News And Events

2023 State Shakespeare Competition

On Saturday, February 25, 2023 the Kentucky Branch of the ESU held the annual state Shakespeare Competition at Presentation Academy in Louisville, KY. 

 The 11 competitors began the day with an acting workshop presented by ESU-KY Shakespeare Coordinator and theatre director Georgette Kleier. 

The competition featured students from around the state. The judges were Matt Wallace, Producing Artistic Director of Kentucky Shakespeare,

Dr. John Gatton, Professor Emeritus of English, Bellarmine University, and Paula Lockhart, Associate Director, KY Governor's School for the Arts. 

The 2023 ESU-KY Shakespeare Competition winners were: 1st place – Sarai Aboagye from Campbell County high school; 2nd place – Atticus Haden from Youth Performing Arts School; 3rd place – Cara LaCoe from Mercy Academy. The first place winner will move on to compete in the national competition to be held in person in New York City in April.

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1st place winner Sarai Aboagye from Campbell County high school

2nd place winner Atticus Haden from Youth Performing Arts School

3rd place winner Cara LaCoe from Mercy Academy

Additional images of the days activities and all of our contestants performances, can be viewed in our photo gallery. Photo credit: Sarah Herron Photography

 

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Deck the Halls - 2022 Christmas Party

A wonderful time was had by the ESU Kentucky Branch members, Board of Directors and incoming scholars for 2023 at the 2022 Christmas Party.

Our "Deck the Halls" party was held at Big Spring Country Club on December 7, 2022.  After being welcomed by our President, Kate Nitzken, a performance of heavenly holiday music was shared by the Bellarmine University Schola Cantorum, directed by Dr. S. Timothy Glasscock.  Our latest class of scholars was presented by Dr. Ted Scharre.  They are: Cana Hibpshman, Teacher at Anderson County High School, The Globe; Ashley Albrinck, Student from Thomas More University, Oxford University; Abigail Stanger, Student from the University of Louisville, Oxford University.  An ornament exchange made the event festive and personal.

Thanks to all of the people who worked tirelessly to make this such a wonderful event. Photo credits: Sarah Herron Photography

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2022 Christmas ESU Kentucky Branch Christmas party

You are invited to Deck the Halls with us at our 2022 Christmas E-SU Kentucky Branch Christmas party!

PLEASE NOTE...SPACE IS LIMITED so seating will only be held with a PAID RSVP.

Register Here!
 

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2022 Annual Meeting and Scholar Presentation

On October 1, 2022, the English-Speaking Union Kentucky Branch held its Annual Meeting and Scholar Presentation at the Audubon Country Club in Louisville, KY.

As guests of member Jason Heine, the meeting was attended by Scholars, the Board of Directors, branch members, and guests.

The live presenters were Rayleigh Deaton, Kayla Daley, Katie Weible, and Beth Ewing.  Elayne Harrington presented remotely from her additional studies in Ireland.  Also, teacher Rebecca Hibbard from Corbin, KY combined efforts with Katie Weible since they studied together at the Globe Theatre.

The presentations were engaging and enjoyable for all in attendance.

We invite you to view these presentations and enjoy experiencing these summer scholarships.

 

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2023 ESU National Shakespeare Competition

THE ESU CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF SHAKESPEARE ACROSS THE NATION

Kentucky High School Students Vie for Chance to Compete in the 40th English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition in New York City.

Across America, the branches of this over 100-year-old institution are sponsoring the 2023 English-Speaking Union (ESU) National Shakespeare Competition. The ESU Kentucky Branch will host their local competition on Saturday, February 25th, at Presentation Academy in Louisville, KY. We are anticipating a wonderful turnout since the state winner will compete in NYC. Each student will perform a Shakespearean monologue and recite a sonnet from a carefully curated selection.  Competitors will be judged on their understanding of the texts and on their ability to communicate that understanding to an audience.

Registration Is Easy!

Just follow these easy steps to offer this amazing opportunity to your high school students. Fill out school registration form available on the National ESU Website.

2023 ESU National Shakespeare Competition School Participation Form - The English-Speaking Union (esuus.org)

 

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The English-Speaking Union

Kentucky Branch