The English-Speaking Union
Kansas City

Celebrating 100 Years in Kansas City
1920-2020

The English-Speaking Union’s diverse educational programs are the hallmark of our mission. Our programs highlight the broad base audience we serve—students, educators, English-language learners, new immigrants, and members.

Join or Renew with the Kansas City ESU Branch

Announcements

Educator Membership

We are proud to announce our new Educator Membership, offered exclusively to teachers involved in TLab, the National Shakespeare Competition, Middle and High School Debate, and other ESU education programs.

Read More

Upcoming Events

All times Central Time

See all upcoming events

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

July 12 @ 8:00 am – July 16 @ 5:00 pm CDT

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

Find out more »

IRC Summer of Global Goals

July 14 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm CDT

Every four years, the World Cup brings together fans from around the globe to celebrate the most wid…

Find out more »

Happy Hour: Halifax Resolves

July 15 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm CDT

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

Find out more »

Think and Drink: Crash Course for Kansas and Missouri Voters

July 16 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CDT

Join us for a special nonpartisan community discussion designed to help voters better understand the…

Find out more »

Happy Hour: The Loyalist and the Patriot

July 29 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm CDT

Step into a gripping dialogue with acclaimed prize-winning historical biographer Flora Fraser and Do…

Find out more »

Think and Drink: The Forever Trade War and What It Means for Kansas City

August 6 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CDT

The trade war has become the new normal. Drawing on original Trade War Lab survey research, attendee…

Find out more »

Think and Drink: Tips & Tricks for Those Saddled by Midwest Nice

August 20 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CDT

In this sharp, soulful, and unfiltered follow-up to Pimps & Preachers, Dr. Nicole Price—aka the or…

Find out more »

King Charles’ Birthday Tea Party

August 29 @ 10:30 am – 2:30 pm CDT

Join us for one of our favorite social events of the year—a tea party celebrating King Charles III…

Find out more »

The Questionable Identity of William Shakespeare

October 29 @ 10:00 am – 11:15 am CDT

The question may be met with chagrin by traditionalists, but to some, the identity of William Shakes…

Find out more »

39th Annual British Faire

November 14 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm CST

The British Are Coming!  All ESU members and guests are invited to the 39th Annual British Faire sp…

Find out more »

A Christmas Carol

December 2 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm CST

All ESU members and Friends of ESU are invited to this holiday classic produced by KCRep. This produ…

Find out more »
In the News

An ESU Blog about news of local interest in Kansas City

Read More

ESU Educational Programs in Kansas City

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 (ESU branch), 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 Kansas City Branch has participated in the National Shakespeare Competition.

English in Action

English in Action is a program that closely identifies with the needs of the growing immigrant population in Kansas City and throughout the U.S. English in Action pairs immigrant newcomers to the United States with fluent English speakers for one-on-one conversation sessions.

Evelyn Wrench Lecture Series

The ESU Kansas City 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 the COVID-19 world, in July of 2020 ESU members got together to introduce the virtual Happy Hour Program, which has been met with resounding success. The Happy Hour Program brings guest speakers from locations all over the world, live and free of charge using the Zoom format. And to make it a real happy hour, a few of the speakers suggest signature cocktails to match the theme for the attendees to create and enjoy at home during their presentations. Many speakers also offer exciting participation opportunities with fun give-away books and products at the end of each program. All Happy Hour events are recorded and available for download to members and anyone interested to watch on-demand.

TLab: Teachers Learning Abroad

Since 1957, the ESU has provided summer study abroad scholarships to middle and high school teachers at Oxford, Edinburgh and Shakespeare’s Globe in London.

ESU National Educational Programs

What We Do

Scholarship Programs

The English Speaking Union offers a variety of scholarship programs for students, educators, and lifelong learners.

English in Action Across America

English in Action Across America is an opportunity where ESU branch members can volunteer to help new immigrants improve their English language proficiency. Through weekly online Zoom group discussions and one-to-one conversations, volunteers work with their students to give them the tools needed to build their new lives here in the United States. Branches and National work together to create groups. Branches provide the volunteers and National provides students from ARNIC. Contact Rona Weitz at rweitz@esuus.org for more information.

Debate & Public Speaking

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 finalist contestants 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.

TLab—Travel and Learn Abroad

Study in the United Kingdom for an unforgettable immersive experience! Live and learn on the famed campuses of Oxford and Edinburgh or discover Shakespeare in the context that brought his works to life — exploring his hometown in Stratford or performing on the stage of the Globe Theatre in London.

Shakespeare Writing Competition

This program is designed for students who express their love of Shakespeare through creative and analytical writing. It will consist of competitive and non-competitive writing events for high school students.

Read More
Get in touch with the Kansas City Branch
Email: kansascity@esuus.org
Contact Us
Support Us

Donate to support the Kansas City branch

The ESU Kansas City Branch is always grateful for your kind donations of any amount. The English-Speaking Union of the United States Kansas City 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 Kansas City Branch