Event
On February 18, 2021, an at-home audience enjoyed watching high school students from the area perform in the annual ESU Student Shakespeare Competition, held online by Zoom for the first time ever due to the pandemic.
Nine students competed with their pre-recorded excerpts from Shakespeare's plays and sonnets, and were judged online by three local judges.
News
Welcome to ESU Happy Hour! The ESU has planned a series of programs to connect and reach out to our members through programs that are engaging, fun, and informative on a wide variety of topics. Happy Hour programs bring to you guest speakers live and free of charge. Speakers may also suggest a unique cocktail for you to create and enjoy at home. These programs are designed so ESU members and guests can learn and interact with our outstanding speakers. Many speakers will provide exciting participation opportunities with fun give away books and products at the end of each program.
Read the full story for a complete listing of the first six speakers in the program!
News
On February 27, 2020, the audience enjoyed watching high school students from the area perform in the annual ESU Student Shakespeare Competition, held at William Peace University, Raleigh. Thirteen students competed with excerpts from Shakespeare's plays and sonnets. This year's winners were: first place, Soraiah Williams, from Panther Creek High School, who performed as Cleopatra in "Antony and Cleopatra" and Sonnet 91; second place, Rebekah Walker, from Garner Area Homeschoolers, who performed as Isabella in "Measure for Measure" and Sonnet 91; and third place, Safie Anderson, from Wake Forest High School, who performed as Constance in "King John" and Sonnet 6. Bob Leak, past president of the Research Triangle Chapter, presented Ms. Williams with a beautiful crystal award, generously sponsored by long-time ESU supporter Alice Irby. Laura Levine, Theater Arts Director at Apex High School, helped coordinate the event.
Click here to view more pictures
Event Recap
On February 21, 2019, we were treated to an enjoyable evening with high school students from around the area competing in the annual ESU Student Shakespeare Competition, held at William Peace University, Raleigh. Fourteen students competed and gave remarkable performances of excerpts from Shakespeare's plays and sonnets. This years winners were: first place, Xiao-Ming Porter; second place, Morgan Swales; third place, Riley Simutami. Research Triangle Chapter President Bob Leak presented Miss Porter with a beautiful crystal award, generously sponsored by long-time ESU supporter Alice Irby.
Click here to view more pictures from the event.
News
Morgan Swales performing at Lincoln Center in New York City
April 26, 2018 — New York City: April 23 may have been a normal Monday for most high school students, but for Morgan Swales from Apex High School it will be a day to remember forever. Morgan, student of Laura Levine, placed as a semifinalist at the 35th Annual National Shakespeare Competition on William Shakespeare's birthday while competing against 55 students from around the US on stage at the Mitzi Newhouse Theater in Lincoln Center as the culmination of a year-long competition hosted by the English-Speaking Union (ESU).
Prior to arriving in New York City for the competition, Morgan wrote:
Shakespeare has a lasting impact on the arts. So many popular titles are based off his work. It's amazing to think how one artist can change so much. It feels surreal to be representing and performing famous work at a national competition. I'm honored to be attending. I am most excited about the hustle and bustle of the city, the food and to see other students' performances.
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Milburnie Fishing Club, with TLab scholar Elizabeth Balazs speaking, and students from the National Debate Organization.
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Luncheon at NCSU University Club with David zum Brunnen as Charles Dickens in "The Night Before Christmas Carol".
Sunday, January 7, 2024
12th Night at the Governor's Mansion, with NC Opera general manager Eric Mitchko as speaker; with one or two performers.
Thursday, February 15, 2024
The annual student Shakespeare Competition, at Peace University.
Sunday, March 3, 2024
Perry Hurt, head of conservation at NC Museum of Art, will be our speaker.
Sunday, April 21, 2024
English Garden Party at the home of Board member Ginny Maxwell. Traditional Pimm's Cup will be served.
Thursday, May 2, 2024
Annual Meeting, The Cypress of Raleigh, 5:30 PM. Our National Shakespeare Competition winner will perform. Dr. Flo Durway, former English professor will give a presentation entitled "I'll Bet You Didn't Know This About Shakespeare."
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