Ensemble Studio Theatre/Alfred P. Sloan Project present a First Light Reading of

Uncommon Scent

a new play by Vern Thiessen

France. 1940. As the Nazis march their way into Paris, two perfumers are tasked with creating a scent so horrible it will win the Allies the war. Inspired by a true story, UNCOMMON SCENT is a fast paced, mad-cap look at the world of smell, its power, and its potential to change the world.

Ensemble Studio Theatre/Alfred P. Sloan Project present a First Light Reading of

APPLE BOTTOM

a new play by Karina Billini

When a humble neighbor, Andrea, and a high-strung influencer, Belinda, arrive as patients for their post- BBL recovery, Apple Bottom Spa struggle to keep both women afloat.

Karina Billini is a Brooklyn-bred playwright. She is a proud alum of EST's Youngblood, Public's EWG program, among others. MFA: Juilliard, New School.

Ensemble Studio Theatre/Alfred P. Sloan Project present a First Light Reading of

Superquiz!

a new play by Mikaela Berry

SuperQuiz! follows the exciting, sometimes confusing, and extremely nerdy road to victory for an academic decathlon team of tenacious teenagers in Harlem.

Mikaela Berry is a multi-hyphenate artist, licensed social worker, and restorative justice facilitator based in Harlem whose passion lies in working with people in detention.

Content Note

This play contains casual curse words, discussions of antiblack racial discrimination, discussion of suicidal ideation and discussion of sexual intimacy.

Ensemble Studio Theatre/Alfred P. Sloan Project present a First Light Reading of

Fear Less

a new play by Jacquelyn Reingold

Fear Less examines the role of fear in two different women's lives over 25 years.

Jacquelyn Reingold is a playwright, TV writer, teacher, advocate. “Fear Less” was first read in the First Light Festival 2024, and was a 2025 O’Neill finalist. Other plays in New York seen at EST, MCC, Naked Angels, Axial Theater; Actors Theater Louisville, Portland Center Stage, PlayLabs Minneapolis; London, Dublin, Berlin, Lima. Honors include: Lilly Award, Kennedy Center, EST/Sloan Commissions, Yaddo, Hermitage, Susan Smith Blackburn finalist. Published: “Best American Short Plays,” DPS, French, Smith & Kraus, Applause. Member: EST, Tent Theater, New Dramatists alum, mentor Young Playwrights Ukraine, founding member of Honor Roll! TV writing includes “The Good Fight,” “Grace & Frankie,” “In Treatment.” www.jacquelynreingold.com

Content Note:

Fear Less contains discussions of domestic violence