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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2026 National Shakespeare Competition People’s Choice Award Winners

Congratulations to Denver Branch Shakespeare winner Victoria Chang-Nunley, who placed third in the People’s Choice Awards! Pictured above, left to right, are second place winner De’Mari Marsh of the Central Florida Branch, first place winner Dallen Arendt of the Wisconsin Branch, Victoria, and Bill Kennedy, Cleveland Branch President. The Cleveland Branch generously sponsors the People’s Choice Awards. Click the link below to read more about the 2026 National Shakespeare Compeition.

2026 National Shakespeare Competition Winners

2026 ESU Denver Branch Shakespeare Competition

Congratulations to the winning students at the 2026 Denver Branch Shakespeare Competition! Left to right: First place winner Victoria Chang-Nunley from Littleton High School will compete in the National Shakespeare Competition at the Lincoln Center in New York City April 25-27; Lorena Franklin from Lakewood High School won second place and Owen Daly from Grandview High School won third place; both received cash prizes. Thank you to all the teachers, family members and friends who supported the 15 students in the competition, and special thanks to Sam Wood at Denver Center for the Performing Arts and Denver Branch Shakespeare Coordinator (and videographer) Ace Eggleston. See the In the News page and the Media Gallery for more photos!

2026 Teachers Learning Abroad (TLab)

Congratulations to two Denver area high school teachers who have been awarded scholarships to study in the UK this summer! Andy Bucher from East High School will study English Literature at Oxford, and Jeni Korth from Overland High School will study Modernism at the University of Edinburgh. Kudos to both teachers!

Upcoming Events

ESU Denver Branch King’s Birthday Tea

June 13 @ 3:00 pm

Join us for tea including an assortment of savory tea sandwiches, miniature scones served with jam, …

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Happy Hour: America: Made in Virginia

June 24 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Sponsored by the ESU Richmond, VA Branch With the Commander of the American Forces from Virginia, f…

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ESU Denver Branch Annual Meeting and Brunch

July 11 @ 10:30 am
Denver Country Club
1700 East First Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80218 United States

Join us for the English-Speaking Union Denver Branch Annual Meeting and Brunch Saturday, July 11, 20…

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ESU 2026 Founder’s Award Gala and National Patron Tour “Ovid and Shakespeare’s Metamorphoses”

July 12 – July 16

Dear Friends, Thank you again for being part of the truly special week in New York City this past Ap…

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Happy Hour: Halifax Resolves

July 15 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

During the 250th Anniversary of the birth of our nation, many focus on the colonial activities …

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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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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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