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Ensemble Studio Theatre

BIO

Ensemble Studio Theatre (William Carden, Artistic Director; Paul A. Slee, Executive Director) -- commonly known as EST -- was founded by Curt Dempster in 1968 on the belief that extraordinary support yields extraordinary work. It is a dynamic and expanding family of theatre people committed to the discovery and nurturing of new voices, and the continued support and growth of artists throughout their creative lives. Its ensemble works together repeatedly over time to develop and produce original, provocative, and authentic new plays. With 591 ensemble artists concentrated mainly in New York City, EST has been under the artistic direction of William Carden since 2007. EST was honored with 2012 Obie Awards for its under-30 playwrights program, Youngblood, and for Ensemble artist Steven Boyer for his outstanding performance in 2011's breakout success, Hand To God, developed and originally produced by EST. Hand To God opened to rave reviews at the Booth Theater on Broadway in March 2015, and is now nominated for five Tony Awards. EST received two 2013 Drama Desk Award Nominations for its sold-out production of Finks by Joe Gilford. In 2014 its original production Year of the Rooster, by Eric Dufault, garnered a 2014 Drama Desk Award best featured actor nomination for Bobby Moreno and a NY Outer Critics Circle John Gassner Award for Eric Dufault for an outstanding Off Broadway debut by a playwright.

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Producer
 
[Off-Off-Broadway, 1986]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1979]
Producer

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Special Award

Ensemble Studio Theatre, When January Feels Like Summer

Tony Awards - 2015 - Best Play

Ensemble Studio Theatre, Hand to God


winner
Obie Awards - 2012 - Special Citation: Ross Wetzsteon Grant

Ensemble Studio TheatreYoungblood

Helen Hayes Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Resident Play

Studio TheatreSuperior Donuts

Helen Hayes Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Resident Musical

Studio TheatreAdding Machine: A Musical

Helen Hayes Awards - 2009 - The Canadian Embassy Award for Outstanding Ensemble, Resident Play

Studio TheatreHistory Boys

Helen Hayes Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Resident Play

Studio TheatreSouvenir, A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Resident Musical

Studio TheatreCaroline, or Change

Helen Hayes Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Non-Resident Production

Studio TheatreRicky Jay and His 52 Assistants


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Resident Play

Studio TheatreTake Me Out

Helen Hayes Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Resident Play

Studio TheatreA Number

Helen Hayes Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Non-Resident Production

Studio TheatreFlow


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Non-Resident Production

Studio TheatreLackawanna Blues


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Non-Resident Production

Studio TheatreLypsinka! The Boxed Set

Helen Hayes Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Resident Musical

Studio TheatreA New Brain

Helen Hayes Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Resident Play

Studio TheatreJitney

Helen Hayes Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Resident Play

Studio TheatreThe Invention of Love

Helen Hayes Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Resident Play

Studio TheatreMASTER HAROLD ... and the boys

Helen Hayes Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Resident Musical

Studio TheatreSlam!


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Resident Play

Studio TheatreIndian Ink

Helen Hayes Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Non-Resident Production

Studio TheatreVagina Monologues

Helen Hayes Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Resident Play

Studio TheatreSeven Guitars

Helen Hayes Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Resident Play

Studio TheatreOld Settler

Helen Hayes Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Resident Play

Studio TheatreOld Wicked Songs

Helen Hayes Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Resident Musical

Studio TheatreHip 2: Birth of the Boom


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Resident Musical

Studio TheatreBessie's Blues

Helen Hayes Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Resident Play

Studio TheatreThree Sisters

Helen Hayes Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Resident Musical

Studio TheatreFalsettoland

Helen Hayes Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Resident Play

Studio TheatreLisbon Traviata

Helen Hayes Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Resident Production

Studio TheatreWhen I Was a Girl I Used to Scream and Shout

Helen Hayes Awards - 1991 - Outstanding Resident Production

Studio TheatreFrankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune

Olivier Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Set Design, Resident Production

Studio Theatre

Olivier Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Production

Studio Theatre

Olivier Awards - 1989 - Outstanding Resident Musical

Studio TheatreGifts of the Magi

Olivier Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Production

Studio Theatre

Olivier Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Production

Studio Theatre

Videos

News


HOLE! Will Transfer to Soho Theatre and Return to Edinburgh Fringe
by Stephi Wild - May 12, 2026

HOLE!, the two-hander musical comedy from American Sing-Song, will transfer to Soho Theatre's main space before returning to Edinburgh Fringe, following a sold-out 2025 run and performances at The Public Theater in New York.
Hunter College MFA Program Will Present Reading of I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU by PJ O'Neal
by A.A. Cristi - May 11, 2026

The Rita and Burton Goldberg MFA Playwriting Program at Hunter College will present an industry reading of I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU by PJ O'Neal, featuring Ryan Jamaal Swain of FX's Pose and Tony nominee Annie McNamara.
WHAT SURVIVES World Premiere Set for Hollywood Fringe Festival
by Stephi Wild - May 11, 2026

WHAT SURVIVES, a new one-act play about a community reckoning with an ICE abduction, will have its world premiere at The Broadwater in Los Angeles during the Hollywood Fringe Festival.
HELL MOUTH Run Extended At Road Theatre Company
by A.A. Cristi - May 7, 2026

Road Theatre Company announced an extension of HELL MOUTH, the world premiere written by Tom Jacobson and directed by Ann Hearn Tobolowsky, closing at the Road Theatre in North Hollywood.
American Blues Theater Announces 2026 Blue Ink Award Winners
by Marissa Faith Curley - Apr 25, 2026

American Blues Theater announced Nia Akilah Robinson as the 2026 Blue Ink Award recipient for her play OVERNIGHT AT THE MUSEUM, earning a $3,000 prize and a staged reading at the upcoming Blue Ink Playwriting Festival.
Edward Allan Baker's DOLORES to be Presented at Under St. Marks Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 22, 2026

Dolores, Edward Allan Baker's two-hander about working-class sisters confronting abuse and shared trauma, will be presented at Under St. Marks in New York City, starring Sinead Hogan and Coralie Bradnam.
Sharon Wheatley and Aaron Haskell Will Lead World Premiere of MISTER SNICKERS OF NEW YORK CITY
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2026

MISTER SNICKERS OF NEW YORK CITY, starring Broadway's Sharon Wheatley and puppet artist Aaron Haskell, will present its world premiere at the Fresh Fruit Festival before extending to Urban Stages.
Sharon Wheatley and Aaron Haskell to Lead MISTER SNICKERS OF NEW YORK CITY at Urban Stages
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 20, 2026

Sharon Wheatley and puppet artist Aaron Haskell lead Mister Snickers of Neew York City, a new play exploring addiction and queer identity, extending its run to Urban Stages following its Fresh Fruit Festival premiere.
Two River Theater Commissions New Works from Joe Iconis and Iraisa Ann Reilly
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 14, 2026

Two River Theater has announced its latest slate of commissioned artists, including Joe Iconis and Iraisa Ann Reilly, as part of its ongoing investment in new plays and musicals.
Theater Press Agent David Gersten Passes Away at 67
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 6, 2026

David Gersten, Vice-President of ATPAM, the Association of Theatrical Press Agents & Managers (IATSE Local 18032), died on Monday, April 6 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
Centenary Stage Company Will Present Eleanore Burgess' THE NICETIES
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 30, 2026

Centenary Stage Company will soon present The Niceties by Eleanore Burgess, running April 9th – 19th in the Kutz Blackbox Theatre of the Centenary University campus, located at 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown, NJ. 
Meet the Cast of JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE, Now Playing on Broadway!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 30, 2026

Performances are now underway for August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone on Broadway! The show recently extended, and will now play through Sunday, July 19. Meet the cast here!
HB Studio Reveals Newly Elected Board Members
by Stephi Wild - Mar 23, 2026

HB Studio has announced the addition of Kimberly Allen-Mills, Sandra Polsak, Victor Slezak, and Michael Thomas Duffy to its board. Learn more about them here!
Centenary Stage Company to Present THE NICETIES by Eleanore Burgess
by Stephi Wild - Mar 12, 2026

Centenary Stage Company will present The Niceties by Eleanore Burgess, running April 9th – 19th in the Kutz Blackbox Theatre of the Centenary University campus.
Meet the Cast of DOG DAY AFTERNOON, Now Playing on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Mar 10, 2026

Performances are now underway for Dog Day Afternoon, a new play by Pulitzer Prize winner Stephen Adly Guirgis. Meet the cast of Dog Day Afternoon here!
TWISTED Comes to Theatre West in April
by Stephi Wild - Mar 9, 2026

Twisted, a new play written by Chris DiGiovanni, directed by Marc Antonio Pritchett, and produced by Garry M. Kluger for the Theatre West Writers-in-Residence program will open next month.
WILL AND GRACE's Corey Parker, Member of Ensemble Studio Theatre, Dies at 60
by Gillian Blum - Mar 9, 2026

Corey Parker, known for roles in Will and Grace, Friday the 13th: A New Beginning and Love Boat: The Next Wave, and a member of the Ensemble Studio Theatre, died from Cancer at age 60.
Arts Club Theatre Company To Present FRANKLINLAND By Lloyd Suh
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 6, 2026

The Arts Club Theatre Company will present Lloyd Suh's FRANKLINLAND at the Lindsay Family Stage on Granville Island from March 12 to April 5, 2026, with a media opening on March 18.
Ensemble Studio Theatre Welcomes New Board Members Danielle Covington and Megan Eiss
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 3, 2026

Ensemble Studio Theatre has announced two new board members today: Danielle Covington and Megan Eiss. Covington and Eiss join a diverse group of dedicated individuals, including several notable artists in the EST community.
Berkshire Theatre Group to Host Four Playwrights in 2026 Residency
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 28, 2026

Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG) and Artistic Director, CEO Kate Maguire are pleased to welcome four playwrights to the Berkshires this spring as part of its ongoing Playwright Residency in collaboration with Roundabout Theatre Company.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Ensemble Studio Theatre been nominated for?

Special Award (Drama Desk Awards) for When January Feels Like Summer, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Hand to God, Special Citation: Ross Wetzsteon Grant (Obie Awards) for Youngblood, Outstanding Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Superior Donuts, Outstanding Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Adding Machine: A Musical, The Canadian Embassy Award for Outstanding Ensemble, Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for History Boys, Outstanding Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Souvenir, A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins, Outstanding Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Caroline, or Change, Outstanding Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants, Outstanding Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Take Me Out, Outstanding Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for A Number, Outstanding Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Flow, Outstanding Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Lackawanna Blues, Outstanding Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Lypsinka! The Boxed Set, Outstanding Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for A New Brain, Outstanding Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Jitney, Outstanding Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Invention of Love, Outstanding Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for MASTER HAROLD ... and the boys, Outstanding Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Slam!, Outstanding Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Indian Ink, Outstanding Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Vagina Monologues, Outstanding Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Seven Guitars, Outstanding Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Old Settler, Outstanding Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Old Wicked Songs, Outstanding Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Hip 2: Birth of the Boom, Outstanding Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Bessie's Blues, Outstanding Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Three Sisters, Outstanding Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Falsettoland, Outstanding Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Lisbon Traviata, Outstanding Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for When I Was a Girl I Used to Scream and Shout, Outstanding Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Outstanding Set Design, Resident Production (Olivier Awards) for , Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Production (Olivier Awards) for , Outstanding Resident Musical (Olivier Awards) for Gifts of the Magi, Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Production (Olivier Awards) for and Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Production (Olivier Awards) for .

What awards has Ensemble Studio Theatre won?

Ensemble Studio Theatre has won several prestigious awards, including: - Special Award (Drama Desk Awards) for When January Feels Like Summer - Special Citation: Ross Wetzsteon Grant (Obie Awards) for Youngblood - Outstanding Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Caroline, or Change - Outstanding Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Take Me Out - Outstanding Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Lackawanna Blues - Outstanding Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Lypsinka! The Boxed Set - Outstanding Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Indian Ink - Outstanding Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Bessie's Blues

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