Ensemble Studio Theatre Launches Summer Conservatory Program

The Ensemble Studio Theatre and the New York Arts Program of Ohio Wesleyan University are offering their first summer conservatory in New York City, an intensive, immersive, six-week play development program for student actors, writers, and directors.

The Ensemble Studio Theatre/New York Arts Program of Ohio Wesleyan University Summer Conservatory Program runs July 5 though August 13 at the Ensemble Studio Theatre, 549 West 52nd Street, in New York City.

Guest artists such as John Patrick Shanley (Doubt), David Auburn (Proof), Tina Howe (Painting Churches), Willie Reale (Founder of 52nd Street Project/MacArthur Scholar), Billy Hopkins (Casting Director: Precious, Proof) and others from the ranks of the famed Ensemble Studio Theatre will meet with students weekly as they study the art and process of creating new work.

Students will be living in the heart of Chelsea and earn college credit through Ohio Wesleyan University. Playwrights will see their work come to life with actors ready to support, inspire and help shape their vision; directors will develop newly-written material from playwrights; and actors will contribute to the developmental process as a collaborating artist. All students will attend audition clinics, business savvy seminars and meet well-known writers, directors, actors and designers.

Students will perform their work weekly, attend Broadway and Off-Broadway performances and have optional visits to the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center, the Berkshire Playwrights Lab, and the Southampton Writers' Conference at which Ensemble Studio Theatre is the resident theater company.

The application deadline is May 15, 2010. Application and tuition information is at www.ensemblestudiotheatre.org/conservatory or www.nyartsprogram.org. Pictures, videos and regular updates about the program are at www.facebook.com/estconservatory. Email inquiries to scp@ensemblestudiotheatre.org.

Susan Merson and Rod Menzies are program directors and Dana Tarantino is the faculty advisor.

Ensemble Studio Theatre is the premier developmental theatre in this country. It was founded 38 years ago by a small group of artists dedicated to developing new plays for the American theatre. There are currently more than 500 members. EST is home to many of our best playwrights, directors and actors including, John Patrick Shanley, Christopher Durang, Cassandra Medley, Jose Rivera, Danny DeVito, Richard Dreyfuss, Christine Lahti, many of whom will participate in the program.