Steppenwolf Theatre Company of Chicago: In Their Own Words

(Paperback)

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Description

In 1974, a group of determined, young high school actors started doing plays under the name of Steppenwolf Theatre Company, eventually taking residence in the basement of a church in Highland Park, a suburb of Chicago. Thus began their unlikely journey to become one of the most prominent theatre companies in the world. Steppenwolf Theatre Company has changed the face of American Theatre with its innovative approach that blends dynamic ensemble performance, honest, straightforward acting, and bold, thought-provoking stories to create compelling theatre. This is the first book to chronicle this iconic theatre company, offering an account of its early years and development, its work, and the methodologies that have made it one of the most influential ensemble theatres today. Through extensive, in-depth interviews conducted by the author with ensemble members, this book reveals the story of Steppenwolf's miraculous rise from basement to Broadway and beyond. Interviewees include co-founders Jeff Perry, Gary Sinise and Terry Kinney, along a myriad of ensemble, staff, board members and others.

Reviews

If you love theatre, and particularly ensemble theatre, John Mayer is about to take you on a 'first-time-ever VIP tour' into everything Steppenwolf. * Jeff Perry *
[Mayer] includes extracts from interviews with literally dozens of those that have helped the company to become one of the best and best-known in the world today. Reading about a theatre company that started out in school then conquered the world ... is fascinating. It should persuade readers to do their damnedest to find a Steppenwolf production on stage or screen in the near future and also prove an inspiration to any youngsters considering starting out on the road to a career as an actor, director [or] writer. * British Theatre Guide *
In his masterful book, John Mayer brings to life the Steppenwolf history and mystique in a winning meld of well-turned exposition and engrossing "spoken" reflections from many of the actors and behind-the-scenes creators who helped shape the theatre in its early years and beyond ... Even for those theater-lovers unable to experience Steppenwolfs greatness in person, this outstanding "living history" will enlighten and delight. * TheaterJones *
This captivating book traces the trial-and-error development and expansion of a community-based theatre company which started out as the adventurous enterprise of a few inspired high school students. * This Years Work in English Studies *

Author Bio

John Mayer was a high-school classmate of Jeff Perry and Gary Sinise, two of the founding members of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. He is Chair of the Theatre Department at California State University, Stanislaus in Turlock, California, USA.