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2024 National Shakespeare Competition
News
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ESU Central Florida Branch
President's Message
Professor Maurice O'Sullivan, Central Florida Branch President
Welcome to the home page of the Central Florida Branch of the English- Speaking Union. We are a branch dedicated to the ESU mission; we pride ourselves in devoting our time and resources "to celebrate English as a shared language and foster global understanding and good will by providing educational and cultural opportunities for students, educators, and members."
Since the Central Florida Branch was formed in 1960 by a group of Winter Park residents, it has greatly impacted lives. Through teacher scholarships, entertaining lectures with dynamic speakers, the Shakespeare Competition, and a host of additional national and local initiatives, our branch has rooted deep into the core of literacy and made a truly monumental investment in the community. We invite you to become acquainted with us by perusing this site as it showcases our commitment. Perhaps after viewing the many opportunities available to members, you might feel motivated to become one yourself!
News And Events
The 2024 ESU National Shakespeare Competition Starts Now!
News – November 7, 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 Central Florida Branch Competition. The winner of the branch competition will travel to NYC to compete in the national finals at Lincoln Center!
Congratulations, Casey!
News
Left to Right: Jennifer Grace, Dr. Quinn Peeper, Casey Kerr, and Gail Chase
We simply had to spread the news about our own Central Florida Shakespeare Competition Branch representative, Casey Kerr, and their amazing performance on Monday, April 24th at the 40th National Shakespeare Competition! Casey took second place with their performances of Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Sonnet 81. As the second-place winner, Casey will be attending the American Shakespeare Center Theatre Camp in Staunton, Virginia.
The Central Florida ESU is so very proud to have been a part of bringing Casey's amazing talent to the Lincoln Center stage! We also congratulate the dedicated team of professionals who were a part of Casey's preparation for the big day: Gail Chase, Lake Nona's Drama Department Head, and Jenny Chase, AP Literature teacher, have been by Casey's side from their school competition all the way to New York City! We have trustworthy intel (through the grapevine) that they all charmed Dr. Quinn Peeper, Chairman of the National ESU!
Additionally, we would love to extend gratitude - once again- to our Central Florida Competition judges, Anne Hering: Director of Education at The Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Dr. Maurice "Socky" O'Sullivan: Kenneth Curry Professor of Literature Emeritus at Rollins College and Central Florida ESU Branch President, as well as Donna Miller: former Program Coordinator for Orange County's Language Arts Department. Your eye for technique and artistry has allowed our branch to shine through Casey's accomplishment. It is a win for us all!
2023 Drey Scholars
Left to Right: Reta Jackson, Jillian Rodriguez, Bryan Boogiaino, Jonathan Jackson, Olivia Mindermann, Greg Wedel, and Socky O'Sullivan