Emering Artists Theatre Spark Festivals give artists a rare opportunity to present work in progress to an audience, then engage in a meaningful talkback session with the audience, director, cast, and curator. The insights are invaluable, giving the playwright the tools to take the work to the next level. This fall, EAT presents two Spark Festivals:

Spark Theatre Festival NYC, Oct. 5 – 25, 2026

Spark Musical Theatre Festival, Nov. 2 – 22, 2026

Emerging Artists has always focused on new works, emerging talent, and diverse voices. That’s never been more evident. And you, the audience, are the vital ingredient to making this a success. Your participation in the unique talkback with the artists provides the insight they need to move their work forward.

For more than three decades, Emerging Artists has premiered over 2,000 new works and also garnered a Drama Desk Nomination, received the American Theatre Wing Grant Award for Consistent Commitment to Excellence in Theatre, and was named Best Off-Off Broadway Theatre Company in NYC for Actors to Work With by Backstage Magazine. In the last five years alone, Emerging Artists has provided over 4,500 diverse artists with opportunities to develop and premiere their work at no cost to submit or participate.