EST-LA’s developmental programs and productions benefit artists and audiences alike. Fifteen writers attend our weekly “Playwrights’ Unit;” supporting each other in the development of new plays and screenplays. In our monthly “Sunday Best” workshop, 15-20 actors, directors and writers gather to present informal readings of works-in-progress; moderated constructive feedback follows. Our bi-monthly “Performance Lab” focuses on freeing artists from their comfort zones. Up to 12 actors, directors, designers and writers might attend, and the crossing of disciplines is encouraged through theater games, writing exercises, movement work, etc. We present an annual festival of new play readings that serves about 150 artists (WINTERFEST), as well as a festival of rehearsed staged-readings of work under consideration for production (FIRST LOOK). Our fully-mounted productions run from 4-12 weeks, and our company has been honored repeatedly for the quality of these presentations.

Donations play a valuable role in supporting our programs and productions.