The English-Speaking Union

Charlottesville

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The English Speaking Union Expands minds, Strengthens friendships, Unlocks opportunities – through the use of the English language.  Our diverse educational programs highlight the broad base audience we serve—students, educators, English-language learners, new immigrants, and members.                                                                                                                                                      

Join the Charlottesville ESU Branch

Announcements

Register ASAP for the Branch Robbie Burns Night

Thursday, 22 January 2026 from 6:00-9:00pm at Glenmore Country Club.  Please send checks as soon as possible to President Phil per his email sent 19 December 2026.  Fee is $95.00 per person. Attire: Kilts or Formal Dress – Preferably Black (or Tartan) Tie.

The Charlottesville Branch of the English-Speaking Union, together with Glenmore Country Club, cordially invite you to a Robert Burns night. Glenmore members are also invited. In honor of the Bard of Scotland, an evening of entertainment is offered, complete with a Piper, the Parading of the Haggis, Highland Whisky, and a unique Dance Group. The Master of Ceremonies will be our very own Member and Highland Scot, John Crawford. The price includes a dinner of Cock-a-Leekie soup, a modest ‘taster’ of Haggis Neaps and Tatties, an entree of Filet Mignon and Crabcake with Roasted Asparagus and Barley Risotto, a glass of red or white wine, followed by Sticky Toffee Pudding for Dessert, and a tasting cup of Scotch for the toasts. Additionally, a cash bar will be available for those who wish to supplement.

 

Remember to Register for the Virtual Happy Hour on the Revolutionary War Presented by President Williams!

Wednesday, 14 January 2026 from 5:00-6:00pm.  President Williams will present on an ESU National Happy Hour.  Please see the Events section of this web site for registration instructions with National to receive the Zoom link.  This event has no fee.

 

 

Please see the Branch Christmas Party Photo Page – New Posting

Branch Christmas Party – 7 December 2025 (Link)

Please see the Rachel Yonan Talk and Recital Photo Page – New Posting

Sunday Talk and Recital by World Class Violist, Rachel Yonan – 9 November 2025 (Link)

Please see the Kick-Off Gala Photo Page – New Posting

With the photo gallery is an outstanding full length video of the event.  Enjoy!

 Kick-Off Gala at Farmington – 14 October 2025 (Link)

Upcoming Branch and National Events

Branch Robert Burns Night at Glenmore

January 22 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm EST
Glenmore Country Club
1750 Piper Way
Keswick, Virginia 22947 United States

A Thursday – A “Robert (“Rabbie”) Burns” night at Glenmore – complete with the ritual pr…

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Branch Shakespeare Competition at Blackfriars Playhouse

February 7 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm EST
Blackfriars Playhouse
10 S Market Street
Staunton, Virginia 24401 United States

The Shakespeare Competition at Blackfriars Playhouse, the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, V…

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Happy Hour: Jane Austen and You (National Event)

February 11 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm EST

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

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Branch Mystery Movie

March 7 @ 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm EST
Alamo Theatre
375 Merchant Walk Square
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 United States

Mystery Movie – Not a mystery this coming year. It will be the family-friendly Pirates of Penzanc…

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Branch Informal TLAB Presentation

March 21 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm EDT

Informal TLAB presentation by our TLAB winners of their experiences, and take-aways, of st…

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Branch Waterperry Farm Tour (Free Union)

April 19 @ 4:00 pm EDT
Waterperry Farm
4284 Ballards Mill Road
Free Union, Virginia 22940 United States

(Rain Date is Sunday April 26th) – Waterperry Farm (Free Union) – Private Guided Tour by Own…

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In the News

An ESU Blog about news of local interest in the Charlottesville Branch.

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ESU Educational Programs in Charlottesville

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.

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.

Evelyn Wrench Lecture Series

The ESU Charlottesville 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 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.

English in Action

English in Action is a program that closely identifies with the needs of the growing immigrant population in Charlottesville and throughout the U.S. English in Action pairs immigrant newcomers to the United States with fluent English speakers for one-on-one conversation sessions.

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.
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Donate to support the Charlottesville Branch

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