Located in nearby Atwater Village, EST/LA has solidified its reputation as a progressive and professional theater company. The ensemble is recognized for developing groundbreaking plays with outstanding performances by well-known and up-and-coming artists in an intimate setting.
Founded in the early 1980s, EST/LA has been the creative home to many notable film, TV, and theater artists. Originally an offshoot of the well-respected EST in New York City, the company became its own separate entity to serve the more specific needs of the Los Angeles creative community.
In addition to community outreach events throughout the Los Angeles area, EST/LA produces a number of popular regular scheduled events such as LA Fest, Launchpad, New West Playwrights, True Story, Winterfest, and the annual One Act Festival.
The quality of EST/LA’s productions has been recognized with awards from a number of diverse sources including Backstage, GLAAD, LA Weekly, the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, and Stage Raw. A number of plays developed at the company’s home in Atwater Village have gone on to be produced around the country. It has also been the recipient of numerous grants, including a recent generous gift from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association to purchase audio and visual equipment, which will allow EST/LA to preserve its leading theatrical presentations.
EST/LA is currently led by theater professionals Kevin Comartin, William Duffy, Christopher Reiling, Liz Ross, and Keith Szarabajka. Well-known commercial, film, TV, and voice actors including Elisa Donovan, William H. Macy, and Sam McMurray have graced the stage. An added pleasure is that the performers, playwrights, and directors are approachable after readings and performances, with discussions typically moderated by actor Ray Xifo to further enhance the company’s intimate appeal.
3269 Casitas Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039
(818) 839-1197
estlosangeles.org
Image Courtesy of Ensemble Studio Theatre/LA
Facebook Comments