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.