Showcasing Georgia’s Best Playwrights

August 8-31,
at 7Stages in Little Five Points

For more than 25 years, Essential Theatre has been bringing new work by Georgia playwrights to the stage, and the 2025 Essential Theatre Festival will continue this long tradition.

Opening the Festival on August 8 will be A Very Special Hospital by Matt Hoffman, winner of the 2025 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award. 

The Festival will also include more than a dozen other staged readings and special presentations of new plays by Georgia playwrights.

View Calendar
Get Tickets

In the press:

9 essential Atlanta arts events this weekend

26th Essential Theatre Festival puts much-needed spotlight on local playwrights – ArtsATL

The 2025 Essential Theatre Festival Returns to 7Stages This August – Broadway World

Essential Theatre Play Festival spotlights Georgia playwrights and showcases new works

What Audiences Are Saying:

“From surreal comedy to fresh new scripts, the Essential Theatre Festival is all about homegrown stories and the people behind them.” -ArtsATL

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

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

Buy Tickets!
View Festival Calendar

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

2025 Festival Plays

2025 Funders and Supporters

This program is supported in part by the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs
dabbled studios web design, atlanta ga

The 2025 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award is sponsored by Theo Harness