2025 ESU National Shakespeare Competition – Finals Weekend

Mark your calendars! From Saturday, April 26 to Monday, April 28, 2025, NSC Branch Champions from across the country will gather in New York City for an unforgettable weekend of inspiration, learning, and performance.
The weekend will culminate with the Final Competition at Juilliard’s Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center.

Happy Hour: A Chip Off Queen Victoria’s Block

Queen Victoria (1819-1901) is one of the best loved monarchs. Her reign of 63 years and 216 days, which was longer than those of any of her predecessors, constituted the Victorian era. The British Empire reached its peak during her rule. Almost within touching distance of our own time, her story is so familiar to us it seems unlikely that there is much new to discover. This ESU Happy Hour will uncover amazing and little-known aspects of Victoria’s family.

Happy Hour: Kansas City: Home of Disney’s Original Animation Studio

Walter Elias Disney (1901-1966) was born in Chicago, IL. The Disney family moved to Kansas City in 1911 where nine-year old Walt delivered newspapers with his brother, Roy. Six years later, Walt attended classes at the Kansas City Art Institute. Founded in 1885, the Kansas City Art Institute is one of the oldest and most respected art and design colleges in the U.S. In 1918, during World War I, Walt served in France with the Red Cross.

New York City Week

Join us for New York City Week, a dynamic celebration of culture, history, and community in partnership with the ESU's Andrew Romay Center for New Immigrants (ARNIC).

Happy Hour: The Battle of Britain

June, 1940—In the past two months, Nazi Germany has conquered Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Great Britain stands alone against the formidable German war machine. Now, Germany decides to bring Britain to its knees. In order to do that, Goering’s Luftwaffe must win air superiority over the English Channel and Southeast England. The Battle of Britain is about to begin. It is up to the outnumbered British Royal Air Force—"The Few”—to stop the Germans.

Please join Seattle’s Museum of Flight volunteer Bob Fishman for an in-depth look at a turning point in history—how the RAF defeated the Luftwaffe and saved Britain and perhaps the world from Nazi domination—the aircraft, the strategy, and the tactics including the first use of radar & ground control to manage an air battle. This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Seattle 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.