July 29-August 28, 2016 

at the

West End Performing Arts Center

945 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd,  Atlanta, GA 30310

Since our first festival in 1999, the Essential Theatre has presented 27 new works by 23 different Georgia writers, all receiving productions of the highest artistic quality through Essential and many going on to receive future productions elsewhere in Atlanta and across the country. This will be our fifth all-Georgia festival, and we want to celebrate with you!

In the Press:

• • Atlanta Playwrights Prove ‘Essential’ to Theatre Festival (City Lights with Lois Reitzes, WABE, 7/12/16)

• • Summer in the City (Atlanta INtown, 7/1/16)

• • Cast is Set (Encore Online, 4/21/16)

• • 2016 Award Winners Announced (Encore Online, 2/20/16)

• • Interview with DEREK DIXON

• Interview with KAREN WURL

2016 FESTIVAL SPONSORS

Click on the images below to learn more about the plays in this summer’s festival: