ETW was founded in 1975 by prominent theater practitioners who valued the socially conscious artist. These artists developed a training program based on the innovative approaches to physically based acting and performance that were having an enormous influence in and beyond the world of theater. As ETW began to gain national and international attention, it expanded its curriculum to include more traditional approaches to actor training.
ETW has a curricular progression that integrates rigorous realistic scene study, physically based actor training (Grotowski influenced, as well as other approaches), Meisner technique, Stanislavski based script analysis, modern dance, postmodern dance, viewpoints, choreography, voice and speech, extended voice, singing and creating original work. Its professionally directed productions span all aesthetics and performance disciplines from realism to postdramatic theater to music theater. Rather than relying on a single aesthetic frame, ETW’s curriculum provides students with fundamental acting and performance skills, while helping them discover and shape their own unique artistic visions.
ETW strives to create a value-based community committed to communication, respect, inclusion, equality and empowerment through reflection and dialogue. ETW is committed to creating an atmosphere in which every member of our community can feel safe and supported and can endeavor to be their most courageous, artistic self.
ETW’s training prepares students to successfully meet the far-ranging demands of contemporary theater and film directors, choreographers and composers, as well as to create their own work. Our alums work across the spectrum from Broadway to Off-Off Broadway to feature films, television, and new media. Our goal is to develop young artists who have the skill, vision, will and courage, as well as the social consciousness to forge successful careers, to lead full lives and to create vital new theater art.
