News And Events

Winners of Philadelphia Branch 29th Annual Shakespeare Competition

Philadelphia Competition was held on February 15, 2016 at the Philadelphia Performing Arts: A String Theory Charter School. Seventeen schools from the Greater Philadelphia competed.  The winners represented a cross section of the area:  Left to right: Third Place: Thomas Van Dean, Central High School; First Place, Emma Muller, Perkiomen Valley High School; 2nd Place, Zillah Elcin, The Academy at Palumbo.

The Andrew F. Webster Scholarship was awarded at a reception for the winners and their families on Sunday, March 6, 2016. Left to right: Diana Evans, Shakespeare Competition Chairperson; Andrew F. Webster; winners Thomas Van Dean, Emma Muller, and Zillah Elcin.

Emma Muller will compete at the ESU National Competition in New York City.

 

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Garden Party Event Recap

Event Recap Photo

President Jim Munnis welcomes guests

                                     

                   

 
         Gayla McCluskey & David Humphrey, Co-Chairs


The 89th Birthday and the 63nd Year of the Reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was celebrated Sunday, June 14th at the at the campus of SEI, Oaks, PA. A big thank you to Gayla McCluskey and David Humphrey for Co-Chairing this stellar event!! Guests arrived to the sound of bagpipes and champagne, enjoyed sunny weather, a beautiful location, and a private tour of the amazing West Art Collection.

Click here to see pictures of the event

 

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Philadelphia Branch Winner at the 2015 English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition

3 winners of the 2015 ESU National Shakespeare Competition. (l to r: Third place winner Elizabeth Mears, winner Sarah Spalding and Second place winner Evelyn Johnson.)

With a performance of a sonnet and monologue from Shakespeare, Evelyn Johnson (Evie), a student of Tom McFarlane at Friends Central School in Wynnewood, PA, won second prize at the 32nd annual ESU National Shakespeare Competition. The Competition brought together 57 high school students, the winners of ESU Branch competitions nationwide, for a two-day event in New York City culminating in the final competition on April 27th at Lincoln Center. Evie had previously won the Philadelphia Branch regional competition.

For placing second, Evie won a full scholarship to the American Shakespeare Center's Theater Camp in Staunton, VA.

To the right, Evie Johnson  performing her winning monologue.

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28th Annual Shakespeare Competition

(Left to Right) Diana Evans, chair, awards 3rd Place Winner Rebecca Manion, Liberty High School; 1st Place Winner Evie Johnson,Friends Central School; and 2nd Place Winner Madeleine Procopio, Merion Mercy Academy.

The Playground at The Andrienne in Philadelphia was the location of our 28th Annual Shakespeare Competition.

Congratulations to our First Place Winner Evie Johnson from Friends Central School, Second Place Winner Madeleine Procopio from Merion Mercy Academy, and Third Place Winner Rebecca Manion from Liberty High School.

Thank you to Diana Lola Evans, Chair, and her committee for organizing the event; Stephen Wesley Holt, Master of Ceremonies; judges Bill Madeira, Charles McMahon, Christian Patragnoni and Bohdan Senkow; and John Zak who lead a master class for all the contestants.

 

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Fall Dinner Dance

Event Recap Photo

It was a dark and stormy day. Then the sky cleared and we were treated to a gorgeous sunset at the black tie gala on November 1 at The Corinthian Yacht Club. Following the cocktail hour guests enjoyed a sumptuous 3-course dinner followed by enthusiastic dancing into the night. Cocktail Hour at The Corinthian Yacht Club
Cocktail Hour at The Corinthian Yacht Club

Guests dancing to music by the "Just Us" orchestra

Guests dancing to music by the "Just Us" orchestra

 

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The English-Speaking Union

Philadelphia Branch

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