So you want to be a member of Ensemble Studio Theatre-LA …

Applying for membership is relatively simple.  Becoming a member takes some time.

Before applying:

Get involved in the community of our theatre: volunteer, volunteer, volunteer.
Get to know members, attend events, and put your work out there.
Make a difference as an artist and a person. 

It begins with orientation:

The New Members Committee conducts semi-annual orientation meetings for potential members.  Attendance at orientation is mandatory if you would like to apply for membership.  Topics discussed include company programs, how one can get involved both on and off the stage, and the application process.  Once you’ve attended orientation, you may decide you need to spend more time getting to know the company.  Or you may decide you’d like to submit an application.

Submitting your application:

All applications must be submitted in PDF form and should be emailed to the Chair of the New Members Committee, Adam Prince, with a cc to the Secretary, Laura Jane Salvato.  This is because email isn’t perfect, and we don’t want any applications falling through the cracks. 

Adam Prince: membership@EnsembleStudioTheatreLA.org

Laura Jane Salvato:  newlauradam@hotmail.com

Each application is acknowledged upon receipt.  If you do not receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application within 48 hours of sending, please resubmit.

Different items are required when applying as an actor, designer, director, playwright, or producer, so please look over the following guidelines carefully: 

Your PDF should include:

1. A letter from you stating your reasons for wanting to join the company and what you believe you offer the company (everyone).
2. Your headshot (if you’re an actor).
3. Your resume (everyone).
4. One letter of recommendation from a full member of EST-LA (everyone).
5. Two additional letters of recommendation from members of the company or other theatre, film, or television industry professionals (everyone).  Please note that recommendations from teachers and acting coaches are not accepted unless that individual has worked with you in a professional context, i.e. directed you in a professional production.
6. Up to 10 images of shows you’ve designed (if you’re a designer).
7. One full-length play sample as a separate PDF (if you’re a playwright).

Patience is a virtue:

The Members’ Council usually votes on new members in January and July, so please be patient.  It’s important that each member of the Council be familiar with your work as an artist and your contributions to the life of our company. 

If you’re approved…

If your application is approved, you become an Associate Member of Ensemble Studio Theatre-LA for a period of two years.  During this time you can initiate in company programs through a Member Liaison, but will not be able to vote in company elections.  After the two-year period, you may apply for full membership. If you are accepted into full membership, you become a life-time member of Ensemble Studio Theatre-LA. 

If at first you don’t succeed…

Membership in Ensemble Studio Theatre-LA is intended to be a life-long commitment from the theatre to you and vice-versa, and as such we do not take it lightly.  Please be patient and take the long view!

Thank you for your interest.

Questions?  membership@EnsembleStudioTheatreLA.org