Activities

SAVE THE DATE!

Here are local events being planned. Dates to be announced. Watch for email invitations and/or check this website.

Hamnet the movie online
Shakespeare's young son, one of twins, dies. Shakespeare writes The Tragedy of Hamlet, "To die, to sleep, perchance to dream."   

January 24 opening
Shakespeare in Hollywood by The Chagrin Valley Little Theater.

January, February
Shakespeare Competitions within local high schools. Call Bill Kennedy if you would like to volunteer as a judge in a school.

February through April
Shakespeare's Greatest Hits, scenes from nine plays by the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival at the Music Box Super Club (once a month).

February 28
Northeast Ohio Shakespeare Competition at Cleveland State University. Up to 20 schools may be participating. Judges will be professionals in the communication arts. Schools may learn more and register by going to the English-Speaking Union's national website at esuus.org  

March 20-April 4
Macbeth at the Hanna Theater by Great Lakes Theater Company.

March
Cleveland Branch Membership gathering at Stone Mad Irish Pub  on West 65th in Cleveland. We will celebrate Spring and have St. Patrick in mind. Date to be announced. 

April 17-24
The Book of Will (story of the creation of Shakespeare's First Folio). At Kent State University's Center for the Performing Arts. 

April 23 through May 17
Into the breeches by The Ohio Shakespeare Festival in Akron's Greystone Hall and at Stan Hywet Hall. 

April 25-27
National finals of the Shakespeare Competition in New York City.

June
Cleveland Branch annual meeting and election of officers.  

July 3-20
The Tempest by The Ohio Shakespeare Festival in Akron's Greystone Hall and at Stan Hywet Hall. 

July 31- August 17
King Lear by The Ohio Shakespeare Festival in Akron's Greystone Hall and at Stan Hywet Hall.


Our Scholar in Scotland! 


Lisa Ortenzi highlighted her studies at the University of Edinburgh for our members.  She is the Director of Education for Great Lakes Theater and is a vital partner in ESU's annual Shakespeare Competition.

Last summer, Lisa was our scholarship representative in the Teachers Learning Abroad program. "The school gave us a list of 18 books to read before we arrived!" said Lisa. "All about societal changes and theatrical expression. Important ideas and very intensive for our class of international students. Also some assignments were to participate in the International Film & Theater Festival in the city. Whew! Fun!" Later, Lisa found time to visit Shakespeare's Globe Theater in London. "We came home with sooo many good ideas! Thank you!!" 

Annually Lisa's department amplifies the theatrical education of 15,000 students in Northeast Ohio. This includes providing tickets to Playhouse Square, in-school workshops, helping to manage ESU's Shakespeare Competition, producing free Shakespeare-in-the-park programs and offering summer theater camps. She is helping to produce ESU's gala presentation of Romeo & Juliet for the All-City Shakespeare Festival!  Bravo, Lisa! 

International classes are the best.

Theater Festival performances were in theaters, restaurants and on the street all week.
Two more Teachers Will Study in Great Britain 
This summer two Cleveland Branch teachers will study in Great Britain through the Teachers Learning Abroad program. 

Channelle Harris, teaching-artist at Great Lakes Theater, will attend the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. 
Khaki Hermann, a teacher at Hathaway Brown School, will attend the British University's program at Shakespeare's Globe Theater in London. 
Our Teachers Abroad Through ESU: 
Lucille Alstine, retired  
Anne Hasenohrl, Westlake High School  
Kevin Hascher, Berea-Midpark High School 
Gay Janis,Gilmour Academy  
Teresa Lee Jenkins,Lake Ridge Academy 
Cassie Lucas,Brunswick High School 
Christine McBurney,Shaker Heights High School 
Lisa Ortenzi, Great Lakes Theater 
Rebecca Papakonstantinou,Berea-Midpark High School  

Our Activities


National Shakespeare Competition
TLab: Travel and Learn Abroad
  
 

The English-Speaking Union

Cleveland Branch

Cleveland Branch Landmark Photo

Welcome to the ESU

The ESU celebrates English as a shared language to foster global understanding and good will by providing educational and cultural opportunities for students, educators, and members.

To find out more about our programs click here.