The Essential Theatre is a non profit professional theatre dedicated, but not limited to producing theatre reflective of the African-American experience that celebrates and explores America's rich, diverse cultural landscape. Paramount to the company's mmission is the implementation of programs for youth in the Washington, DC metropolitan area that promotes interdisciplinary education and positive self-esteem. Founded in 1989, the company hosts a play development program, The Essential Theatre's New Play Reading Series, the Children's Program in Public Schools and the Women's Works Program. The company also maintains a relationship with area social services programs in an effort to provide job training opportunities.
