UHS actors excel

Twelve members of the Advanced Drama class from University High School at California State University, Fresno competed for the first time and placed fourth overall in the 28th Annual Shakespeare Competition last weekend in Cedar City, Utah.

Nearly 2,000 students from 78 schools in California, Idaho, Nevada and Utah competed in the largest competition of its kind in the world.

"We had no idea what we would be facing. To finish this well on our first attempt is a tribute to the dedication and skills of our students,” said Duncan Needham, University High School's Theater Director.

All the presentations earned either ‘Superior' or ‘Excellent' ratings. There were no ratings of ‘Good' or ‘Fair', said Needham.

To prepare for the competition the students spent three weeks memorizing and perfecting 4 minute monologues, duo-trio, and group presentations taken from the works of Shakespeare.

The twelve students are John Abdallah, Moti Conway, Jennika Crop, Daniel Davidson, Lisa Eleazarian, Elizabeth Jordan, Danelle Lencioni, Sarah Lopez, Yosef Mahmood, Naomi Smith, Taylor Stephenson and Lena Yarbrough.