The power of Shakespeare enables performers to transport audiences into different worlds. On Monday, February 23, a quartet of Woodland Hills High School performers transformed Pittsburgh's O'Reilly Theater stage into 16th century Verona, Italy and the house of the famed Capulet family.
The performance of Act III, Scene V of "Romeo and Juliet" was part of Pittsburgh Public Theater's 32nd Annual Shakespeare Monologue and Scene Contest. Senior Calise Cowans-Rini (Juliet), junior Jae Saunders (Lord Capulet), junior Noelle Brubaker (Lady Capulet), and sophomore Elizabeth Ansell (Nurse) stunned the audience and judges with a powerful, intense portrayal of Juliet's steadfast refusal to marry Count Paris and insistence of marrying Romeo, much to the anger and disbelief of her parents.
As a result of their incredible performance, the four Woodland Hills students were awarded the top honor in the Upper Division Scene category. Each winning school receives a $300 cash prize from Pittsburgh Public Theater.
They were one of five groups to perform in the category as part of the contest's annual Showcase of Finalists. According to Pittsburgh Public Theater, the judges this year included: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Performer of the Year, Ken Bolden; esteemed member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Lindsay Powell; accomplished actor in Pittsburgh Public Theater's Primary Trust, Bria Walker-Rhoze; and award-winning playwright and Pittsburgh Public Theater Resident Artist, TJ Young.
The Shakespeare Monologue and Scene Contest regularly features over 1,000 students from 80 local school districts and features separate categories for middle school and high school students, as well as for scenes and monologues.
The students were coached by high school English, Theatre Arts, and Performing Arts teacher Mr. Reid Burnes.
In addition to the four winners, multiple other students received honorable mentions for their performances earlier in the contest. Senior TT Sallie-Nelson, senior Hayden Crum, junior Olivia Safran, and sophomore Adore McFadden were honored for their monologues, while seniors Aubrie Moon and Summer Curtright, and seniors Adam Steiner and Leo Alfieri, were honored for their scene performances.
Congratulations to all of the performers!