April 18, 2026
Bard-O-Thon is one of Young Company’s most beloved traditions and the program’s only annual student-led fundraiser.
During this joyful, full-day celebration of Shakespeare, Young Company students perform as many memorized monologues as they can in a single sitting. Months of preparation culminate in a thrilling marathon of language, storytelling, and ensemble support as students push themselves artistically while cheering on their peers.
Funds raised through Bard-O-Thon go directly back to Young Company, helping make transformative training experiences more accessible for students. Contributions support scholarships for students who need financial assistance and help offset travel costs for our annual educational trips to the American Players Theatre and the Utah Shakespeare Festival.
Just as importantly, Bard-O-Thon offers a window into what makes Young Company special: a community of dedicated young artists willing to do challenging, joyful work in service of their craft.
Attend the Free Showcase!
5:00PM - 6:00PMThe day concludes with a free public showcase where audiences are invited to celebrate the incredible work of these young performers. Students share highlights from the day and demonstrate the artistry, discipline, and joy that define Young Company training.
Friends, families, and community members are warmly invited to attend and cheer on the next generation of theatre artists.
Students prepare a series of memorized monologues, primarily from the works of William Shakespeare, and perform them throughout the morning in a supportive ensemble setting.
The number of monologues students prepare increases with their training level:
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Year 1: 4 monologues
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Year 2: 8 monologues
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Year 3: 12 monologues
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Year 4: 16 monologues
Most selections come from Shakespeare’s plays, though students may also explore a small number of sonnets. Each monologue must be at least 14 lines long and requires deep preparation, memorization, and character exploration.
(For the especially ambitious: the current Bard-O-Thon record stands at 87 monologues performed in a single day.)
Saturday, April 18, 2026
9:00–9:15 AM - YC Students Only
Check-in & T-shirt pickup
Check-in & T-shirt pickup
9:15 AM–12:30 PM - YC Students Only
Shakespeare Monologue Marathon
Shakespeare Monologue Marathon
2:00–4:00 PM - YC Students Only
Young Company Masterclass
Young Company Masterclass
5:00–6:00 PM
Free Public Showcase & Celebration
Free Public Showcase & Celebration
Bard-O-Thon is powered by grassroots community support. Donations directly sustain the program by:
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Supporting student scholarships
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Helping fund educational travel experiences
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Expanding access to advanced theatre training
Every contribution helps ensure that Young Company continues to thrive and remain accessible to passionate young artists across our community.