KENOSHA, Wis. — Tremper High School senior Dallen Arendt is headed to New York City later this month after winning the state-level National Shakespeare Competition and earning a spot among the top 40 students in the country.
Arendt advanced through multiple rounds of competition after first taking first place at Tremper High School, where he competed against seven other students in performances of Shakespearean monologues and sonnets.
The National Shakespeare Competition, presented by the English-Speaking Union, requires students to perform both a monologue and a sonnet by William Shakespeare. Winners at the school level move on to state competitions, with state champions advancing to the national stage.
At the state competition in January, Arendt competed against 19 other students from across Wisconsin in front of a panel of theater professionals, including actors, directors and educators. After the opening round, only six students advanced. Arendt ultimately earned first place in the state.
With the win, Arendt earned an invitation to compete at the national level on April 27 in New York City. The competition will be held at the Mitzi Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center, one of the nation’s premier theater venues.
Only 40 students from across the country qualify for the National Shakespeare Competition each year.
Kenosha Unified School District officials said Arendt’s accomplishment reflects his dedication, hard work and talent, and noted that he has represented Tremper High School and the district with distinction.
Community members can support Arendt by voting for him in the 2026 National Shakespeare Competition People’s Choice Award. Voters can cast a ballot for “NSC1” through April 21.
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