A memorial service has been scheduled on April 29 for Curt Dempster, the founding artistic director of the Ensemble Studio Theatre and a pioneering force within the industry for three decades.
Dempster established the Ensemble in 1971 and took it to national prominence as one of the most influential theatres of developmental work in the country. He produced or developed more than 6,000 new plays, including those of Arthur Miller, Horton Foote, Wendy Wasserstein, Christopher Durang, David Mamet, Marsha Norman, Frank D. Gilroy, and Tennessee Williams.
Under his guidance, the theatre soon became legendary for introducing hundreds of gifted professional actors, writers, and artists to the world.
Described by the New York Times as "an innovative force in theater," Dempster helped develop two generations of theatre artists. Playwrights who were discovered at the Ensemble include Richard Greenberg, John Patrick Shanley, Jose Rivera, Eduardo Machado, and Leslie Ayvazian.
He also directed The Crucible, The Seagull, and an experimental company production of Hamlet with Jon Voight in the title role.
Dempster's efforts had a major influence on new, emerging, and established writers and helped determine the course of both non-profit and commercial theatre in America.
The late theatre leader was honored with numerous esteemed awards during his tenure.
In 1993, Carnegie Mellon University honored Dempster for his life-long commitment to developing new American plays. In 1994, he accepted the OBIE Award from the Village Voice for the Ensemble's annual "Marathon of New One-Act Plays." Among his other accolades were the Brandeis University Creative Arts Award, the Drama League Citation, the Outer Critics Circle Award and the American Theatre Wing Annual Award.
By many estimations the Ensemble still leads the country in volume of work produced, outcomes, and critical acclaim. Today the theatre features the largest standing artistic company in the world, having produced more plays and developed more artists than any other theatre organization in history.
The service will be held April 29, at 5 p.m. at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College, 899 10th Ave., between 58th and 59th streets. Seating is limited. For reservations and more information, please call (212) 247-4982, ext. 20, or email minors@ensemblestudiotheatre.org.
--Anna Bengel