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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


Video: Watch Highlights from THE RESERVOIR at Atlantic Theater Company
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 19, 2026

You can now get a first look at The Reservoir, being presented in a co-production with Atlantic Theater Company, Ensemble Studio Theatre, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Watch in this video!
Photos: Noah Galvin and More in THE RESERVOIR at Atlantic Theater Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 18, 2026

You can now get a first look at production photos of The Reservoir, starring Noah Galvin and more, now playing Off-Broadway at Atlantic Theater Company.
IN SOME DARK VALLEY: THE TESTIMONY OF REVEREND BRAND To Make International Debut at White Bear Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 13, 2026

Robert Bailey's solo performance, IN SOME DARK VALLEY: THE TESTIMONY OF REVEREND BRAND, will make its international debut at London's White Bear Theatre, featuring a compelling narrative set in post-Civil War Appalachia.
How 54 Below is Confronting Financial Challenges; Richard Frankel Discusses the Future
by Cara Joy David - Feb 9, 2026

In December, word started spreading that the venue we know as 54 Below was hitting the rental market. Various area businesses were contacted by those who were marketing the property for occupancy in the first quarter of 2027.
Photos: First Look at THE NET WILL APPEAR at Bristol Riverside Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2026

Production photos have been released for THE NET WILL APPEAR, a touching and gently humorous play by Erin Mallon, currently on stage at Bristol Riverside Theatre, now running through February 22, 2026. 
Rachel Lin’s Solo Show DEAR JOHN to Have World Premiere At HERE Arts Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 22, 2026

Dear John, a solo show by Rachel Lin, will premiere at HERE Arts Center. Dear John is a solo show based on a true story about what happens when a long-absent father finds his not-quite-adult daughter through a social networking website.
DOG DAY AFTERNOON Adds John Ortiz, Jessica Hecht, and Spencer Garrett To Cast
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 21, 2026

Drama Desk Award nominee John Ortiz (Jesus Hopped the A Train), three-time Tony Award nominee Jessica Hecht (Eureka Day) and SAG Award nominee Spencer Garrett (Once Upon A Time in Hollywood) will join Emmy Award winner Jon Bernthal and two-time Emmy Award winner Ebon Moss-Bachrach in DOG DAY AFTERNOON.
Alison Pill, Ngozi Anyanwu and More to be Featured in LAB: STRIPPED Series
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2026

59E59 Theaters and Co-Op Resident Company LAByrinth Theater Company will present the return of LAB: STRIPPED, LAByrinth's annual new play development series, now in its third season at 59E59 Theaters. 
Photos: Noah Galvin, Caroline Aaron and More in THE RESERVOIR Rehearsals
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 15, 2026

You can now get a first look at rehearsal photos for The Reservoir, being presented in a co-production with Atlantic Theater Company, starring Noah Galvin, Mary Beth Peil and more.
GOD OF CARNAGE and WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF Come to South Coast Repertory
by Stephi Wild - Jan 9, 2026

South Coast Repertory will open 2026 with a rotating repertory of Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton.
Two Ensemble Studio Competition Finalists To Join Coc's Emerging Artists Program
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 8, 2026

The Canadian Opera Company's prestigious Ensemble Studio has invited two of the country's most talented sopranos to join its resident artists for a 46th season of highly specialized professional career development.
THE NET WILL APPEAR to be Presented at Bristol Riverside Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 7, 2026

Bristol Riverside Theatre will present The Net Will Appear, a poignant and thought-provoking play by Erin Mallon, directed by Amy Kaissar with assistance by Teayra Bowden.
MRS CHRISTMAS World Premiere to Open at The Aurora Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 5, 2025

Created in the mind behind last year's winner of the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Play, Mrs Christmas will light up the holidays in Southern California with a world premiere from Tom Jacobson at The Aurora Theatre.
Top Off-Broadway Shows for December 2025
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 4, 2025

What's happening off-Broadway? BroadwayWorld is here to guide you through the top picks for theatre this month. Get into the holiday spirit with a popular adaptation of A Christmas Carol, plus more.
Gulfshore Playhouse to Present the Inaugural NEXT WAVE FESTIVAL: A Celebration of New Voices in American Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 2, 2025

Gulfshore Playhouse will launch of the Next Wave Festival, a dynamic new play festival showcasing cutting-edge theatrical voices from across the country. Taking place January 31 - February 1, 2026.
Photos: A BODEGA PRINCESS REMEMBERS LA FIESTA DE LOS REYES MAGOS, 1998 At Ensemble Studio Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 26, 2025

Ensemble Studio Theatre, Lucille Lortel Theatre, and Latinx Playwrights Circle have released new production photos for the world premiere of A Bodega Princess Remembers La Fiesta de los Reyes Magos, 1998, written and performed by Iraisa Ann Reilly.
Anna Ziegler's EVENING ALL AFTERNOON Will Make World Première At The Donmar Warehouse
by Stephi Wild - Nov 20, 2025

Anna Ziegler's new play Evening All Afternoon will make its world première at the Donmar Warehouse next year. Diyan Zora, making her Donmar debut, directs Anastasia Hille and Erin Kellyman in this new play.
Ensemble Studio Theatre Reveals 2025"2026 Youngblood Playwrights Cohort
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 18, 2025

Ensemble Studio Theatre’s Youngblood program has announced ten new members for its 2025–2026 season. The OBIE Award-winning collective will welcome Davis Alianiello, Messiah Cristine, Avery Deutsch, Xiaoyan Kang, Carolyn Kettig, Gloria Majule, Max Mooney, Jordan Ramirez Puckett, Eliya Smith, and Rosa Thomas.
IAMA Theatre Company Names 2025"26 Emerging Playwrights Lab Members
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 28, 2025

IAMA Theatre Company, recognized for developing innovative and boundary-pushing new work, has announced the members of its 2025–26 IAMA Emerging Playwrights Lab, led by Lab alumnus Nicholas Pilapil.
Center Theatre Group Reveals 2025/26 LA Writers' Workshop and LA Artist Residencies
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 24, 2025

Center Theatre Group is offering a slate of artistic programming that helps identify and support the next generation of great plays and playwrights. Learn more!

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 and a Special Citation for the Ross Wetzsteon Grant at the Obie Awards for Youngblood. The company has also been recognized multiple times at the Helen Hayes Awards, winning Outstanding Resident Musical for Caroline, or Change and Bessie's Blues, Outstanding Resident Play for Take Me Out and Indian Ink, as well as Outstanding Non-Resident Production for Lackawanna Blues and Lypsinka! The Boxed Set.

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Videos