News And Events

Winners Announced in 2022 National Shakespeare Competition and the People’s Choice Awards

Twelve finalists out of 43 ESU Branches were brought together virtually for the 39th annual National Shakespeare Competition, making it the third-ever virtual competition in the program's history.

People from across the country came together on Monday, April 25th on Zoom to watch as the 12 finalists performed for 5 judges. The virtual competition utilized various technologies across multiple platforms, including Zoom, Youtube, and text-to-vote, all of which enabled thousands of engagements, and hundreds of viewers from across the globe. Click here to read about the three National Competition winners and the three People's Choice Award winners.

Watch the Recorded Competition Here!


Sasha Fedderly of the ESU New York City Branch won 1st Place with her captivating and thoughtful renditions of Lady MacBeth from MacBeth and Sonnet 35. Sasha has won attendance at the BADA Midsummer Conservatory Program in Oxford, England this summer (Midsummer Conservatory Program – BADA).

Her teacher, Margaret George at Lycee Francais de New York High School will receive the $1000 Teacher Recognition Award. Read More.


 

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Watch the National Shakespeare Competition Finals

Calling all Shakespeare Competition Friends and Family: Come Join the Fun for Free!

 

Monday, April 25, 2022 at 1:00 pm Central Time via Zoom

 

The 2022 ESU National Shakespeare Competition has some of the finest young Shakespeareans you'll see anywhere! Show your support by joining us at the competition Zoom program.

 

Watch the competition live via Zoom! Tickets are free, we just ask that you register before Sunday, April 24th. Let's spread the word to family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

Watch Here
 

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Vote for Your Favorite Performer

Cash Prizes for Winners!

FIRST PLACE WINNER RECEIVES A $1000 CASH PRIZE!

Second place will receive $500!

Third place will receive $250!


An event for the whole ESU Shakespeare community! Like last year, friends, families, teachers, classmates, and communities will be able to vote for their favorite performance. Let's keep the fun going and vote for our Kansas City Branch winner, Maggie Herber!

 

Click here to watch the video performances of 43 students who entered the 2022 National Shakespeare Competition. As you watch each of the students perform, be sure to watch Maggie Herber, she is #18

 

How to join in the fun and vote: Read More.

 

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ESU Happy Hour

Wednesday, April 27, 2022, 4:00 PM Central Time

Our next Happy Hour is a fascinating discussion and historical look at notable African-Americans who have played the Bard including Ira Aldridge, Paul Robeson, James Earl Jones, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Frances Foster, Audra McDonald, & Fran Dorn. Happy Hours are free online programs open to ESU members and the general public. Invite your friends to this Happy Hour program. Registration is required. Read more

Register Here
 

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ESU Happy Hour

Join Us for Our Next Happy Hour

When did people start to eat out? When did the restaurant as we know it today actually come into being? Join us by whetting your appetite with an April Cocktail – The Lion's Tail -- from the first true restaurant in London, the Café Royal, published in its book of cocktails in 1937. Our hour together will be an illustrated talk with emphasis on the US and England. Join us for this fascinating ESU Happy Hour on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 4:00 pm Central Time. Happy Hours are free online programs, but registration is required. When you register, you will receive a link to join the program. Read more.

Register Here
 

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The English-Speaking Union

Kansas City Branch

Kansas City Branch Landmark Photo