The North Sanpete High School theater department achieved a historic victory at the 49th annual High School Shakespeare Competition, according to a report published October 21, 2026. The department earned the first-place Sweepstakes title in the Cambridge Division, which includes 3A and 4A schools.
The three-day competition was hosted by the Utah Shakespeare Festival and Southern Utah University in Cedar City. Considered North America’s largest scholastic theater competition, the event featured nearly 3,000 students representing 99 schools from various states.
In addition to the Sweepstakes title, North Sanpete secured first place in Ensemble Scene and first place in Duo/Trio Scene. The Duo/Trio award was earned by students Nolun Nielsen, Kamron Cox, and Tavian Smith. Senior Misty Bailey received the Larry Lott Acting Award for best performance in an ensemble scene, an honor that includes a $1,000 scholarship to Southern Utah University.
Director Alex Barlow stated that the annual competition provides students a valuable opportunity to develop acting skills and discover the relevance of Shakespeare’s works. Barlow noted that performing Shakespeare is difficult but satisfying for students to master.
Bailey stated that performing at the Shakespeare competition helped her rediscover her love for performing.
Since 2019, the North Sanpete theater program has captured both the first-place Sweepstakes and first-place Ensemble Scene titles five times. Students performed before a panel of more than 80 judges and industry professionals during the competition.
The North Sanpete theater department is preparing for its next production, the annual school musical, Big Fish. The production is scheduled to run from Nov. 18-23.
