A
ll the world’s a stage, as the oft-quoted Shakespearean line goes. If the statement holds true, then Capital High School senior Isaiah Canterbury may very well be the stage’s lead player.
Canterbury recently won first place in the 2025 ESU National Shakespeare Competition, which was held in New York City.
“His powerful interpretation of Sonnet 105 and a moving monologue from King Lear captivated the judges and audience alike,” competition officials noted in a statement announcing the competition’s winners.
Canterbury was one of 42 students from across the United States to participate as a finalist in this year’s competition, held at The Juilliard School. He’s the second participant from West Virginia in as many years to place in the top three in nationals.
“Remarkably, this is only the second year that the ESU West Virginia Branch has participated in the competition,” organizers note.
As this year’s first-place winner, Canterbury will spend three weeks at the British American Drama Academy (BADA) Midsummer Conservatory program in Oxford, England this summer.
“[It’s] a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deepen his craft and represent Capital High School and West Virginia on an international stage,” officials with Kanawha County Schools note.
As one might expect, Canterbury has received several accolades for his achievement. The Kanawha County Commission recognized his milestone at their recent commission meeting.
“It’s a lot of hard work,” Commissioner Lance Wheeler acknowledged in his congratulatory remarks to the young thespian.
And work he has. Canterbury has participated in stage productions at Charleston Children’s Theater, the Charleston Light Opera Guild, and the Capital High School theater. He also acknowledged the support of his teachers and family in helping him reach his theatrics goal.
“I credit all of them,” he told the panel.
So what’s next for the recently graduated high schooler?
He’ll be starting at the very selective and very prestigious Shenandoah University Conservatory as an undergraduate this fall.
“I just got the call the other day,” Canterbury said.
