Half Hour

In this, the final episode of Half Hour’s second season, the five hosts look back on two years of insightful, candid, and inspiring conversations with Steppenwolf ensemble members, activists, and vital voices in the American theater. Then, Cliff Chamberlain interviews Steppenwolf’s incoming Co-Artistic Directors, Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis, at the very beginning of their tenure.Interview begins at 17:12 Originally from Chicago, Glenn Davis is an accomplished actor and producer. He ga...

In this inspiring and revealing conversation, Jacinda Bullie and Darius Parker of Kuumba Lynx sit down with Audrey Francis to talk about the vital and empowering work they do with youth across Chicago. Through performances, film screenings, art making workshops, and more, Kuumba Lynx brings a Hip Hop lens to their work of urban artistry and activism. Listen to learn about the philosophy, history and future of one of the most treasured youth centered organizations in the city.Interview begins ...

In this engaging conversation, Karen Rodriguez sits down with fellow actor, ensemble member and Half Hour host, James Vincent Meredith. Join these two friends as they share stories of stage fright, family, laughter, legacy, and proving their skeptics wrong by securing a sense of belonging within the Steppenwolf ensemble.Interview begins at 4:12.James Vincent Meredith received critical acclaim as John Proctor in The Crucible, his first role as an ensemble member. At Steppenwolf he has also app...

This week, the Half Hour team sits down with Gordon Gill of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, the architects behind the newest additions to Steppenwolf's campus: the Arts and Education Center and a 400-seat Round Theater. Ensemble member James Vincent Meredith leads a fascinating conversation with Gill, exploring the similarities between the seemingly disparate disciplines of architecture and theatre. Listen, too, for a sneak peek into what to expect when the new building opens its doors this fall....

This week on Half Hour, acclaimed star of stage and screen Leslie Odom Jr. catches up with his longtime friend, ensemble member Cliff Chamberlain. Odom shares stories from his early career, reflects on his legendary performance as Founding Father Aaron Burr in Hamilton: An American Musical and discusses his recent take on singer Sam Cooke in the film One Night in Miami. This candid and funny conversation offers a glimpse into the perspective of one of contemporary musical theatre's most vital...

In this riveting conversation, Audrey Francis sits down with legendary director and ensemble member Tina Landau who shares insightful glimpses into her unique process of directing, including how she has learned to trust actors to bring all of themselves into rehearsal. The two also discuss the Viewpoints method, Tina’s current projects in development, and the seemingly unlikely pairing of Landau’s directing practice and Steppenwolf’s aesthetic. Interview begins at 3:32Tina Landau is a writer,...

On this episode of Half Hour, Erin Cook, Steppenwolf’s universally beloved company manager of more than ten years, joins Caroline Neff for a lovely and lively conversation. Cook shares stories from her path to Steppenwolf, and she talks about what it is like being communicating with, and caring for, the more than fifty actors, writers and directors that constitute the Steppenwolf Ensemble. Plus, Erin reflects on her singular relationships with two of Steppenwolf’s visionary artistic directors...

Half Hour welcomes its first designer on the show: Tony Award-Winner Clint Ramos. Audrey Francis interviews Ramos, and their conversation largely centers on how Clint aims to transform the American theatre to be more equitable and just. The pair also discuss the designer’s process, and how Clint balances his twin niches of costume and scenic design. Plus, Ramos shares insights from his childhood watching street theatre in the Philippines. Interview begins at 2:39Clint Ramos is a designe...

Ensemble member Sandra Marquez sits down with Cliff Chamberlain for this insightful and inspiring conversation. Marquez shares stories from her singular childhood in the Central Valley of California, and reflects on her journey in Chicago theatre—and how she hopes to make it easier for the next generation of actors. Plus, Marquez talks about her legendary performances as Clytemnestra, and what it was like to play that single role over the course of four years and three productions. Inter...

Renowned playwright and Steppenwolf ensemble member Rajiv Joseph joins this episode of Half Hour for a conversation with Caroline Neff. Joseph shares stories from his time serving in the Peace Corps, and he chats about where he draws inspiration for his plays—and why he’s never dismayed when he was to scrap a draft and completely start over. Tune in to hear Rajiv talk about working with legendary comedian Robin Williams, and to see why he thinks that two-character plays are quite similar to m...