NYC BRANCH NEWSLETTER
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION
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Thursday, May 7th
The ESU Players will present a staged reading of Lend Me a Tenor,
a comedy by Ken Ludwig, about the chaos that ensues when the Cleveland Grand Opera Company's star tenor, Tito Merelli, goes missing, leading his assistant Max to impersonate him, resulting in two "Otellos" on stage and a night of mistaken identities, romantic mix-ups, and mayhem. Two professional singers will perform the roles of Tito and Max.
6:00 p.m. Reception at the English Speaking Union’s Garden Room
6:30 p.m. Lend Me a Tenor Admission is Free |
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month |
ENGLISH IN ACTION ACROSS AMERICA (EiA)
Volunteer with English in Action
It is a busy day during the week in New York City. Millions of people speed walk through its streets and enter its many skyscrapers for work. But down on 39th street, between 3rd and Lex, something entirely different is taking place. Here, a local volunteer is patiently listening and learning about another person's life. Across from them is a new immigrant practicing their English, struggling to use new words but ultimately expressing themselves in a language not their own. These conversation pairs are building a relationship that will last a lifetime. This is the English in Action volunteer conversation program.
Not being able to communicate in English is a major barrier for immigrants and other newcomers. For more than 60 years, the English in Action volunteer conversation program has helped students build fluency in English and lead confident, successful lives. The program offers a safe and inclusive space to acquire the language skills to navigate everyday life, access basic services, and communicate effectively in a professional setting.
Of English in Action, one student said, "The best part of EiA is getting to practice English through real conversations, meeting new people, and feeling more confident every week. It’s not just about learning the language, but also about connecting with others and enjoying the process."
Volunteering is open, online or in-person, and EASY! Learn more and sign up for an Information Session here.
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION |
Discover. Connect. Thrive. With the English-Speaking Union.
At the English-Speaking Union (ESU), we champion the power of the English language to bring people together—across borders, cultures, and generations. Language is more than communication; it’s a gateway to understanding, collaboration, and lifelong learning.
This is an especially exciting moment to be part of the ESU. As we celebrate the Legacy Event at the ESU House, launch our Capacity Building Campaign, and prepare for the nation’s 250th Anniversary with programs and events across the country, our work—and our community—continues to grow.
From students and educators to lifelong learners and globally curious individuals, the ESU offers meaningful ways to engage. Through workshops, speaker programs, exchanges, and special celebrations, you’ll find opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute.
Stay connected for upcoming events and initiatives, and join us as we build lasting friendships, exchange ideas, and advance global citizenship.
Join the ESU—where language inspires connection and community flourishes.
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Membership Office Hours:
April 20 at 6:00-7:00PM EST
Click Here |
Introducing the ESU Educator Membership
We are proud to announce our new Educator Membership, offered exclusively to teachers involved in TLab, the National Shakespeare Competition, Middle & High School Debate and other ESU education programs. Benefits include:
- Access to exclusive professional development workshops - including Music in Shakespeare, live via Zoom from Shakespeare’s Globe in January
- Special curriculum resources and lesson plans
- Discounted tickets to the National Shakespeare Competition
- Preferred rates at the Shelburne Sonesta Hotel in NYC
- Exclusive discounts on select Broadway shows
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ESU INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS |
ESU TRAVEL & LEARN ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPS (TLab)
Since 1957, ESU Branches nationwide have generously provided scholarships to middle and high school teachers for summer study at Oxford, Edinburgh, and Shakespeare's Globe in London on 2-3 week programs in July and August. 1-week programs to Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon for the Page to Stage Program are also available for teachers and lifelong learners.
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ESU INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION (IPSC)
Since 1983, the English-Speaking Union International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC) has brought together outstandingly articulate young people from around the world for a week of public speaking competition and international cultural exchange at the ESU of the Commonwealth in London. For the first time, the US Finals Competition will be held at the ESU in NYC on April 24th to select the Delegate to send to London with a speech to celebrate the impact of two powerful public speakers -- Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
ESU MIDDLE SCHOOL DEBATE
Winter and Spring have been busy not just with ESU New York & New Jersey Saturday Debate Tournaments, but also with weekly debate classes both in-person at the ESU and also online!
Classes are taking place at the ESU after school every Wednesday and on Zoom every Tuesday and Thursday night through the end of April, led by some of the best ESU New York Debate League instructors, Nick Smart and Grace Campos.
Students and parents are already planning their summer fun at the 1-week Summer Debate Camps at the ESU throughout July. For more information and to register, go to ESU Debate Summer Camps.
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THE ESU NATIONAL SHAKESPEARE COMPETITION |
THE ESU NATIONAL SHAKESPEARE COMPETITION
Returns to New York City
The 2026 National Shakespeare Competition returns to New York City this spring for an unforgettable weekend of learning, culture, and performance. From April 25–27, students, parents, teachers, and ESU members from across the country will gather for three exciting days celebrating Shakespeare and the performing arts.
Competition Weekend includes a New York City double-decker bus tour, acting masterclasses with theater professionals, teacher professional development workshops, and a Broadway performance of the 2025 Tony Award–winning musical Maybe Happy Ending.
The weekend culminates on Monday, April 27, with the National Finals at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center, where 40 of the nation’s top student performers compete for the national title.
If you have questions or require more information, please reach out to Maryellen Liotta at mliotta@esuus.org.
Click Here for more information on the 2026 ESU National Shakespeare Competition.
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The ESU ANDREW ROMAY IMMIGRANT CENTER (ARNIC) |
ESU ARNIC celebrates Women's History Month
This past Women's History Month, we honored the religious sister Mother Cabrini(1854-1917), who fought tirelessly for immigrant opportunities and education. As an immigrant herself, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini understood the power of uplifting communities and established 67 schools, hospitals, and orphanages around the world.Our center for new immigrants is inspired to continue Cabrini's courage. We provide recent immigrants with free services, including English language classes, career services, and cultural learning opportunities. This vital support helps newcomers overcome barriers and thrive in the United States.
To further support the Andrew Romay New Immigrant Center at the ESU, please consider donating at: https://www.esuus.org/getinvolved/donate/ |
April 15 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT
Sponsored by the ESU Syracuse Branch
Adelaide Alsop Robineau (1865–1929) was one of America’s leading studio potters. She began as a china painter but later mastered porcelain and became known for her intricate carving and innovative crystalline glazes in rich colors. Her most famous work, The Scarab Vase (1910), took about 1,000 hours to hand-carve and is considered a ceramic masterpiece.
In this ESU Happy Hour program, Garth Johnson, Curator of Ceramics at the Everson Museum of Art, will discuss Robineau’s influence on modern ceramics and why she is regarded as a feminist icon. The free online event, sponsored by the Syracuse Branch, is open to members and the public with registration required.
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THE ESU 2026 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING |
TIME IS RUNNING OUT
THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER IS THURSDAY, APRIL 9
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The English-Speaking Union welcomes its members to NYC for the 2026 ESU Annual Conference on April 24th-26th, 2026. The conference, under the theme “United by Language, Inspired by Liberty.” The conference program will include the ESU 2026 Annual General Meeting, social events such as receptions and meals, breakout sessions, panel discussions, and local tours. We invite you to participate in the camaraderie and help us advance our programs that support teachers, students, and recent immigrants.
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At this time All tours are sold out!
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Please click here to register for the 2026 AGM, or click below to register online
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