News – December 1, 2023
We are pleased to announce the kick-off of the ESU's National Shakespeare Competition! Schools in our region may enter now, giving students the opportunity to compete in The Research Triangle Branch Competition. The winner of the branch competition will travel to NYC to compete in the national finals at Lincoln Center!
News
The Research Triangle Branch gathered at the Raleigh Historic Landmark residence of Ann Robertson and Hans Linnartz in the Oakwood neighborhood. Members and guests enjoyed toasting the season in this beautifully restored home that has been continuously used as a residence since 1851.
Board member India Whedbee welcomed everyone to the beautifully decorated Robertson-Linnarrtz home
Hostess Ann Robertson enjoyed visiting with all guests including Virginia Clark and Andy Lawrence
Sherwood Smith, Sara Jo Manning, and Eve Smith and all guests enjoyed touring the beautifully restored residence.
Jo Cresimore, Bill Hamlin, and Nan Turner visited while enjoying the holiday refreshments.
Hostess Ann Robertson was very gracious to guests Andrea Irby, Diane and Jim Davis and Alice Irby by describing features of her historic home.
News
The Research Triangle Branch of the ESU gathered October 23, 2022 for a Fall Outing at Milburnie Fishing Club, one of Wake County's oldest social clubs which has hosted governors, legislators, and prominent Raleigh families for 100 years. The Fall colors were breathtaking in the wonderful rural setting. Members and guests enjoyed beverages including NC wines and gathered around a roaring fire in the clubhouse before enjoying a traditional barbecue luncheon including the famous Milburnie oyster casserole. Following dessert of banana pudding, Phil Kirk entertained all present with a very informative talk on the wine industry in NC, and its extensive growth. All guests left planning a visit to a NC winery in the near future.
Jaye Day Trotter and Ginny Maxwell welcomed our speaker, Phil Kirk
Charlaine Milani, President Margaret Steed, and Dixie Boyce enjoyed the roaring fire on a chilly Fall day.
Martha Leak, Anne Steele, Bob Leak, Ed Steele, and Winkie Worley were glad to visit with eachother and other members gathered at the fishing club on a beautiful Fall day.
The barbecue luncheon was delicious!
Welcome Message
Dear Members and Friends:
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Research Triangle Branch of the English-Speaking Union, I am pleased to welcome you to another wonderful season of fellowship, fun, and learning. The Board has a full and exciting schedule planned for the coming months, and we invite you to join or renew your membership for another year. Your membership dues and donations are tax-deductible and go toward the support of our programs. In addition, they allow us to provide support for our area high-school students' participation in the popular Annual Shakespeare Competition, as well as our local educators' participation in the TLab (Travel and Learn Abroad) programs. Take a look at our News and Events page for the schedule of activities planned for the coming year. We look forward to seeing you!
Kindest regards,
Linn Ginsler
President
Research Triangle Branch ESUUS
News
On February 17, 2022, the annual ESU Student Shakespeare Competition was held at Kenan Auditorium at William Peace University in Raleigh, NC. The event was also broadcast simultaneously on Zoom.
Ten students from area high schools competed, presenting excerpts from Shakespeare's plays and sonnets, and were judged by three local judges.
The winner was Max Vincent from Research Triangle High School, the first runner up was Ruby Chambers from Enloe High School, and the second runner up was Alex Fluker from Panther Creek High School.
Laura Levine, Theater Arts Director at Apex High School, helped coordinate the event, and Betsy Moye, President, represented the Research Triangle Branch.
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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.
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.
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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