Theatre students from across the district gathered under one roof for the 55th Annual Peg Pauly Shakespeare Festival at Bakersfield College, held October 18-19, 2024.
On Friday, students performed group scenes from Shakespeare’s plays before a panel of judges. Participants had the option to present traditional interpretations or put their own creative spin on the classic works. Then on Saturday, students showcased a variety of monologues, duos, and trios.
The festival, a long-standing tradition founded by Foothill drama teacher Peg Pauly in 1969, allows students to dive into Shakespeare’s rich language, hone their acting skills, and showcase their remarkable talents.
This year’s festival highlighted the best of local high school performers, with several schools earning top honors across different categories:
Centennial High School
- 2nd Place in Duo/Trio Scenes
- Outstanding Ensemble Awards: Jack Prince & Elaina Perez
East Bakersfield High School
- 4th Place Ensemble Scene (The Muppet)
Golden Valley High School
- 1st Place in Duo/Trio Scenes: Vicky Carrillo (Benedict) & Reece Olinger (Beatrice) in Much Ado About Nothing
- 4th Place in Duo/Trio Scenes: Aribell Cabero (Pisanio) & Keywiyah Rodgers (Imogen) in Cymbeline
- 4th Place in Monologues: Miguel Mendoza Gordillo (Gloucester) in Richard III
- Outstanding Ensemble Awards: Miguel Mendoza Gordillo & Reece Olinger
Highland High School
- 1st Place in Ensemble Scene (Two Gentlemen of Verona)
- Eight performers received Outstanding Actor medals
- 1st Place in Monologues: Madison Moreno (Hamlet)
- 2nd Place in Monologues: Genny Eklund (Two Gentlemen of Verona)
Independence High School
- Fan Favorite Award
- Outstanding Ensemble Awards: James Bramer & Elliot Dean
Mira Monte High School
- 3rd Place with From the Mechanicals With Love
- Notable performers: Jorge Morales, Miguel Leyva, Alaijah Brasley, and Jaime Garcia
Shafter High School
- 2nd Place in Group Scenes
- Joslyn Pierucci and Josue Villalobos were recognized for outstanding performances
- Josue Villalobos placed 3rd in Monologue Competition