The Steppenwolf Story

John Mayer – actor, director, and chair of the Theatre Department at Cal State Stanislaus – has written Steppenwolf Theatre Company of Chicago: In Their Own Words, the (so far) definitive chronicle of Chicago’s groundbreaking theatre ensemble. A high school friend of two of the company’s founders – Gary Sinise and Jeff Perry – John interviewed dozens of artists and administrators who were instrumental in Steppenwolf’s evolution, and reveals such tidbits as Sinise’s early fundraising efforts (which involve a hubcap); the greatest summation of Steppenwolf ever; shout-outs to amazing influential teachers; what an MFA really gives you; tensions between art and commerce; memories of John Malkovich’s landmark production of Balm In Gilead; and, most importantly, how passion, chutzpah, drive, and the ability to adapt and change creates long-term artistry. (Length 21:31)

Episode 328. Our Reduced Workshops

”In addition to performing our shows around the world, we teach theatre workshops in many of the various communities where we appear. This week we talk about the various workshops we offer and discuss the importance of listening, how you can book a Reduced Shakespeare Company Workshop in your community, Read more…

Episode 237. San Jose Repertory

”Now in his third year as Artistic Director of San Jose Repertory Theatre, Rick Lombardo reflects on the institution he inherited, his evolution from grad student to free lancer to artistic director, and the cultural differences between New England and Silicon Valley. Featuring the cutoff point for being a wunderkind and Read more…

Episode 198. Merrimack Repertory Theatre

”“Small but excellent” is the rallying cry for Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, MA where we recently premiered The Complete World of Sports (abridged). Artistic Director Charles Towers and Executive Director Tom Parrish talk about the creative and business decisions that led MRT to retire significant debt, flourish creatively, and Read more…

Episode 138. Board, Not Bored

”The Lamplighters is San Francisco’s oldest musical theatre company, and arguably America’s finest purveyors of Gilbert & Sullivan. Lamplighters’ board president Jim MacIlvaine talks about the role of a theater’s board of directors, the value of G&S, and why old poops are a valuable commodity. Featuring excerpts from several Lamplighters Read more…