In partnership with Decatur Legacy Park, Essential hosted our first IN-PERSON Introduction to Playwriting course in January/February 2022. This is the recording of our February 27 showcase of scenes developed in the class, performed by professional Atlanta theater artists as part of Legacy Park’s Community Day events. Course participants: Fred Kempner, Amy Blaise, Madeleine Henner, Kit Fay, Kate Baule, Maya West, Akia Sembly Showcase readers: Jon Wierenga, Betty Mitchell, Rylee Bunton, Markell Williams, Cheryl Booker, Tanya Freeman, Kait Rivas, Vallea Woodbury, Peter Hardy

For eight weeks this fall, five essential workers from various fields came together with Essential Theatre to share stories and learn the craft of playwriting. On December 16, audiences had the chance to see what they created! This is the recording our December 16 showcase of scenes developed in our Essential Playwriting for Essential Workers class, directed and performed by professional Atlanta theater artists!

A collaborative online event of short play readings that ignited conversation and inspire healing.

Watch two short plays, Cain Ain’t Able and On a Mississippi Tuesday, centered on the theme of racial unity and justice. Written by Dr. Shirlene Holmes and presented by Essential Theatre and Chi Ife Productions, this event is part of a larger initiative led by Impact Theatre Atlanta and funded by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.