Spark Theatre Festival

About Us

EMERGING ARTISTS THEATRE was founded 30 years ago to provide a dynamic home for theatrical artists to develop innovative work, from the first spark of imagination to full artistic realization.

During its vibrant history, Emerging Artists Theatre has premiered more than 300 new works Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway and garnered numerous awards, including a Drama Desk Award Nomination, the American Theatre Wing Grant Award for Sustained Excellence in Theatre, and the Founder’s Award at the inaugural New York Innovative Theatre Awards. EAT was also included in the Top 10 Critics Picks from the New York Times.

EAT’s previous Off-Broadway productions include Penny Penniworth by Chris Weikel, The Sensational Josephine Baker by Cheryl Howard, Claymont by Kevin Brofsky, Sisters’ Dance by Sarah Hollister, and The Play About the Naked Guy by David Bell.

In 2006, EAT began producing a bi-annual new work series that focuses on new solo shows, plays, dance performances, and musicals. This series, now known as Spark Theatre Festival NYC, provides essential resources to artists and requires absolutely no submission or participation fees. Plus the artists receive half the box office. This factor alone makes Emerging Artists Theatre one-of-a-kind and a true refuge for underserved artists who may not have the means to develop their work. EAT is proud to have given more than 5,000 artists this opportunity since its inception.