BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Charlottesville - ECPv6.8.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Charlottesville REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260423T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260425T170000 DTSTAMP:20260526T052251 CREATED:20251202T232759Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T204859Z UID:1806-1776931200-1777136400@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:2026 Annual General Meeting (National Event) DESCRIPTION:The English-Speaking Union welcomes its members to NYC for the 2026 ESU Annual Conference on April 24th-25th\,2026. The conference\, under the theme “United by Language\, Inspired by Liberty.” The conference program will include the ESU 2026 Annual General Meeting\, social events such as receptions and meals\, breakout sessions\, panel discussions\, and local tours. We invite you to participate in the camaraderie and help us advance our programs that support teachers\, students\, and recent immigrants.  \nHIGHLIGHTS \nRevolution in Old New York: Soldiers\, Spies & Statesmen of the American Revolution Walking Tour: Trace the footsteps of revolution through Manhattan’s past and present.\nLunch on historic Stone Street or Fraunces Tavern\nOne of New York City’s oldest surviving streets\, originally paved in 1658.\nand\nArt of the Gilded Age at The Met Museum Guided Tour\nUncover the brilliance and forgotten voices of the Gilded Age at The Met. \nWe will thank our National Patrons for their generous support at a special reception and lecture on Saturday\, April 25\, from 6 pm to 8 pm. A Conversation with Author Flora Fraser\, English writer of historical biographies & Doug Bradburn\, President & CEO of Mount Vernon. The Loyalist & The Patriot: A fight for freedom and our first civil war.\nThe event will take place at The Players\, located at 16 Gramercy Park South\, New York \nOur Conference venue will be held at the ESU House\, 144 East 39th Street\, and the Shelbourne-Sonesta Hotel\, 303 Lexington Avenue\, New York\, NY 10016.. We have a special hotel room which will be available Thursday night through Saturday night. Hotel prices do not include taxes or additional fees\, and prices are valid through March 23\, 2026. We will have a special opportunity to see the USA finals for the International Public Speaking Competition. Space is limited\, first-come-first-served. \nTickets: $650 \n \n \n \n\n \n Register Here URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/2026-annual-general-meeting/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-1.23.18-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260425T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260427T170000 DTSTAMP:20260526T052251 CREATED:20260224T182700Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T205257Z UID:2069-1777104000-1777309200@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:2026 ESU National Shakespeare Competition Weekend DESCRIPTION:The ESU National Shakespeare Competition returns to New York City for an unforgettable weekend of fun\, education\, and performance. From Saturday\, April 25 to Monday\, April 27\, students\, parents\, teachers\, and ESU members will gather for three exciting days in the Big Apple. \n\n\n\nCompetition Weekend features a full lineup of activities\, including a New York City double-decker bus tour\, acting masterclasses led by theater professionals\, teacher professional development workshops\, and a Broadway performance. The weekend culminates on Monday\, April 27\, with the National Finals of the ESU National Shakespeare Competition at Lincoln Center’s Mitzi Newhouse Theater\, where the nation’s top student performers take the stage. \n\n\n\nJoin us for a weekend that brings Shakespeare to life! \n\n\n\nWeekend package tickets go on sale soon! URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/2026-esu-national-shakespeare-competition-weekend/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-24-at-1.23.42-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260513T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260513T170000 DTSTAMP:20260526T052251 CREATED:20260413T030107Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T030108Z UID:2182-1778659200-1778691600@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Elizabeth I: in Her Own Words (National Event) DESCRIPTION:The New York City Branch of the English Speaking Union invites you to join us on  \n\n\n\nMay 13\, 2026 at 5PM EDT \n\n\n\nESU National Board Member Mary Coleman Way in Conversation with Tamara Meneghini on \n\n\n\nElizabeth I: in Her Own Words \n\n\n\nA critically acclaimed one-woman play\, by Carole Levin\, in collaboration with Tamara Meneghini and Sabin Epstein\, that combines Elizabeth I’s own letters and speeches\, the poetry of Shakespeare\, and music of the period to reveal a complex woman and ruler reflecting on her life and reign.  The play\, which has performed to sold out audiences at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and elsewhere\, explores her inner thoughts\, fears\, loves\, and triumphs\, from the Spanish Armada to her relationships with her cousin\,Mary\, Queen of Scots\, her mother\, Ann Boleyn\, her sister\, Mary Tudor\, and both Robert Dudley and the Earl of Essex\, challenging perceptions of the “Virgin Queen.” The program will include excerpts from the performance. \n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE \n\n\n\nAbout Tammy Meneghini \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTammy Meneghini is the co-creator\, collaborating writer\, producer\, and plays the role of Elizabeth I inElizabeth I: In Her Own Words\, a full-length solo play.  She has toured the play to various theatres and venues in the United States\, as well as being featured at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024\, receiving 4 and 5-star reviews to sold out audiences.  She is an accomplished actor and director\, based in Colorado\, where she works frequently onstage and off.  Currently\, she is in the BETC (Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company) production of Mary Jane\, by Amy Herzog.  She is one of the founders of the Rocky Mountain Artists Safety Alliance and collaborated with regional theatre companies to create the Community Standards for Theatre for the Colorado Theatre Community. She is on the faculty at the University of Colorado Boulder\, where she teaches courses in acting\, movement\, voice\, musical theatre\, and the annual senior showcase of work in NYC.  Her work on the Elizabeth Project continues to grow and play to receptive audiences far and wide.   \n\n\n\nFor more information\, please visit: \n\n\n\nwww.tamarameneghini.com \n\n\n\nAbout Mary Coleman Way \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMary Coleman Way has made a lasting impact on the theater community by dedicating more than a decade to leading Southwest Shakespeare Company\, where she is now Vice President of the Board of Directors. A multifaceted artist\, she is a member of the League of Professional Theater Women\, an NEA adjudicator\, and a frequent participant in classical theater auditions and ESU\, Kennedy Center\, and HSMT competitions. She is also a writer for film\, stage\, and television\, a director\, composer\, and administrator.  Mary’s commitment to the arts is furthered through her active involvement on the Boards of Arizona Citizens for the Arts\, Southwest Shakespeare Company\, and the National Board of the English Speaking Union. Beyond Shakespeare\, Mary\, alongside her husband\, founded Fit Via Vi\, a film production company that has expanded to include Broadway and TV\, earning several Tony and Oscar nominations. Most recently\, the company produced Redwood\, the highly acclaimed Broadway musical starring Idina Menzel\, Sugarcane\, a 2025 Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary\, and ARCO\, a 2026 Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Feature Film. \n\n\n\nHappy Hour Cocktail \n\n\n\nQueen Elizabeth loved a good beer. So take out a Blue Moon with a refreshing slice of lemon or lime\, and enjoy! Cheers! URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/happy-hour-elizabeth-i-in-her-own-words-national-event/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-12-at-10.46.55-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T050000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T180000 DTSTAMP:20260526T052251 CREATED:20260413T025452Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260423T203937Z UID:2179-1780462800-1780509600@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Happy Hour: The History of Shakespearean Theatre in Hawaii (National Event) DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, June 3\, 2026 • 5:00 PM ETSponsored by the ESU Hawaii and Seattle Branches Did you know that Edwin Booth\, brother of John Wilkes Booth (President Lincoln’s assassin)\, performed Shakespeare plays in the Kingdom of Hawaii in the 1850s? And he wasn’t alone. The Hawaiian Kingdom hosted many actors who came to the fabled islands to perform Shakespeare. Our guest speaker\, Professor Mark Lawhorn\, will speak on the history of Shakespearean theatre in Hawaii. He put together a detailed display on this topic for the exhibit of Shakespeare’s First Folio at Kapi’olani Community College in 2016. This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Hawaii and Seattle Branches. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nAbout Mark Lawhorn\, PhDMark Lawhorn is Professor of English at Kapi’olani Community College\, Honolulu\, Hawaii. In 2016\, he spearheaded the acquisition of a copy of the First Folio as part of the national tour of First Folios in all 50 States to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. Kapi’olani Community College was the only community college selected to host a copy of the treasured collection during its tour. Lawhorn is the President of the ESU Hawaii Branch and is a member of ESU’s National Board of Directors. URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/happy-hour-the-history-of-shakespearean-theatre-in-hawaii-national-event/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-12-at-10.47.26-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260607T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260607T190000 DTSTAMP:20260526T052251 CREATED:20250817T225637Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251024T052100Z UID:1426-1780848000-1780858800@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Branch Annual Garden Party DESCRIPTION:June 7 – The Annual Garden Party\, from 4:00 to 7:00. Venue TBD. More information to be communicated. Come toast the King with President Phil’s Pimm’s No. 1 cup. Secret judges (two men\, two women) will determine\, respectively\, the best chapeau/hat of the day. The winners will receive a bottle of Champagne. URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/annual-garden-party-alt-date/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2025/08/20250601_160156.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260624T050000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260624T180000 DTSTAMP:20260526T052251 CREATED:20260507T174841Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T180418Z UID:2330-1782277200-1782324000@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Happy Hour: America - Made in Virginia (National Event) DESCRIPTION:With the Commander of the American Forces from Virginia\, four of the first five Presidents from Virginia\, the authors of the Declaration of Independence\, the Bill of Rights\, and the Constitution from Virginia\, an early Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from Virginia\, multiple signers of the Declaration of Independence from Virginia and\, indeed\, the very land on which Washington D.C. stands from Virginia\, it is safe to say that Virginia was indispensable in the creation of our country.  Ellen LeCompte\, President of the ESU Richmond VA Branch\, will share the people\, places\, and things that Virginia contributed to successfully establishing our democracy. This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the Richmond\, VA Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free to attend\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link. \n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE \n\n\n\nAbout Ellen LeCompte \n\n\n\nEllen LeCompte is president of the ESU Richmond Branch\, a former Regional Chair\, and an ESU SSE alumna. She is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and is a proud Virginian and an acknowledged expert on the UK listed by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of their top Advisors in the United States. She has co-authored two books on the late Queen Elizabeth II’s historic relationship between Virginia and Great Britain. In 2025\, Ellen was honored by King Charles III to be made a Dame of the Order of St John\, one of Britain’s oldest chivalric orders dating back to the 12th century.  \n\n\n\nCocktailIt should be a Mint Julep served in a pewter Jefferson Cup—preferably made with Bourbon from George Washington’s distillery at Mount Vernon! \n\n\n\nIngredients8 mint leaves1/4-ounce simple syrup*2 ounces bourbonGarnish: mint sprigGarnish: Angostura bitters (optional)StepsIn a silver or pewter cup or rocks glass\, lightly muddle the mint leaves in the simple syrup.Add the bourbon then pack the glass tightly with crushed ice.Stir until the cup is frosted on the outside.Top with more crushed ice to form an ice dome and garnish with a mint sprig and a few drops of bitters (optional).*Simple Syrup Ingredients1/2 cup granulated sugar1/2 cup waterPrepare Simple SyrupAdd the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat.Stir until sugar is dissolved.Let cool\, then pour into a glass jar and seal tightly with a lid.Simple syrup will keep\, refrigerated\, for about one month. URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/happy-hour-america-made-in-virginia-national-event/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-07-at-1.51.29-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260712T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260716T170000 DTSTAMP:20260526T052251 CREATED:20260522T165711Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T170309Z UID:2366-1783843200-1784221200@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:ESU 2026 Founder’s Award Gala and National Patron Tour “Ovid and Shakespeare’s Metamorphoses” DESCRIPTION:Dear Friends\, \n\n\n\nThank 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. \n\n\n\nI 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. \n\n\n\nWe 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. \n\n\n\nMr. 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. \n\n\n\nHis recognition will be a highlight of an extraordinary week of activities surrounding the Gala. \n\n\n\nUnder 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. \n\n\n\nIt 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. \n\n\n\nThank you once again for your support\, your friendship\, and your belief in the ESU’s mission. I look forward to seeing you in London. \n\n\n\nWith warm regards\,Dr. Quinn PeeperChairman\, The English-Speaking Union URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/founders/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-22-at-12.59.16-PM.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261104T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261104T180000 DTSTAMP:20260526T052251 CREATED:20260522T145702Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T150128Z UID:2359-1793811600-1793815200@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Happy Hour: "From English Rights to American Constitutions:  Americans Transcribe Their Values and Aspirations in State Constitutions.” with A. E. Dick Howard (National Event) DESCRIPTION:The Charlottesville Branch will again host the Nation-wide ESU Happy Hour Podcast. The Branch is honored to have one of its own\, internationally renowned Constitutional Law Professor Emeritus\, A. E. Dick Howard\, will speak to\, in this America’s semi-quincentennial commemoration\, this most relevant topic\, “From English Rights to American Constitutions:  Americans Transcribe Their Values and Aspirations in State Constitutions.”  Professor Howard writes the following… \n\n\n\nAmericans invoke English rights in their complaints about British policies.  A leading example: the 1765 resolutions of the Continental Congress. Americans declare independence.  The several states immediately begin drafting declarations of rights and frames of government.  The most important example is the Virginia Declaration of Rights and frame of government\, their principal architect being George Mason.  A period of experimentation in the drafting of state constitutions ensues – a period serving as an important backdrop to the drafting of the Federal Constitution in 1787. In the ensuing two and a half centuries\, state constitutions have been rewritten or amended\, reflecting the great social\, economic\, and political moments in American history.                         \n\n\n\nThe weblink for this broadcast will be sent out by National 2-3 weeks prior. Registration is free and the link may be sent to others\, non-members\, to register. URL:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/event/a-e-dick-howard/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/charlottesville/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2026/05/OIP-1598736060.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR