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Ensemble Studio Theatre

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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


Berkeley Rep to Present 2025 Ovation Gala Honoring Eisa Davis
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 14, 2025

Berkeley Rep's 2025 Ovation Gala will be held at The Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco. This year's Ovation Gala will honor Berkeley-born, award-winning writer, performer, and composer Eisa Davis. Learn more!
The Arkansas Repertory Theatre Appoints Steve H. Broadnax III as New Artistic Director
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 14, 2025

The Arkansas Repertory Theatre has named Steve H. Broadnax III as its new Artistic Director. Learn more about Broadnax III and about The Arkansas Repertory Theatre.
Emily Swallow & Geoffrey Arend to Star in Newest Audio Play From L.A. Theatre Works
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 4, 2025

Emily Swallow and Geoffrey Arend head the cast of the newest addition to the L.A. Theatre Works catalogue of state-of-the-art audio theater. Learn more and listen to the play now!
MARIE'S CRISIS Brings Singalong to Common Rooms for Melbourne Fringe
by Stephi Wild - Feb 3, 2025

Nestled in the heart of New York's enchanting West Village is a basement piano bar so iconic, celebrities queue to get in. And for six nights only, Marie's Crisis and its top pianists are coming to Melbourne to play especially for you. 
BWW Q&A: Director Katie Spelman on WAITRESS at Paramount Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Jan 30, 2025

What is more American than apple pie? A small-town 
waitress with a dream and the ingredients for success! Sugar, butter, flour. These aren’t the only ingredients Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, uses to make her famous pies. Stuck in a small town and a loveless 
marriage, Jenna unexpectedly becomes pregnant, and then finds acceptance and love in the most unexpected place.
Moving Arts Reveals Members of 2025 MADLab Playwrights
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 29, 2025

Moving Arts has revealed the members of the MADLab 2025 cohort. MADLab playwrights have also gone on to write for television shows such as Watchmen, Man in the High Castle, Vida, and Lawman Bass Reeves, among others.
CRITTERS Comes to New Circle Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2025

New Circle Theatre Company will present a workshop production of Critters by Eric Lane, inspired by the paintings of Bob Barnett next month at the New Circle Theatre Company's Michael Warren Powell Creative Center.
Cast Set For HAVE YOU MET JANE GOODALL AND HER MOTHER? at Ensemble Studio Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2025

Ensemble Studio Theatre will continue the 56th season at EST with a world premiere new comedy HAVE YOU MET JANE GOODALL AND HER MOTHER? by Michael Walek, an alumni of the theatre’s Youngblood playwrights program.
FOG AND FILTHY AIR, A New Drama By Tom Diriwachter, to Play TNC in March
by Blair Ingenthron - Jan 25, 2025

Theater for the New City Executive Artistic Director Crystal Field to present Fog and Filthy Air, a new drama inspired by real life events written by Tom Diriwachter about family, fog, and a road trip gone horribly wrong.
THE SPHERE OF FIXED STARS IN THE HEAVENS Comes to Theatre 68
by Stephi Wild - Jan 22, 2025

Party of the First Part, Laurie Goulding, and Bespoke Plays have announced a new production of The Sphere of Fixed Stars in the Heavens written and directed by J. Holtham. 
Untitled Theater Company Celebrates 30th Anniversary and Award The David A. Einhorn Playwriting Prize
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 22, 2025

On Sunday January 26, at 5pm, Untitled Theater Company will celebrate 30 years of production! Founded by David and Edward Einhorn in 1995, the theater company has produced over 50 shows, festivals such at the Václav Havel Festival and the Ionesco Festival, and many other readings and special events.
Five Singers Will Join 2025/2026 Ensemble Studio
by Stephi Wild - Jan 16, 2025

 The Canadian Opera Company's Ensemble Studio for artistic career development has invited five of the country's most talented artists to join next season, marking the 45th anniversary of the COC's innovative program for singers and pianists.
REJECTS ANONYMOUS Returns At Caveat This Monday
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 28, 2024

This Monday check out REJECTS ANONYMOUS, the improvised 12-step meeting for all of you screw-ups out there, at Caveat NYC.
San Francisco Playhouse Presents EXOTIC DEADLY: OR THE MSG PLAY
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 17, 2024

San Francisco Playhouse will ring in 2025 with the Northern California Premiere of Keiko Green's Exotic Deadly: Or the MSG Play.
Atlantic Theater Company Unveils 2024 Judith Champion Launch Commissioning Program Writers
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2024

Atlantic Theater Company has unveiled its Judith Champion Launch Commissioning Program writers for 2024, Stephen Brown, Stefani Kuo, and Arun Welandawe-Prematilleke. Learn more about the writers and about the program!
The National Theatre Conference To Honor Playwright Alex Lin With Stavis Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 9, 2024

Alex Lin will be honored with the National Theatre Conference's prestigious Barrie and Bernice Stavis Playwright Award, supported by Jean Bruce Scott and Julie Jensen, presented annually to recognize an outstanding emerging playwright. Learn more!
Connecticut Theatre Exchange Hosts Winter Interchange 2024
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 6, 2024

Join the Connecticut Theater Exchange (CTX) for a magical evening of live music, delicious food, and theatrical entertainment at the Winter Interchange 2024.
Dan Giles to Present THE PITTSBURGH FREE PRESS At The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 3, 2024

The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute will present Dan Giles' new play, The Pittsburgh Free Press at the historic Irma Sandrey Theatre. Directed by Jake Beckhard, the production showcases an ensemble cast of NYU Tisch Drama students. Learn more!
Retta Joins the Cast of FINAL RESTING PLACE At The Broadwater Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 22, 2024

Retta (The Hit Man, Parks and Rec) has joined the cast of Final Resting Place. The performance will be at the Broadwater Theater Second Stage. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Meet a Marketer: Rachel J.S. Hewitt, Founder of Rachel / Media
by Alex Freeman - Nov 21, 2024

Rachel / Media has managed substantial advertising budgets, consistently achieving key performance indicators (KPIs) that drive sustainable growth, conversions, and brand awareness. A highlight of their work includes the social media campaign for Elegies, which gained international traction through strategic celebrity engagement and account development, and the creation of the viral digital event Lightning Thief Appreciation Day for TheaterWorksUSA.

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 received 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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