The Primary Stages Marvin and Anne Einhorn School of Performing Arts (ESPA) is an interdisciplinary institution in New York City that offers courses in Acting, Writing and Directing. ^[1]

History

ESPA developed from a collection of in-house playwriting classes at Primary Stages to a more formalized multidisciplinary institution with departments in acting, writing, and directing. Since its 2007 inception, the School has housed over two thousand students. The School, formally known as the Primary Stages School of Theater was renamed in 2010 in honor of two Primary Stages founding members, Marvin and Anne Einhorn. ^[2]

All courses are taught by industry professionals that include Primary Stages staff members Casey Childs (Founder and Executive Producer of Primary Stages), Andrew Leynse (artistic director), Michelle Bossy (Associate Artistic Director). ^[3]

Instructors

Notable ESPA faculty members: ^[4]

Special programs

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Previous guests and Master Class instructors have included Judith Light, Craig Lucas, Neil LaBute, Pam MacKinnon, David Lindsay-Abaire, Alice Ripley, Jessica Hecht, Annie Baker and José Rivera.

Each Summer, the ESPA*Drills new play development program affords four ESPA playwrights the opportunity to workshop their plays at Primary Stages and present full readings. The playwrights work with ESPA actors and directors as well as other New York artists.

ESPA also offers frequent workshops, jam sessions, and opportunities for new works to be read.

References