In the press:

Essential Believes It’s Critical to Give Georgia Playwrights Opportunities -Jim Farmer, AJC

“Founding Artistic Director Peter Hardy’s goal to support Georgia playwrights from conception to full production has resulted in some of the best works of the last quarter century.” – Luke Evans, “Essential Theatre Play Festival has encouraged the stages of playwriting for 25 years,” ArtsATL

“Essential Theatre has launched the careers of some of the nation’s most important contemporary writers.” – Atlanta Magazine

“Essential in more ways than one” – Creative Loafing

What Audiences Are Saying:

“If you love Atlanta theatre, Essential always makes August the best part of summer.” – Pat Hurley

“This a wonderful festival. It’s great to have an organization supporting Georgia playwrights.” -Brenda Niforth

“Thank you Essential Theatre for making this platform available for Georgia writers and actors.”

“My favorite theatre to see…are the stories that I don’t expect. The stories that are new/old/different/weird and I have had that every time I’ve been to the festival.” – Casey Gardner Ford

“I really enjoyed the whole experience. Love the focus on Georgia writers.” – Marsha Moore Harding

You won’t want to miss ANY of what we’ve got in store for you at the 2025 Essential Theatre Play Festival:

Join Us!

August 8-31 | 7Stages

7Stages Theatre, in the heart of Little Five Points
1105 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307