The English-Speaking Union
Central Florida

Our Branch was founded in 1960 by just a few thoughtful Winter Park residents. It has grown into a deeply impactful collection of over two hundred members and countless program participants dedicated to the ideals of the ESU mission. We have a full calendar for members this year – interesting, knowledgeable speakers at our monthly meetings, professional entertainment at our two planned formal dinners at the Winter Park Racquet Club, opportunities for members to serve and learn, and community partnership events to attend! We are proud to offer scholarships to teachers and students, and grant opportunities to our education partners. Take a closer look at our activities by perusing this site, and get in touch for membership information. Join our vibrant community of lifelong learners!

Join the Central Florida ESU Branch

Upcoming Events

December Program with Dr. Juliette Wells

December 7 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
University Club of Winter Park
841 N Park Avenue
Winter Park, Florida 32789 United States

You’re invited to hear Dr. Juliette Wells as she presents the December lecture, “Jane Austen: A …

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Happy Hour: The Surprising History of Santa and Christmas Traditions in America

December 9 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Christmas in America has a much richer and stranger history than the cozy images we know today. This…

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Happy Hour: Murder and the Manor House

January 6, 2027 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

January 6, 2027, 5 PM ET, Sponsored by the ESU Charlottesville, VA Branch Do you love a good mystery…

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Happy Hour: How Jane Austen Got Wild

February 3, 2027 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Jane Austen’s (1775-1817) reputation as a mild, quaint, sheltered “prim and proper” spinster i…

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March Program with Dr. Elliot Engel

March 1, 2027 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
University Club of Winter Park
841 N Park Avenue
Winter Park, Florida 32789 United States

You’re invited to hear Dr. Elliot Engel as he presents the March lecture, “The Wizard of Oz: L. …

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April Program with Dr. Iris De Rode

April 5, 2027 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
University Club of Winter Park
841 N Park Avenue
Winter Park, Florida 32789 United States

You’re invited to hear Dr. Iris De Rode as she presents the April lecture, “When France Saved Am…

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ESU Educational Programs in Central Florida

What We Do

Shakespeare Competition

The ESU National Shakespeare Competition is a performance-based education program. High school students develop analytical and communication skills by performing Shakespeare at the school, community, and national levels. Since 1983 more than 360,000 students have brought the timeless works of Shakespeare to life. In 2023, our branch winner Casey Kerr won third place at Nationals. Our most recent branch winner, Julia Kaufman, proudly represented our branch in April.

Adult Literacy League

The Adult Literacy League recruits, orients, assesses, and supports activities of some twenty adult learners. These students are paired with one-to-one tutors either in person or online. The classes range from English Conversation to U.S. Citizenship preparation, basic reading and writing, GED preparation, and job skills/workforce readiness. The objectives of our ESU grant were met for the 2023-2024 Grant Cycle.

Central Florida ESU Lecture Series

Between September and May each year, Branch members enjoy one of the most outstanding speaker series in Central Florida, bringing in dignitaries from across the United States and abroad. Meetings are usually held at the University Club of Winter Park in late afternoon or evening, and are preceded or followed by refreshments at no charge to members. Dinner meetings are also held each year.

Happy Hour Series

In response to the COVID-19 world, in July of 2020 ESU members got together to introduce the virtual Happy Hour Program, which has been met with resounding success. The Happy Hour Program brings guest speakers from locations all over the world, live and free of charge using the Zoom format. And to make it a real happy hour, a few of the speakers suggest signature cocktails to match the theme for the attendees to create and enjoy at home during their presentations. Many speakers also offer exciting participation opportunities with fun give-away books and products at the end of each program. All Happy Hour events are recorded and available for download to members and anyone interested to watch on-demand.

TLab: Teachers Learning Abroad

Since 1957, the ESU has provided summer study abroad scholarships to middle and high school teachers at Oxford, Edinburgh and Shakespeare’s Globe in London. Florida has been sending teachers abroad since 1960, sponsoring more than 200 teachers to date.

In the News

Past President Donna Miller and new President Jan McClure represented our Branch at the Orange County Association of Media Educators Student Media Festival on April 25. Our Drey Endowment grant of $2000 purchased student trophies and printed programs.

Orlando Shakespeare Theatre Youth Education Programs

The Branch provides funds for scholarships and programming to middle and high school students to attend summer drama camps (The Young Company and/or Shakespeare with Heart) at the Shakespeare Theatre. Also, we provide funds to send Shakespeare workshops into Title I classrooms.

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In the News

Recent news related to the Central Florida English-Speaking Union branch.

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ESU National Educational Programs

What We Do

Scholarship Programs

The English Speaking Union offers a variety of scholarship programs for students, educators, and lifelong learners.

English in Action Across America

English in Action helps newcomers to the U.S. improve their English language skills and build confidence. Students and volunteers meet weekly for one-to-one conversation practice. At the heart of the program is a commitment to cross-cultural exchange. Students gain insight into life in the U.S. Volunteers learn about different cultures and support immigrants, refugees and other newcomers building new lives in this country.

Debate & Public Speaking

The ESU’s middle and high school debate leagues provide students with the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills through public speaking at debate tournaments in the US throughout the academic year. Students from all over the world also have the opportunity to hone their skills during the International Public Speaking Competition in London.

International Public Speaking Competition

The International Public Speaking Competition brings together outstandingly articulate young people from all over the world for a week of public speaking competition and international cultural exchange with the ESU of the Commonwealth in London. The finalist contestants meet and learn with their peers of different backgrounds and cultures from some 50 countries. Through all its qualifying levels, the program engages more than 40,000 young people globally.

TLab—Travel and Learn Abroad

Study in the United Kingdom for an unforgettable immersive experience! Live and learn on the famed campuses of Oxford and Edinburgh or discover Shakespeare in the context that brought his works to life — exploring his hometown in Stratford or performing on the stage of the Globe Theatre in London.

Shakespeare Writing Competition

This program is designed for students who express their love of Shakespeare through creative and analytical writing. It will consist of competitive and non-competitive writing events for high school students.
Get in touch with the Central Florida Branch
Email: centralflorida@esuus.org
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Donate to support the Central Florida branch

The ESU Central Florida Branch is always grateful for your kind donations of any amount. The English-Speaking Union of the United States Central Florida Branch LLC is a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. All information is kept confidential.

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