredible confidence in front of a small audience and three judges selected from within Maui’s theatre community.

Michael Pulliam, Gary Shin-Leavitt and Ute Finch took part as judges, evaluating each student’s performance based upon a set of criteria set forth by the English Speaking Union of the United States (ESU).

The annual Shakespeare Monologue Competition is one of the ESU’s several programs that provides educational and cultural opportunities for students.

Lahainaluna English Teacher Ryan Granillo and Shakespeare Coach Katherine Cloutier, who is contracted with Theatre Theatre Maui, have worked hard since last winter to prepare the three students – Stephanie Haro, Kainoa Reponte and Konala Frohib Bagoyo – for their school competition.

That work definitely shined in the performances of all three talented students. Judge Shin-Leavitt remarked that all three judges were very impressed with the students’ performances, and that each student would be a welcome addition to Maui’s theatre community.

Winner Stephanie Haro is pictured with English Teacher Ryan Granillo. PHOTO BY ANGIE THOMPSON.

Haro, the winner of the LHS contest, advanced to the branch competition on Oahu on Feb. 21