The English-Speaking Union
Denver Branch

The English-Speaking Union has a diverse range of educational programs that are the hallmark of our mission. Our programs highlight the audience we serve—students, educators, English-language learners, immigrants, and members.

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2026 ESU Denver Branch Shakespeare Competition

The 2026 Denver Branch Shakespeare Competition will be held in partnership with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Come to the Robert and Judi Newman Center for Theatre Education in the Arts Complex at the corner of 13th and Arapahoe streets. The Branch Competition will begin at 2 pm in Studio 11.

More Information on the Branch Shakespeare Page

2026 Teachers Learning Abroad (TLab)

Updated 2/9/2026: Complete your application this week for a scholarship to study in the UK this summer! Application deadline is 2/14/2026. Branch interviews will be held 2/28/2026. Programs take place in July and early August 2026. Dates and details are available on the ESU National TLab webpage. Click below for an application link and a “More Information” link to the National TLab webpage.

Application Link and "More Information" Link to National Webpage

Upcoming Events

Happy Hour: Jane Austen and You

February 11 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

After 250 years, why are Jane Austen’s novels still so popular? Jane Austen (1775-1817) is one of …

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ESU Denver Shakespeare Competition

February 22 @ 1:00 pm
Robert and Judi Newman Center for Theatre Education
1101 13th St
Denver, Colorado 80204 United States

The ESU Denver Shakespeare Competition will be held in partnership with the Denver Center for the Pe…

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Happy Hour ESU Mongolia: How English Was Introduced in an East Asian Country

March 5 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Sponsored by the ESU Mongolia and Central Pennsylvania Branches The English-Speaking Union is a worl…

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The Science of Shakespeare

March 26 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Dan Falk, award-winning author of The Science of Shakespeare: A New Look at the Playwright’s Univ…

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2026 Annual General Meeting

April 23 – April 25

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2026 ESU National Shakespeare Competition Weekend

April 25 – April 27

The ESU National Shakespeare Competition returns to New York City for an unforgettable weekend of fu…

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In the News

Recent news and events related to the English Speaking Union Denver Branch.

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ESU Educational Programs in Denver

What We Do

Shakespeare Competition

The ESU National Shakespeare Competition is a performance-based program. High school students develop analytical and communication skills by performing Shakespeare at the school, community, and national levels. Since 1983 over 425,000 students have brought the timeless works of Shakespeare to life. 2026 marks the 42nd year the ESU Denver Branch has participated in the National Shakespeare Competition.

English in Action Across America

English in Action Across America allows ESU branch members to help new immigrants improve their English language proficiency. Through weekly online group discussions and one-to-one conversations, volunteers give students the tools needed to build their new lives in the United States. The ESU National office recruits students and gives Branch volunteers access to training, workshops, resources, and ideas for conversations.

Writing Competition

The Dr. Howard F Beckley Writing Competition was created in 2010 by the ESU Denver Branch to give high school students an opportunity to improve their writing skills. Student entries are based on fiction or non-fiction themes that vary each year and entries are judged by teachers, professional writers and volunteers. Winners receive cash prizes.

TLab: Teachers Learning Abroad

Since 1957, the ESU Denver Branch has given scholarships to high school teachers for UK summer study at Oxford, Edinburgh, and Shakespeare’s Globe in London. Scholars return refreshed and reinvigorated with new insights to share with students and colleagues, and they play vital roles coordinating Branch education programs and providing Branch guidance and leadership.

Evelyn Wrench Lecture Series

The ESU Denver Branch hosts many prominent authors and scholars including ESU’s own Evelyn Wrench Lecture Series named after our founder. These renowned British and American speakers present programs on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to, current events, history, language, literature, art, architecture, and travel.

Happy Hour Series

In response to COVID-19, ESU introduced a virtual Happy Hour Program presenting guest speakers from worldwide locations using the Zoom format. Suggested signature cocktails match the theme for attendees to enjoy at home during the presentations. All Happy Hour events are recorded and available on-demand or for download.

ESU National Educational Programs

What We Do

English in Action

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.

International (UK) Scholarships

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

Middle School Debate

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 finalists 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.
Get in touch with the Denver Branch
Email: denver@esuus.org
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Donate to support the Denver Branch

The ESU Denver Branch is always grateful for kind donations of any amount. The English-Speaking Union of the United States Denver 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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