Overview
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.