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NCSU University Club

News

The Research Triangle ESU Branch held an event on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at the University Club in Raleigh.  Members and guests gathered for a buffet luncheon and program.  Many attendees donned Scottish attire and regalia in honor of our esteemed guest speaker, Donald McLeod, FSA Scot.  McLeod spoke on the odyssey of the Scots-Irish (Ulster Scots) from Scotland borders to Ulster in Ireland and then on to North Carolina.  Ulster Scots were pioneers in NC in educational and political development.  Three US presidents from North Carolina were Ulster Scots:  Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson.  Many of us have Ulster Scot Heritage!

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NC Art Museum Program

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On Sunday, March 3, Branch members and guests gathered at the NC Museum of Art at 2:30 pm for a wonderful presentation by Perry Hurt, Director of Conservation at the Museum.  Dr. Hurt gave a preview of an exhibit coming in June, 2024, entitled "Seeing Red".  The exhibition will focus on the phenomenon of red dyes and pigments used by artists from primitive civilization throughout history revealing cultural and historical information not discovered in any other way.  Light refreshments were enjoyed following the presentation.

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The ESU National Shakespeare Competition Starts Now!

News

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!  

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ESU Research Triangle

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 honored and pleased to welcome you to another year of fellowship and learning!

We have a full schedule planned for the coming months and invite you to join or to renew your membership for this 2024-2025 year. Our membership dues and donations are tax-deductible and support our programs. Our dues also allow us to support the popular annual Shakespeare Competition for our area high school students, as well as our local educators' participation in the TLab (Travel and Learn Abroad) programs.

Please look at our News and Events page for the schedule of activities planned for this year. We look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely,
Elaine Wood
President of English-Speaking Union
Research Triangle Branch

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2022 Shakespeare Competition

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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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2021 Student Shakespeare Competition

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. 

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ESU Happy Hour Series

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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!

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2020 National Shakespeare Competition

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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

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2019 Shakespeare Competition

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. 

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Cary student performs at the 35th Annual National Shakespeare Competition in New York City

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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.

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