New Orleans Branch

Welcome to the New Orleans Branch of the ESU

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Welcome to the webpage of The English-Speaking Union US, New Orleans Branch! We've been an active Branch for more than 30 years, and have over 100 current memberships, including singles, couples, and the largest number of National Patrons of any ESUUS Branch.

Fortunately, we have returned to a full schedule of in-person events September through June plus being supplemented monthly by the highly successful and interesting virtual ESUUS Happy Hour programs series organized by ESUUS Branches nationwide and broadcast monthly by ESUUS headquarters in New York City.

New Orleans Branch played a kickoff role to this program, with its origins during the initial COVD period, thanks to Membership and Media Chair Julie Jardine being on the national planning committee and pivoting to provide the first virtual speaker, Robin B. Williams, Ph.D., who had been scheduled for an in-person presentation to the New Orleans Branch on Regency and Gothic Revival Architecture. Branch member and Founder of the National Food and Beverage Foundation, Liz Williams, provided another virtual program for the series about Creole Food: America's Oldest Cuisine. Also, Jeopardy contender, Penn State professor and Moby Dick expert Hester Bloom was another fascinating Happy Hour speaker sponsored by our Branch.

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Announcing the 2024 ESU National Shakespeare Competition Winners

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2024 National Shakespeare Competition

On April 15, 2024, our 41st National Shakespeare Competition was held at Lincoln Center's Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater in New York City. Forty-four semi-finalists came from all over the country, along with parents, branch coordinators, and supporters. Thank you to everyone who made our National Shakespeare Competition such a great success! We are so proud of everyone who performed.

With his performances of Sonnet 17 and a moving monologue from Othello, Malachi White of the ESU New Orleans Branch won the English-Speaking Union's 41st Annual National Shakespeare Competition. He is a student of Gary Mendoza at Covington High School. As the first-place winner, Malachi will attend the British American Drama Academy Program this summer in London. Gary Mendoza will receive the $1,000 ESU Teacher Recognition award.

Malachi White, New Orleans Branch

Willow Peyton of the newly-established ESU West Virginia Branch took second place with her performances of Portia in Julius Caesar and Sonnet 55. As the second-place winner, Willow will be attending the American Shakespeare Center Theatre Camp in Staunton, Virginia.

Willow Peyton, West Virginia Branch

Evelyn Hall of the ESU San Francisco Branch took third place for her rendition of the Jailer's Daughter in The Two Noble Kinsmen and Sonnet 71. Evelyn will take home a cash prize of $1,000.

Evelyn Hall, San Francisco Branch

Top Three Finalists From Left to Right: Evelyn Hall, Malachi White, Willow Peyton

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Murders Most Foul: Agatha Christie & Friends

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Murders Most Foul: Agatha Christie & Friends

Ralph's On the Park

May 2, 2024

6-8 p.m.

$85 Members, $95 Guests - Cash Bar

Register Here

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ESU Shakespeare Competition Semi-Finals

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(L-R) David Grissett, President NOLA Branch, 2nd Place - Charles Gottschalk, (The Willow School), 1st Place - Malachi White, (Covington High School), 3rd Place - Sariah Hossain, (W.P. Davidson High School), Bruce Gordon, Chairman - Education Committee, Dr. E. Quinn Peeper, Chairman, The English-Speaking Union