Dear Friends,

Thank you again for being part of the truly special week in New York City this past April — a week that brought together the Annual General Conference, the National Shakespeare Competition, and, as its highlight, the Celebrate Legacy – Inspire the Future reception marking the 25th anniversary of the ESU House and honoring the leadership donors to the first-ever ESU Capacity Building Campaign. We appreciated the support, enthusiasm and generosity you brought to the evening. Your presence made the event truly memorable, and we are deeply grateful for your continued commitment to the ESU.

I am delighted to reiterate the wonderful news I announced that evening: in just one year, the ESU Capacity Building Campaign has raised over $900,000, more than 90% of our $1 million goal, thanks to you, our most generous leadership donors. With one year remaining in the Campaign, we will soon open this effort to the broader ESU community. I have every confidence that they will follow your example and help us exceed our goal.

We are profoundly grateful for the generous contributions of so many of you in attendance. Among our leadership supporters is Mr. Donald Best, who will be the honoree of the 2026 Founder’s Award Gala in London on July 14 at the Oxford–Cambridge Club.

Mr. Donald Best is a distinguished Board member, devoted steward of our mission, passionate internationalist and one of the ESU’s most generous donors. His commitment to the ESU of the United States has extended far beyond our national borders: for many years he has championed ESUs around the world and enthusiastically promoted the global fellowship at the heart of our mission.

His recognition will be a highlight of an extraordinary week of activities surrounding the Gala.

Under the theme of Metamorphoses and guided by Dr. Catherine Loomis, our program in and around London will feature a series of specially arranged visits to palaces and cultural institutions, offering behind-the-scenes access and opportunities to meet members of historic families, distinguished scholars and individuals whose work and insights illuminate the week’s theme. These exceptional experiences, together with intimate receptions and shared moments with the international ESU community, will culminate on Tuesday evening, July 14, with the Founder’s Award Gala at the Oxford and Cambridge Club honoring our dear friend Donald Best.

It promises to be a remarkable week of celebrations, and I very much hope some of you will join us. Space is limited to 16 participants, so I encourage you to reserve your place soon by following the link provided.

REGISTER HERE 

Thank you once again for your support, your friendship, and your belief in the ESU’s mission. I look forward to seeing you in London.

With warm regards,
Dr. Quinn Peeper
Chairman, The English-Speaking Union

On April 27, 2026, the English-Speaking Union hosted the 43rd Annual National Shakespeare Competition at Lincoln Center’s Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater. This inspiring event brought together 39 exceptional semi-finalists from across the country, joined by parents, teachers, ESU Branch coordinators, members, and passionate supporters of the arts.

Our sincere thanks to everyone who helped make this celebration of Shakespeare and student talent such a tremendous success. We are deeply proud of every student who stepped onto the stage. 

We are thrilled to announce that Andy Wallace, representing the ESU Kentucky Branch, was named the first-place winner of this year’s competition. His powerful interpretation of Sonnet 29 and a moving monologue from King Lear captivated the judges and audience alike. Andy is a student of Katie Blackerby at DuPont Manual Youth Performing Arts School.

As first-place winner, Andy will attend the prestigious British American Drama Academy (BADA) Midsummer Conservatory program in Oxford, England for 3 weeks this summer – an incredible opportunity to hone his craft and study classical theatre with leading professionals.

Tristan Jenkins, of the ESU Kansas City Branch, took second place with his performances of King Richard in Richard II and Sonnet 116. As the second-place winner, Tristan will attend the American Shakespeare Center Theatre Camp this summer for 3 weeks in Staunton, Virginia.

Spirit Waddell of the ESU Atlanta Branch took third place for her portrayal of Ophelia in Hamlet and Sonnet 3. Spirit will receive a $1,000 cash prize.

Top Three Finalists From Left to Right: Tristan Jenkins, Andy Wallace, Spirit Waddell

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