The world premiere production of the 2025 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award winning play, A Very Special Hospital by Matthew Hoffman, opens August 8.

A dark comedy about healthcare with a piercing family story, this is Hoffman’s second full-length play, the first being The Manuscript which premiered at the 2023 Essential Theatre Play Festival to popular and critical acclaim.

Advisory:  Discussion of family and childhood trauma.

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Performance Schedule

Thursday August 7 (8pm Preview)
Friday August 8 (8pm Opening)
Saturday August 9 (8pm)
Sunday August 10 (2pm)
Monday August 11 (8pm Industry Night)
Friday August 15 (8pm
Saturday August 16 (8pm)
Sunday August 17 (2pm)
Friday August 22 (8pm)
Saturday August 23 (8pm)
Sunday August 24 (2pm)
Friday August 29 (8pm)
Saturday August 30 (8pm)
Sunday August 31 (2pm)

In The Press

Coming Soon

What Audiences Are Saying

Coming Soon

Cast:

Sarah: Hannah Brumley
Robbie: Louis Kuiper
Dr.

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World Premiere opens Friday, August 18, 2023

A poetic drama about two families in 1960s rural Georgia, one black and one white, trying to find their path and keep their dreams alive. 

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Performance Schedule

Thursday August 17 (8pm) Preview performance
Friday August 18 (8pm) Opening Night
Sunday August 20 (7pm)
Monday August 21 (8pm) Industry Night
Saturday August 26 (8pm)
Sunday August 27 (2pm)
Saturday September 2 (8pm)
Sunday September 3 (2pm)

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In The Press

World Premiere Of THE WISHING PLACE Opens August 18 At 7Stages

Essential Theatre’s 24th Festival Continues with Beverly Austin’s The Wishing Place

“a lyrical serenade into the lives of two neighboring families in mid-60’s Georgia.”

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World Premiere opens Friday, August 11, 2023

A compelling psychological drama about what we owe to those we’ve lost. Winner of the 2023 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award.

Advisory: Reference to suicide and self-harm

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Performance Schedule

Thursday August 10 (8pm) Preview performance
Friday August 11 (8pm) Opening Night
Saturday August 12 (8pm)
Saturday August 19 (8pm)
Sunday August 20 (2pm)
Friday August 25 (8pm)
Sunday August 27 (7pm)
Monday August 28 (8pm) Industry Night
Friday September 1 (8pm)

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In The Press

Essential Festival Opens August 11 With World Premiere Of THE MANUSCRIPT

Essential Theatre festival brings Georgia-based plays to the stage through Sept.

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Opening Friday July 29 – A satiric drama that explores internet journalism, social media, and the culture of outrage – Co-Winner of the 2020 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award.

Opening Friday August 5 – A play about hope, shining a light on the darkest corners of grief – Winner of the 2022 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award – Winner of the 2022 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award.

One night only: August 18 – Hush Harbor Lab presents The Wash, by K. D. Smith
Based on true events, The Wash is the intimate and often funny tale of women who went from workers to fighters, and won. 

A collaborative theatre project about the City of Atlanta, by the writers of Atlanta, developed and directed by Ellen McQueen, award-winning director of Ice Glen and Sally and Glen at the Palace.

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Five public school teachers are caught in the limbo of the disciplinary “Rubber Room,” waiting for their cases to be heard and their fates decided. Poignant and funny drama, it’s like The Breakfast Club for teachers, as thy share secrets with each other and begin to look into their own hearts. Winner of the 2012 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award,  Evelyn in Purgatory has enjoyed multiple productions since that time and was published by Samuel French in 2016.

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World premiere opens Friday, July 26, 2019

This passionate and provocative drama spans four centuries as it tells the tales of two remarkable young women:  Amanda, struggling for justice and recognition in the offices of modern-day Atlanta, and the amazing true story of Artemesia Gentileschi, a painter in Renaissance Italy who took her rapist to trial.  A powerful look at how much some things have changed in 400 years – while others haven’t changed at all.

Advisory: There is a sexual assault in the play. There is a scene of intense physical pain.

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A horror comedy about a small group of incompetent devil-worshippers who are preparing for the birth of the Dark Lord when an newcomer arrives, thinking she’s been invited to an old friend’s baby shower.  Girl talk and plans for the “Hell Feast” lead to secrets coming out and a struggle for power, with surprising results.  Plus, there’s a talking goat … so that’s pretty cool.

“I give this production ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️! Thoughtful writing, great acting.”

“This play is weird and great and just what you need.”

“What a ride. Great story, great casting and wonderfully acted.”

“RUN…. don’t walk to see this production!!

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