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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


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!
Ensemble Studio Competition Winners Revealed
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 24, 2025

Learn more about the winners of the Ensemble Studio Competition here! The annual competition was livestreamed for the fourth year in a row, providing an unparalleled platform for the young artists to share their craft. Learn more!
Cast Set For FAHRENHEIT 451 at Bay Street Theater
by Stephi Wild - Oct 21, 2025

Bay Street Theater will present Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 from November 13 through November 30, 2025, directed by Bay Street co-founder Stephen Hamilton.
Lucille Lortel Theatre Reveals Artistic Programming Including 121 Project, 11 New Commissions, and More
by Stephi Wild - Oct 9, 2025

The Lucille Lortel Theatre has announced new artistic programming that deepens the historic theater's impact on the Off-Broadway community and the field nationally. Learn more here!
THE SQUIRRELS By Robert Askins to Have Maine Premiere at Mad Horse Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 8, 2025

Mad Horse Theatre to present the Maine premiere of The Squirrels by Robert Askins, October 30–November 23. Directed by Jake Cote, the darkly satirical comedy explores class conflict and survival—among squirrels—in a divided tree.
Cast Set For ADA & THE ENGINE at The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol
by Stephi Wild - Oct 7, 2025

In November, Significant Productions will present Ada and the Engine - Written by Lauren Gunderson - as the second production of Season 10 at The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol.
Seven Emerging Artists Advance To Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 3, 2025

The Canadian Opera Company has announced the seven finalists for the 2025 Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition, taking place October 23, 2025, at Toronto’s Four Seasons Centre.
Fall Lineup Set for Ensemble Studio Theatre's 2025 First Light Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 30, 2025

The line-up has been revealed for the first half of the 2025 First Light Festival. Since 1998, the EST/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Science & Technology Project has developed over 300 plays that challenge and broaden the view of science in the popular imagination.
Roundabout Theatre Company Reveals 2025-2026 Underground Playwright Residencies
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 26, 2025

Roundabout Theatre Company has revealed the two playwright selections for the Roundabout Underground Residencies – Iraisa Ann Reilly and Liba Vaynberg. Learn more!
Meet the Cast of RAGTIME, Now Playing on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Sep 26, 2025

Performances are now underway for Lincoln Center Theater's revival of Ragtime at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Meet the cast of Ragtime here and learn all about the starry cast and talented ensemble's bio and credits!
A BODEGA PRINCESS REMEMBERS LA FIESTA DE LOS REYES MAGOS, 1998 to be Presented Off-Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 17, 2025

Ensemble Studio Theatre, Lucille Lortel Theatre, and Latinx Playwrights Circle will present the world premiere of A Bodega Princess Remembers La Fiesta de los Reyes Magos, 1998. Learn more!
Joanna Pickering's Play MISTY AND ROVER Debuts at Spark Festival
by Emmy Rice - Sep 14, 2025

Joanna Pickering's play Misty and Rover has been selected for The Spark Theater Festival, with a special performance on Sunday, September 21st at 5:00 PM at the Chain Theater in New York City.
Ensemble Studio Theatre And Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Announce 2025"26 New Play Commissions And Regional Grants
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 27, 2025

Ensemble Studio Theatre (Estefanía Fadul and Graeme Gillis, Co-Artistic Directors) and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation (Doron Weber, Vice President and Program Director) have announced the 2025–26 Science & Technology Project New Play Commissions, along with this year’s Regional Development and Production Grants to Lantern Theater Company, Media Art Xploration, Miners Alley Playhouse, Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre, and Seattle Rep.
Bucks County Playhouse Education to Offer Fall Classes
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 26, 2025

Bucks County Playhouse has revealed the lineup of education programs being offered this fall. See the full lineup of classes here and see how to attend!

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 earned a Special Citation with 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, Outstanding Resident Play for Take Me Out, and Outstanding Non-Resident Production for Lackawanna Blues. Additionally, they won Outstanding Non-Resident Production for Lypsinka! The Boxed Set, Outstanding Resident Play for Indian Ink, and Outstanding Resident Musical for Bessie's Blues.

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Videos