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

As I sit here writing this in the dim light of the Garage Theatre, laptop balanced on my knee, I have to be careful that my legs aren’t sticking out too far into the backstage walkway — we’re currently about 15 minutes into a performance of The House Theatre of Chicago’s The Sparrow (presented at Steppenwolf as part of our Visiting Company Initiative), and my goal (especially in the absence of any grateful, gift-bestowing understudies) is to not trip any of the cast members who are constantly sprinting by my seat en route to one of the show’s numerous rapid exits or entrances. After last week’s embarrassing collision with an actress during a scene change, I’m trying (bolstered by the fear of being told to put on a skirt and go on in her knee-clutching place) to stay as far out of the way as possible.

Of all the issues I’ve addressed as a house manager in our Upstairs and Downstairs Theatres, I can safely say that tripping an actor has never been one of them (though I did recently entertain a few thoughts after Ian Barford schooled me at a game of ping pong). Patrons passing out, getting sick, falling, snoring, losing their purses, arguing with their neighbors, getting lost, drinking too much, burning incense in the lobby, bringing tickets for not only the wrong play, but the wrong theatre or season (keep in mind this list is a collection, not one unlucky person’s nightly saga) – these things I’ve dealt with. But making sure that I don’t collide with the talent backstage? During a performance in our larger theatres, where every show-supporting activity has a designated space, I rarely get any closer to that hallowed ground than the spacious and well-lit green room… and, even then, usually only briefly and with the passport of an actor-bound bouquet of flowers in hand. (more…)

This past weekend The House Theatre closed its sold-out production of The Sparrow at the Viaduct. After a rousing closing performance Saturday night, they began to strike the production and pack up the scenery to be moved to the Steppenwolf Garage Theatre for the extension which will begin March 15th. Despite cold temperatures and wet sleet, spirits were high as they unloaded the truck and took the show into the Garage. Welcome.

Hello Steppenwolfers!

David New has been kind enough to welcome me over to your blog for a moment to talk about some big stuff happening for The House Theatre of Chicago.

Our sold out run of The Sparrow will extend at The Steppenwolf Merle Reskin Garage Theatre from March 16th–April 21st under the Visiting Company Initiative. So first, on behalf of The House, I’d like to thank our mentors and friends at Steppenwolf for reaching in to hold us up during this crazy time and help us to make the most of The Sparrow’s success. (more…)