Georgia Ensemble Theatre in Roswell has been a tremendous supporter of Topher Payne in recent years, commissioning and producing multiple new works of his. Closing this weekend is his latest mainstage commission, “Greetings Friend, Your Kind Assistance Is Required,” featuring a phenomenal cast of local greats including past Essential collaborator Brenda Porter as the main character, Rhonda.

Don’t miss your chance to see this delightfully escapist-feeling romp with moments of heartfelt insight – get your tickets today!

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Pants on Fire! 
by Jacobi Howard
FEBRUARY 13, 2017
7:30PM
WEST END PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
945 RALPH DAVID ABERNATHY BLVD, ATLANTA, GA
DIRECTED BY MICHAEL HARRISON

Deep in the woods of the south, Gordon raises his two teenage children alone. When his estranged brother Lucius arrives unexpectedly, seeking reconciliation, he brings with him dark memories of the past. But what does Lucius actually have planned for this family in this electrifying Southern Gothic tale.

Featuring: Daviorr Snipes as Gordon, Kerwin Thompson as Uncle Lucky,  Cameron Geer as Elppa, James G. Smith as Emmanuel ‘Man Man,’ and Jacobi Howard as The Storyteller.

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Thank you to everyone who supported our fall power2give campaign! 
Juana Mendenhall, Cathy Jamison, Paul Donnelly, Betty & Ed Mitchell, Hank & Barbara Kimmel, Johnny Thigpen, Marilyn Baron, Vynnie Meli, Get Scene Studios, Carol Ponder, Jill Jackson, Doug Kaye, Sherry Shaw, Yolanda Asher, Kathleen Magbee, Aaron Gotlieb, Chris Carlsten, Thom, Lori and Sydney Stanley, Sarah Cave, Amber Bradshaw, Kathy Manning, Anna Richardson, Nancy Powell, Alex Van, Jennifer Kimball, Libby Mickle, Mark Perloe, Holly Stevenson, Brent Darnell, Gerry Bartholomai, Joanna Daniel and Pamela Rooks

Together we raised $6,500 to support Essential’s ongoing work to provide development and professional production opportunities to Georgia’s playwrights.

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When asked why he chose to submit his (now award winning and professionally produced) play When Things Are Lost to the Essential Theatre Playwriting Competition, 2016 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award Winner Derek Dixon replied,

When I read the statement about what The Essential Theatre was looking for, I felt that I had a chance. I am an unknown writer, and a competition like this gives unknowns like me something that is hard to get, a chance. A lot of theatres require an agent submission and a lot of middle-manning to get through, but The Essential Theatre just said,

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From long-time Essential playwright Karla Jennings,

Essential Theatre is the major force behind producing Georgia playwrights. Their productions are tremendous encouragement and has launched a number of playwrights who’ve gone national.

Become a part of the Essential tradition – support our power2give campaign today!

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Something short and sweet for your Monday morning, from repeat Essential playwright, Karen Wurl:

I try to submit a play to the Essential every year. I’m a huge fan of the Essential Theatre…The Essential Festival is a boon to playwrights and audiences alike.

Become a part of the Essential tradition – support our power2give campaign today!

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Todays daily dose of Essential inspiration comes from two regulars on the Essential stage: Bob Smith and Ashleigh Hoppe.

Bob: I think it speaks for itself that the Essential Theatre has long had a reputation for someplace that is a very good place to get involved, that it draws the kind of quality that you want to be around.

Ashleigh: Second. Absolutely. It draws the same people back. It’s such a good core central group of really awesome people

[Another thing about] Essential Theatre is that…it gives unknown playwrights a huge shot to be seen,

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