Ensemble Studio Theatre (EST) is bringing new voices and fresh theatrical perspectives to the stage with the announcement of its 58th season, featuring two productions that highlight the organization’s commitment to developing original works and supporting playwrights at every stage of their careers.
The 2027 season will feature Beyond Words by Laura Maria Censabella and lucky/bird by Audley Puglisi, offering audiences a New York premiere and a world premiere, respectively.
The season opens with Beyond Words, directed by Colette Robert. The production is presented in partnership with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation through the EST/Sloan Project, a longstanding collaboration dedicated to developing plays that explore science and technology.
Censabella, a member of EST’s artistic ensemble and a two-time EST/Sloan-commissioned playwright, developed the production through the theater’s commissioning program. Robert, also an EST Ensemble artist, will direct the New York premiere, which runs February 8 through March 7, 2027. Opening night is scheduled for February 18.
The second production, lucky/bird, will make its world premiere at EST. Written by Youngblood playwright Audley Puglisi and directed by Obie Award winner abigail jean-baptiste, the play will run May 17 through June 13, 2027, with an official opening scheduled for May 27.
Co-Artistic Directors Estefanía Fadul and Graeme Gillis said the season reflects the theater’s dedication to bringing together artists from different generations and cultural backgrounds while nurturing creative relationships over time.
The leadership team highlighted the connection between the two playwrights. Censabella leads the theater’s playwrights unit, while Puglisi recently graduated from Youngblood, EST’s emerging writers group. Both directors have also been longtime creative collaborators with the organization.
In addition to its mainstage productions, EST will continue its year-round developmental programming, beginning with its Asking For Trouble festival. The event provides an opportunity to experience new work and discover emerging talent from throughout the theater’s artistic community. The organization has also refreshed its lobby space as part of its preparations for the new season.
Both productions will take place at the Curt Dempster Theatre at Ensemble Studio Theatre, located at 549 West 52nd Street, Second Floor, between 10th and 11th Avenues in Manhattan.
Tickets for both productions go on sale December 1, 2026. For additional information, visit Ensemble Studio Theatre online.