Steppenwolf Theatre Company Blog – Chicago Theater, World-Class Ensemble

When conceptualizing the environment for this year’s Sketchbook Festival in the Merle Reskin Garage Theatre, we started with the ideas of intimacy and immersion. Last year we had opened up the playing area to include everywhere, and it made for a unique, spatially liberal experience. There was no separation between the space of the performer and the audience member, and we felt it worked well; but we are always pushing for change and evolution at Sketchbook, and this year is no different.

We thought if we could focus the energy of the garage into a single area it would really give the audience a powerful experience. With a capacity of only 102, we figured if we set up the space in the round, the audience could sit in 3 rows, and that would make sure it was intimate. So, then we focused on immersion. We started with the concept of an octagonal playing space with audience on risers on 4 sides (like a square), inside a circular curtain or screen that would also serve as a rear projection video screen. We did the math and found there was enough room in the garage for the throw distance necessary to link the 4 video projections together into a 360 Degree video. (more…)

Whenever Steppenwolf jumps onto the national radar as it has, most recently, with the success of August: Osage County, journalists from the national press ask to speak to various of us at Steppenwolf about the company and its history. Inevitably, arises the question, “what is the ‘Steppenwolf style’?” They trying to get a handle on what it is that characterizes a Steppenwolf production and what produces it. Is it a characteristic acting style? Is there a method to the madness? How are ensemble members chosen? What does being an ensemble member entail?

I find myself rehearsing the history of the company, the personalities that created it, the early productions that went on to national prominence and cemented an image of Steppenwolf as a fearless, virtuostic ensemble acting.

The other day, Ed Sobel, our Director of New Play Development, Tracy Letts and I were talking to a journalist from Playbill. He was asking all of the questions about the company and its style that we have come to expect and that are almost impossible to answer in any formulaic way (because there is no formula, there was no syllabus). Tracy, Ed and I talked about Steppenwolf’s history but immediately found ourselves talking about the whole of the Chicago theater scene–the storefront theaters that harbored the companies and actors so germane to the “Chicago style.” We talked about ensemble, we talked about intimate theaters, we talked about actors and directors working for each others’ approval (instead of for the approval of some great, career-determining outside eye). (more…)

We are pleased to announce our directors and designers for this year’s First Look Rep.

Ensemble member Tim Hopper, who is familiar to many of you as an actor in such Steppenwolf productions as The Crucible, The Violet Hour, and Hedda Gabler and will be directing Keith Huff’s play Pursued by Happiness. Previously, Tim directed the world premiere of Mia McCullough’s play Taking Care in our Garage Space. Tim brings an actor’s sensitivity and a meticulous attention to nuance and detail in his directing work, and we are delighted to have him joining the First Look family. (more…)

It’s a gray day as I look out my window, but I feel like the sun is shining on Steppenwolf. I’m excited by the Tony nominations, and though it may sound cheesy, I think the big honors and the national headlines are just part of the story. Here are a few of the little moments that make Steppenwolf a magical place.

I hate to embarrass him, but House Manager Evan Hatfield is a beautiful young man with eyes like a policeman. He’s always watching to see what needs to be done. Last Friday, just before a Traffic performance by at the fantastic Tatsu Aoki and his Miyumi Project, I was moved to see a multigenerational tableau – tall, lean Evan giving his arm to a small, elderly Japanese-American man. The gentleman took his arm with a dignity and comfort that was so natural. (more…)

For those of you who look forward to Steppenwolf’s Young Adult season, you may remember my last blog post when I just couldn’t decide what it was going to be? Well I am ready to announce the season!

We are opening with Tennessee Williams‘ The Glass Menagerie directed by our very own Yasen Peyankov and starring one of my personal favorite Chicago actresses Alana Arenas, (remember her from The Bluest Eye?). This Glass Menagerie will be with an all African-American cast.

Our second production will be Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and directed by Michael Patrick Thornton. Last time this play was done here it was starring John Malkovich , John Mahoney, Joan Allen, Jeff Perry, Gary Sinise and Glenne Headly, wow! Unfortunately scheduling does not allow for them to return and reprise their roles. But you never know you may just catch the next wave of amazing newcomers to the Steppenwolf stage. (more…)