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.

Join or Renew with the ESU Denver Branch

2025 Writing Competition Awards Presented

Four students read their winning essays for the Dr. Howard F. Beckley Writing Competition prompt, Allegory in Art Beyond Literature, at the ESU Denver Branch Holiday Party at the Denver Woman’s Press Club on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Read more about it on the In the News page below, and check out more photos on the Media Gallery page in the News and Events Calendar menu at the top of this page. Congratulations to the students and their teachers!

2025-2026 Denver Branch Shakespeare Competition

Updated January 6, 2026: The 2025-2026 Denver Branch Shakespeare Competition is underway! The deadline for participating schools to report winners and runners-up is Wednesday, January 14, 2026. There will be an in-person workshop given by Denver Center for the Performing Arts teaching artists at 4:30 pm on Saturday, January 17, 2026. The Branch Competition will be held at 1 pm on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in Studio 11 at the DCPA.

More Information on the Branch Shakespeare Page

2026 Teachers Learning Abroad (TLab)

Applications are now open for ESU Denver Branch Scholarships to study in the UK in the summer of 2026! UK programs take place in July and early August each summer. 2026 UK program dates and details will be announced soon. 2025 UK programs can be viewed on the ESU National page for reference until 2026 details are available. The application deadline is 2/14/2026, and Branch interviews will be held 2/28/2026.

More Information on the Branch TLab Page

Upcoming Events

Join the Churchill Society of New York and the English-Speaking Union for a discussion on “Churchill and the Middle East”

January 13 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

We would like to invite you to an evening of discussion with David Freeman, Director of Publications…

Find out more »

The American Revolution: A Civil and a World War

January 14 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

As the calendar turns to 2026, The English-Speaking Union of the United States begins a year-long ce…

Find out more »

ESU Denver Day at the Denver Art Museum

January 17 @ 2:00 pm
Denver Art Museum
100 W 14th Ave Pkwy
Denver, Colorado 80204 United States

Join the ESU Denver Branch Board of Directors after its meeting on Saturday, January 17, 2026, for a…

Find out more »

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 …

Find out more »

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…

Find out more »

2026 Annual General Meeting

April 23 – April 25

The English-Speaking Union welcomes its members to NYC for the 2026 ESU Annual Conference on April 2…

Find out more »
See all Upcoming Events
Go to Calendar
In the News

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

Read More

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
Contact Us
Support Us

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.

Donate now
Connect and Follow the ESU Denver Branch