Steven Breese
Playwright & Theatre Artist
I've been writing plays as long as I can remember. I have a passion for story-telling and sharing compelling narratives in innovative ways. Exploring the mysteries and complexities of the human condition keeps my drive for writing and for theatre alive. I always seem to have a play forming in my brain -- and I'm usually surprised at the way it turns out.
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I have just unveiled my newest play, All Her Life. You can check it out on the “New & Upcoming” tab or just click here. I’ll be posting updates as it progresses.
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My book on acting theory & practice, On Acting, A Handbook for Today’s Unique American Actor, continues in print (since 2013) and is widely used by professional acting studios and training programs.
DOUBLETAKE
“As a public service to impatient mystery lovers, I’ll reveal my conclusion on the new thriller Doubletake now at Berea Summer Theatre: The play by actor/writer Steven Breese is a smash! It’s entertaining, funny, well acted and not to be missed! In fact, stop reading and start calling for what should be the hottest ticket in town.”
Kevin Salyer
Cleveland Chronicle-Telegram
Praise & Reviews
ON ACTING
"It's about time this rational, actor-centric, and systematic approach to acting theory was made widely available to the many young (and old) artists who haven't had the benefit of learning from Steven Breese directly."
Danny Devlin, PhD
Professional Actor & Former Student
WIT'S END
“What is this? Can it be Elyot and Amanda, the dueling ex-marrieds of Private Lives, playing lust-hate games in Virginia? No, of course not! It’s really Maggie, the Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, luring Garrison Keillor into a web of deceit the likes of which they never heard of in Lake Woebegon. If you don’t believe it, have a look at Wit’s End!, Steven Breese’s new mystery-thriller...”
Perry Stewart
Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
In Development
This new play was developed in partnership with Tamara Johnson & Christopher Owens (Incaperated Productions), as well as my talented wife and life-partner, Erin McGrann. Tamara & Christopher brought me the inspiration for this project earlier this year. In October we presented the first invited-audience reading and the early feedback has been very positive. Currently in its 6th rewrite, the play's working title is All Her Life.
All Her Life
A Full Length Memory Play About Memory
Inspired by a true story, this memory play centers around the complicated and sometimes turbulent relationship between an aging mother (Barbara) and her well-meaning daughter (Abigail). The play selectively spans several years of Barbara’s life—not always in chronological order. While All Her Life is a unique story filled with mystery and surprising humor, it is also a story that will be familiar to anyone who has faced (or is facing) the challenges of growing old(er) in an increasingly detached society.
Not available
Full Length Play in One Act
4 Women / 1 Man / 9 Characters (Doubling)
Total Cast 5, Flexible Setting
All Her Life
A Full Length Play In One Act
On the Drawing Board
This project is still in its infancy, but my initial work is encouraging.
Novel Murder
A New Mystery-Thriller
Lilian is doing all he can to convince his agent that his new novel does not need another rewrite. While he hasn't had a successful novel since his first book, How to Murder Your Wife, he believes this new story is ready for publication and distribution. Novel Murder is an original take on this popular genre and employs a dramatic structure that allows for fresh comedy and unique intrigue not often found in theatrical thrillers. More to come as the play develops.
Not available
Full Length Play
3 Women / 2 Men
Total Cast 5, Setting Interiors
Novel Murder
A New Mystery-Thriller
Just a Little...
I have had a national and international acting-directing-playwriting career that has spanned more than 35 years. My MFA is from California Institute of the Arts. I’ve acted and/or directed at some of the nation’s finest regional theaters and touring companies including the Tony Award winning South Coast Repertory Theatre, The Cleveland Playhouse and Dallas Theater Center.
I've been writing plays as long as I can remember. Exploring the mysteries and complexities of the human condition keeps my drive for writing and for theatre alive.