The annual festival of commissioned and developed works was created to expand public perception of science and engineering by breaking down stereotypes.

The 2008 commissioned playwrights include Galileo Prize winner Tina Howe, who will receive a $20,000 stipend to encourage the incorporation of science and its social impacts in her work. Also commissioned by E.S.T. are Lloyd Suh, Shirley Lauro, Sharyn Rothstein, Matthew Schatz, Jay Scheib, Tommy Smith and Vern Thiessen.

First Light 2008, which officially began April 6, will offer its first performance with the workshop presentation of Rey Pamatmat's Pure April 11 at 7 PM; Talvin Wilks directs.

Additional workshop presentations include Case Study by Amy Fox, directed by William Carden (April 18 at 7 PM); the new musical Ada featuring music by Kim Sherman, book and lyrics by Margaret Vandenburg, directed by Lisa Rothe (April 25 at 7 PM); and The Flower Hunter by Romulus Linney, directed by Jamie Richards (May 1 at 7 PM).

Related events for First Light include the annual evening of music and comedy, Cabaret Scientifique, May 2 at 7 PM; as well as a concert reading of Friedrich Durrenmatt's The Physicists, directed by Mary Robinson, May 3 at 7 PM. The cast will feature E.S.T. members James Rebhorn, Laurence Luckinbill and Peter Maloney. This year's First Light satellite offering is the currently running PS 122 production of Untitled Mars by Jay Scheib, through April 27.

Tickets are available by calling (212) 352-3101. For further information visit www.ensemblestudiotheatre.org.

The Ensemble Studio Theatre is located at 549 West 52nd Street in Manhattan.