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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Membership Update

LATEST UPDATE: The website page for joining or renewing your membership with the ESU Denver Branch should be back online by October 1, 2025. Now that membership is on a rolling 12-month basis, you will be notified by email one month before your membership expires. Members with email who joined or renewed on or prior to October 31, 2024, may have already received a message with a link to renew online. Please fill in all the fields as they will be used to populate your information in a new membership database. The last screen in the online renewal process has payment options for Card, ACH or Pay Later (by check). We will reach out to our members without computers or email and provide a paper renewal form. If you have questions or need help, please call 303.755.1752 or email denver@esuus.org. Thanks for your patience!

2025 TLab Scholars Return

Ben Butler and Katie Cunningham, 2025 Denver Branch TLab Scholars, both attended Teaching Performance Through Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Globe in London from July 14 to August 1. Since their return, they participated in a planning session for the 2026 Branch Shakespeare Competition, and we look forward to hearing about their experiences at the Globe when we meet for the TLab Scholarship dinner at the University Club on Thursday, November 13, 2025 – Save the Date!

2025-2026 Denver Branch Board Meetings

The ESU Denver Branch Board of Directors will meet on the following dates from 9:30-11:30 am in the St. John’s Cathedral Common Room (1350 N Washington Street, Denver CO 80203): September 13, 2025; November 15, 2025; January 17, 2026; March 14, 2026; May 16, 2026. Save these dates!

Upcoming Events

“Teenage Shakespeare” – PD Workshop with Catherine Loomis

September 20 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am

With wit, insight, and passion, Professor Loomis brings Shakespeare to life in ways that are both en…

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You’re Invited to a Truly Special Weekend!

September 25 – September 28

We are thrilled to announce an exclusive event in partnership with The Faulkner Society — and you …

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Happy Hour: Vampire Literature: An Anthology

October 1 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Co-Authors Dr. Robin Werner and her colleague, Dr. Elizabeth Lewis, will discuss their book titled V…

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Happy Hour: The Lost Heirs: The Rise and Fall of the D’Oyly Carte Dynasty

November 5 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Sponsored by the ESU Central Pennsylvania Branch The name D’Oyly Carte is recognized throughout th…

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Teachers Learning Abroad (TLab) Dinner

November 13 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The University Club of Denver
1673 Sherman Street
Denver, Colorado 80203 United States

Please join ESU Denver Branch members in the Terrace Room at The University Club of Denver on Thursd…

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The Earl and Countess of Derby Invite the English-Speaking Union to A Magical Holiday Weekend at Knowsley Hall

November 20 – November 23

The Earl and Countess of Derby Invite the English-Speaking Union toA Magical Holiday Weekend at Know…

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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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