The EST/LA Playwrights Unit mission is to support the passion, vision, and playwrighting
craftsmanship of our diverse membership. Our commitment is to the written word for the
living theatre, not for the screen. The Unit meets at 7:30 pm every Thursday, except for
summer and holidays, in members’ living rooms or in the Ensemble Studio Theatre/Los
Angeles (EST/LA) space in Atwater Village. Currently our meeting venues are located in
North Hollywood, Encino, Los Feliz, and Atwater Village.

Each week we read a play, a portion of a play, or a work in progress followed by feedback
and critique from Playwrights Unit members. Readings are also live-Zoomed for members
unable to attend in person. When necessary playwrights can opt for a Zoom-only reading.
 

We welcome all theatrical genres, from kitchen sink to poetic phantasmagoria, as long as
the work is intended for live performance. Playwrights control the feedback/critique format
and choice of discussion facilitator. Writers are allowed to cast actors outside of the
EST/LA network or consult with the Unit moderator to identify and cast EST/LA actors.
Readings are rarely rehearsed.

Many Playwrights Unit members are also members of EST/LA. Membership in EST/LA offers
writers several opportunities including: participation in EST/LA festivals, readings and
productions, often as actor or director in addition to playwright.

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To learn more about EST/LA please subscribe to the EST/LA weekly newsletter.

The EST/LA Playwrights Unit accepts applications twice a year.

 

• The spring application period is April 15th to May 31st.

• The fall application period is November 15th to December 30th.

For more information or If you would like to apply the EST/LA Playwrights Unit please email:
playwrightsunit@estlosangeles.org

 

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