Ensemble Studio Theatre
Latest News on Ensemble Studio Theatre:
Retta Joins the Cast of FINAL RESTING PLACE At The Broadwater Stage (Nov 22, 2024)
Vineyard Theatre Reveals Winners of the Emerging Artists Awards (Nov 20, 2024)
Page 73 Announces Semifinalists For Playwrighting Fellowship (Nov 20, 2024)
Retta Joins the Cast of FINAL RESTING PLACE At The Broadwater Stage (Nov 22, 2024)
Vineyard Theatre Reveals Winners of the Emerging Artists Awards (Nov 20, 2024)
Page 73 Announces Semifinalists For Playwrighting Fellowship (Nov 20, 2024)
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.
Photos
Productions
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
Video: First Look at GALILEE, 34 by Eleanor Burgess at South Coast Rep
by Joshua Wright - May 3, 2024
Video: First Look At WHERE DID WE SIT ON THE BUS? at Denver Center for the Performing Arts
by Joshua Wright - Apr 29, 2024
Exclusive: Cast Of Old Globe's ENGLISH On Favorite Classroom Memories
by Joshua Wright - Feb 14, 2024
VIDEO: MILES FOR MARY Makes New York Return and Off-Broadway Premiere at Playwright's Horizons
by Julie Musbach - Dec 20, 2017
Tony Awards Close-Up: Lucas Hnath Explains How to Build A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2
by Nicole Rosky - May 9, 2017
STAGE TUBE: Watch Highlights from 60s Sci-Fi Comedy WILD WOMEN OF PLANET WONGO
by Stage Tube - Sep 23, 2016
TV Exclusive: Meet the Nominees- HAND TO GOD's Steven Boyer- 'It Feels Like I'm on a Rocketship'
by Nicole Rosky - May 29, 2015
TV Exclusive: Meet the Nominees- Robert Askins and Moritz von Stuelpnagel- 'I'm Running for President of Broadway!'
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 6, 2015
STAGE TUBE: Meet Tyrone! Watch New Trailer for Broadway-Bound HAND TO GOD
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 19, 2014
News
Retta Joins the Cast of FINAL RESTING PLACE At The Broadwater Stage
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.
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.
Vineyard Theatre Reveals Winners of the Emerging Artists Awards
Vineyard Theatre has revealed the recipients of the 2024-2025 Paula Vogel Playwriting Award and Colman Domingo Award. Learn more about the award and the recipients!
Vineyard Theatre has revealed the recipients of the 2024-2025 Paula Vogel Playwriting Award and Colman Domingo Award. Learn more about the award and the recipients!
Page 73 Announces Semifinalists For Playwrighting Fellowship
Page 73 has announced 13 semifinalists for the 2025 Page 73 Playwriting Fellowship. Now in its 22nd year, the Page 73 Playwriting Fellowship is the company's most prestigious award.
Page 73 has announced 13 semifinalists for the 2025 Page 73 Playwriting Fellowship. Now in its 22nd year, the Page 73 Playwriting Fellowship is the company's most prestigious award.
Industry Pro Newsletter: Toronto’s Fleck Dance Theatre to Close, Congestion Pricing Returns
Colleen Dilenschneider emphasizes the transformative power of staff interactions in arts organizations. Key stories include legal and policy developments in New York, protests targeting tolerance-focused theatre in Michigan, and the financial struggles of Chicago’s Links Hall. Internationally, barriers for working-class creatives in the UK and the closure of Toronto’s Fleck Dance Theatre underscore critical concerns about accessibility and sustainability in the arts worldwide.
Colleen Dilenschneider emphasizes the transformative power of staff interactions in arts organizations. Key stories include legal and policy developments in New York, protests targeting tolerance-focused theatre in Michigan, and the financial struggles of Chicago’s Links Hall. Internationally, barriers for working-class creatives in the UK and the closure of Toronto’s Fleck Dance Theatre underscore critical concerns about accessibility and sustainability in the arts worldwide.
Meet a Marketer: Rachel J.S. Hewitt, Founder of Rachel / Media
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.
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.
Industry Pro Newsletter: Can the Arts Adapt? Australia Looks at a 4-Day Work Week in the Arts
Groundbreaking research in London measures brain activity during live dance performances, hinting at the powerful, collective connection audiences feel. Meanwhile, financial pressures are prompting some theaters to close while others push for new ticketing and funding strategies to survive. Broadway faces calls for a more inclusive approach to honoring its artists, and discussions grow around adopting a four-day work week in the arts to combat burnout.
Groundbreaking research in London measures brain activity during live dance performances, hinting at the powerful, collective connection audiences feel. Meanwhile, financial pressures are prompting some theaters to close while others push for new ticketing and funding strategies to survive. Broadway faces calls for a more inclusive approach to honoring its artists, and discussions grow around adopting a four-day work week in the arts to combat burnout.
Los Angeles New Play Project Awards Four Prizes in 2024 Competition
Local theater companies in Los Angeles have been awarded grants to produce new plays, focusing on compelling stories that aim to shape the future of theater. Learn more about the grants!
Local theater companies in Los Angeles have been awarded grants to produce new plays, focusing on compelling stories that aim to shape the future of theater. Learn more about the grants!
Industry Pro Newsletter: Theater Educators Face Growing Censorship Challenges, Says EdTA
Highlights include the launch of BroadwayWorld’s 'Next On Stage' competition, offering young talent an online platform, and insights from the National Endowment for the Arts on how arts participation fosters social connectedness. ew studies reveal trends in censorship for educational theater, while new regulations challenge UK theaters.
Highlights include the launch of BroadwayWorld’s 'Next On Stage' competition, offering young talent an online platform, and insights from the National Endowment for the Arts on how arts participation fosters social connectedness. ew studies reveal trends in censorship for educational theater, while new regulations challenge UK theaters.
Hermitage Announces Playwright Naomi Iizuka as Winner of 2024-2025 Hermitage Major Theater Award
Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director and CEO of the Hermitage Artist Retreat, has announced that California-based playwright Naomi Iizuka has been selected as the fifth recipient of the Hermitage Major Theater Award (HMTA).
Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director and CEO of the Hermitage Artist Retreat, has announced that California-based playwright Naomi Iizuka has been selected as the fifth recipient of the Hermitage Major Theater Award (HMTA).
IAMA Theatre Company’s 7TH ANNUAL NEW WORKS FESTIVAL to Feature 8 New Plays
IAMA Theatre Company will host its 7th Annual New Works Festival this December, featuring eight new plays presented as staged readings. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
IAMA Theatre Company will host its 7th Annual New Works Festival this December, featuring eight new plays presented as staged readings. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Actor-Director Nesbitt Blaisdell Has Passed Away
Nesbitt Blaisdell, a lifelong actor and director, passed away at 95. Known for his work with the Anna Sokolow Dance Troupe and teaching theater, he had a rich career in both acting and education.
Nesbitt Blaisdell, a lifelong actor and director, passed away at 95. Known for his work with the Anna Sokolow Dance Troupe and teaching theater, he had a rich career in both acting and education.
Industry Pro Newsletter: Austin Arts Struggle Under Shifting Grant Policies, Broadway Cares Offers Hurricane Relief
Leadership changes are shaping Ensemble Studio Theatre and Amphibian Stage, while festivals like Breaking the Binary spotlight marginalized voices. Regional and international updates explore funding challenges, with new grant structures in Austin and evolving arts funding models in the UK.
Leadership changes are shaping Ensemble Studio Theatre and Amphibian Stage, while festivals like Breaking the Binary spotlight marginalized voices. Regional and international updates explore funding challenges, with new grant structures in Austin and evolving arts funding models in the UK.
Interview: José Rivera and YOUR NAME MEANS DREAM at NJ Rep
Academy Award nominee José Rivera brings his new play Your Name Means Dream to New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) for a limited run from October 31st to November 24th. Rivera also directs the show. His play examines how we live, die, and form our sense of self in a world that’s increasingly saturated with technology.
Academy Award nominee José Rivera brings his new play Your Name Means Dream to New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) for a limited run from October 31st to November 24th. Rivera also directs the show. His play examines how we live, die, and form our sense of self in a world that’s increasingly saturated with technology.
Tiny Scripted Acquires Licensing Rights For Taylor A. Blackman's IT'S KAREN, B****! And Others
Tiny Scripted has acquired Taylor A. Blackman's play IT'S KAREN, B****! for its On Stage licensing catalog. The play will be featured in the 2024 anthology WE/US and on PBS's All Arts in 2025.
Tiny Scripted has acquired Taylor A. Blackman's play IT'S KAREN, B****! for its On Stage licensing catalog. The play will be featured in the 2024 anthology WE/US and on PBS's All Arts in 2025.
Ensemble Studio Theatre Names New Managing Director
Ensemble Studio Theatre have announced that Adriana Borzellino has been named EST’s new Managing Director, effective as of October 1.
Ensemble Studio Theatre have announced that Adriana Borzellino has been named EST’s new Managing Director, effective as of October 1.
Ensemble Studio Theatre Announces New Youngblood Members
Ensemble Studio Theatre announced the new members of its Youngblood program, a collective of emerging playwrights under 30.
Ensemble Studio Theatre announced the new members of its Youngblood program, a collective of emerging playwrights under 30.
GODSPELL Extends at FIM Flint Repertory Theatre
Due to enthusiastic response, FIM Flint Repertory Theatre is extending its run of the musical Godspell. Originally scheduled to close on Oct. 20, the company has added two additional weekends, and the show will now run until Nov. 3.
Due to enthusiastic response, FIM Flint Repertory Theatre is extending its run of the musical Godspell. Originally scheduled to close on Oct. 20, the company has added two additional weekends, and the show will now run until Nov. 3.
Seven Finalists to Compete in Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition
Seven of Canada’s most talented new opera singers have been named as finalists for the Canadian Opera Company’s Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition on October 30, 2024 at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.
Seven of Canada’s most talented new opera singers have been named as finalists for the Canadian Opera Company’s Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition on October 30, 2024 at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.
Page 73 to Present New Play Readings Featuring Work by Jake Brasch, Elinor T Vanderburg & More
Discover new play readings by PAGE 73, featuring works by Jake Brasch, Elinor T Vanderburg, and 2024 Playwriting Fellow jose sebastian alberdi, with post-reading conversations and receptions. Learn how to attend.
Discover new play readings by PAGE 73, featuring works by Jake Brasch, Elinor T Vanderburg, and 2024 Playwriting Fellow jose sebastian alberdi, with post-reading conversations and receptions. Learn how to attend.
Election Stress Buster A SIMPLE HERSTORY to Play The Tank in November
On Sunday, November 3rd, excerpts from the forthcoming Season 2 will be staged LIVE at The Tank in a pre-election stress buster event.
On Sunday, November 3rd, excerpts from the forthcoming Season 2 will be staged LIVE at The Tank in a pre-election stress buster event.
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 the Special Award at the Drama Desk Awards for When January Feels Like Summer. They won the Special Citation: Ross Wetzsteon Grant at the Obie Awards for Youngblood. The theatre garnered the Outstanding Resident Musical award at the Helen Hayes Awards for Caroline, or Change, and the Outstanding Resident Play award for Take Me Out. Additionally, they won the Outstanding Non-Resident Production award at the Helen Hayes Awards for both Lackawanna Blues and Lypsinka! The Boxed Set. Furthermore, they received the Outstanding Resident Play award for Indian Ink and the Outstanding Resident Musical award for Bessie's Blues at the Helen Hayes Awards.
Videos