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

The Traffic season is done, we’re well into the run of Dead Man’s Cell Phone, and we’re gearing up for Superior Donuts and First Look . Hmmm, this seems like the perfect moment to hop on the train (that’s how we roll) and head down to the beautiful Chicago Cultural Center to hear the Mayor and others talk about the importance of theater in Chicago. The official purpose of the occasion on Monday, June 9, 2008 was a salute to Chicago’s award-winning theater community and the Tony nods for Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and Steppenwolf. However, Cultural Programming Deputy Commissioner Janet Carl Smith played host to a line up of beloved icons including Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Lois Weisberg, CST Artistic Director Barbara Gaines, and our own Artistic Director Martha Lavey; the event turned into a love fest for everyone in the artistic and cultural community. (more…)

Sones de Mexico performs de coraSON “From the Heart” on May 16th in the Downstairs Theatre. Explore more moments from this memorable performance.

I was laughing aloud at my desk, reading a script from Robbie Telfer – who candidly shares his story of losing his cool, while trying to be waaay too cool – as a student teacher in Central Illinois. On June 1st at 3pm, we’ll hear from Robbie and other teachers as part the Traffic show Teacher Tales : Stories from the Frontlines. The show is the brainchild of Dr. Robert Boone, a respected educator, writer and founder of Young Chicago Authors.

Many of our strongest memories come from the classroom, and some of our best storytellers are educators. Robert says he wants to remind us of teaching’s human side. Stories come from many different perspectives and life stages: we’ll hear from teachers at a prestigious private school; a juvenile detention center, and much more. The show also includes work created by my young friends at Curie Youth Radio. (more…)

Kuumba Lynx performed Educatin’ Energy in the Downstairs Theatre on May 22nd 2008. Explore more moments from this performance.

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…)