Primary Stages - ESPA

I took Primary Stages ESPA's fundamentals of playwriting class online at the suggestion of a friend. I had zero ideas about what I would write. I had never written a line of dialogue before. I told myself, if I write three sentences, I'll be happy! Well, I wrote an entire play. My teacher Melisa Annis was simply incredible. The class was amazing. Three hours a week and it was the best three hours of my week, every week. I loved everything about it. She gave us great assignments for reading, great ideas for things to watch or go see. She created great conversations among us, wonderful opportunities for sharing. She helped us understand structure. She gave great prompts and exercises to get us writing and understanding what we were doing. The structure of the class was wonderful -- we cast each other to read our scenes and then talked about the parts that resonated the most. It was caring and kind and always really interesting. I'm sad that it's over and I'm looking forward to coming back for another class in the future.

I am what they call an ESPAtriot, or one who takes classes at ESPA. I'll go one step further and proclaim myself an ESPAddict, or one who is addicted to taking classes at ESPA. I've been taking classes since early 2010 and have only begrudgingly skipped one semester since then. They offer classes and workshops for actors, writers and directors pretty much year-round, with semesters in the Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer, taught by working professionals in the theater industry.

Little did I know when I took my first class at ESPA that it would be such a vital step in building momentum in my playwriting career. Simply put, taking classes at ESPA is one of the best things I've done for myself professionally. I have been more prolific and disciplined in my writing these past two years, and a lot of thanks goes to the excellent instructors I've had (Tanya Barfield, Sheri Wilner, Kara Lee Corthron), all of whom are working playwrights themselves. There is also a playwright's festival at the end of the Fall/Winter semester, so each writing class (including for screen and tv) gets to present excerpts of their work using professional actors.

Beyond the classroom, there is ample opportunity for your work to get seen. One of my favorite programs they started last year is the Detention Series. Each month, a guest advisor presents a specific theme or set of criteria for 10 minutes plays to be written by students. We typically only have a couple of weeks to write the plays, and then 3-4 are selected for presentation. If your play is selected, you get assigned a director and actors (also ESPA students), and you get a couple of weeks to rehearse before the play is performed barebones (limited set, costumes, etc) for only two performances on the first Friday of the next month.

The performances are at Jimmy's No. 43 in the East Village, in a tiny back room, where the audience is squeezed in tight and eager for a good time with beer in hand. The whole thing is very fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants, which just adds to the fun and casual spirit of the experience. As an alumna of Detention (my theme was "Blind Date"), I can attest to what an awesome time it is, and I can't wait to participate again.

Other perks for students include discounted fees to classes and workshops; the ability to apply for a work study Teacher's Assistant spot so you can take a class for free; and the occasional comp ticket offer for Broadway and Off/Off-off-Broadway shows. But more than all that, you'll be introduced to this amazing community of theater artists who are incredibly supportive of their students and rooting for them to succeed.

If you're an actor, director or writer looking to hone your craft, make connections within the theater community, and gain experience by taking advantage of their myriad extracurricular programs, then this is the place for you. So c'mon, why not be an ESPAddict like me? Just take one class and give it a try. You know you want to. And tell 'em Kristine sent ya.

I've had a great experience at ESPA. The teachers have all been really wonderful and supportive and the atmosphere is lovely.
ESPA is the only New York studio I know of that provides forums for their playwrighting, directing and acting students to work together on projects. They have a series, DETENTION, where 10 minute plays are written by ESPA students, then directed and acted in by ESPA students as well. Always a great experience to be a part of. If you are looking for a collaborative creative community, you have found one.

I have been taking classes at ESPA for 4+ years and cannot recommend it enough! Great for actors, writers & directors alike, great value for the price and discounts for return students. You have so many opportunities in addition to the classes you take to perform, write & meet other artists in the community. The faculty and staff are top notch, friendly & real giants in the industry who care about your one on one growth and development! Check out the website & give ESPA a chance. You won't regret it!

Looking for a class in directing, acting, producing, playwriting or screenwriting? Looking to find teachers actively working in the industry? Looking to be part of an artist hub where students from various disciplines work together in creating theater? Take a look at Primary Stages/ESPA!

Want to experience what ESPA has to offer before signing up for a class? Check out ESPAfest, an annual festival week of free master classes, workshops and performances. But why wait for ESPAfest? You could also attend any number of events produced by Primary Stages/ESPA. ESPA offers classes year round, taught by working theater professionals.

I signed up for my first class back in October 2014 after attending a free master class with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker and have been hooked ever since.

Since joining ESPA, I've directed 10 minute plays written by ESPA student playwrights for Detention, a performance series for ESPA artists; I've had one of my own plays produced in Detention; I've taken two directing classes, two playwriting classes and one producing workshop; and have worked as Assistant Director in ESPA Drills, a festival of new full-length plays written by ESPA student playwrights. There's no shortage of opportunities to get your work seen and to get involved outside of class.

Teachers I've taken classes with include Liesl Tommy (OBIE Award-winning director), Leigh Silverman (Tony Award-nominated director), John Rando (Tony Award-winning director), A. Rey Pamatmat (Princess Grace Award winner & a PoNY Playwriting Fellow), Josh Hecht (Drama Desk Award-winning director)... to name a few.

Generally classes range from 8 - 12 students in attendance. If you're unable to pay for the class in full upon first registering, you have the option of enrolling in a payment plan of your liking. All students, while attending, receive offers to sign up for comps to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, space to write (if available) and calls for auditions or to submit work. Returning students receive discounts to all classes and have the ability to apply for the Work Study program.

I consider ESPA one of my artistic homes. They encourage you to take chances with your art and provide support along the way. The staff is there for you and want to see you succeed.

The classes are for people at all levels, whether you are just starting out or consider yourself experienced. There's something for every one. So what are you waiting for? Give 'em a call.

Similar to Kristine- I would admit I'm an ESPaddict. No matter what is going on with me professionally, I try and take at least 1-2 classes a year, if not more. The artistic community, learning opportunities, performance opportunities and generosity of spirit including free rehearsal space, free tickets and beautiful people (let alone the classes which are stellar and nothing less than life changing) nourish artists in a brutal industry. The staff are sensitive to artists needs, providing work-study classes (after your first class) as well as payment plans which make it possible to take class; you know..while you work your gazillion jobs and rehearse your play and try and have a life. I can't say enough, but the caliber of talent combined with the humble and generous spirit that fills the walls of ESPA speaks loads about the folks in charge.

I found ESPA rather serendipitously while looking for a school that offered classes in both playwriting and acting, and it has completely exceeded my expectations in every way. This semester I took my first class - playwriting with the fantastic A. Rey Pamatmat. I can't believe how much I have grown as a writer in a mere 10 weeks; through Rey's class, I've learned not only about the craft of playwriting, but also my own writing process and how to get past the problems I've had in the past when writing. ESPA is everything I wished my college theatre dept could've been - the instructors are incredible, there are several opportunities to both work and just as importantly, see the work of your peers (ESPADrills, Detention), and the community is extremely dedicated, passionate about theatre, and supportive of each other. It is a tremendous place to grow as an artist, and I plan on taking classes there indefinitely.

Also a great thing to mention - their classes are priced pretty low considering the caliber of teachers they bring in and how extensive their program is. They also offer payment plans, which helps tremendously.