The 2018 Essential Theatre Play Festival opens THIS MONTH!

The twentieth annual Essential Theatre Play Festival is almost here! Festival passes and individual tickets are now on sale. Get yours today!


Essential Artists Onstage

Are you an Essential artist? Would you like us to feature your work in our email newsletter? Let us know! Email [email protected] with details about projects you’d like us to share.

In Atlanta:

The latest scripted show at Dad’s Garage, Black Nerd opens Friday July 13 and runs through August 4. Featuring 2018 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award (co)winner Avery Sharp in the title role. “When race and geekdom collide you get a Black Nerd.”


Opening August 10 at Out of Box.
A hit with Essential audiences when it premiered as part of the 2012 Festival, BatHamlet is back in town! Brought to you this time around by Out of Box Theatre.

And Beyond:

The Georgia Theatre Conference, the official theatre organization for the state of Georgia, is pleased to announce that playwright and screenwriter Topher Payne will be inducted into the Georgia Theatre Hall of Fame at the 54th Annual Georgia Theatre Conference in Savannah hosted by Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus. The GA Hall of Fame recognizes working professionals and educators who have made a significant impact to theatre and or/theatre education in Georgia and the US, and who have ties to the state of Georgia.