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.
​My newest play is now complete and available for perusal, All Her Life.
Also, back in development--with my writing partner/composer, Blaise Ferrandino--is the new musical thriller, 6th Hour of Night. Find updates here, or visit New & Upcoming Tab.
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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 musical was conceived more than 20 years ago. Recently my writing partner (composer), Blaise Ferrandino, suggested that we resurrect this exciting project. We were both eager to get to work, so we've rekindled our collaboration and spent the last several months bringing this unique musical to life. Most of the libretto is now drafted and I'm beginning the third rewrite. We have recorded five (5 ) songs and plan on getting back in the studio and recording a few more tunes later this year. I'll post some of the music & lyrics on this site in the coming weeks. Check back for updates early May.
6th Hour of Night
Music by Blaise Ferrandino
Book & Lyrics by Steven Breese
Passion becomes obsession. Love becomes lethal.
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6th Hour of Night is a sweeping Gothic musical thriller inspired by true events. In Renaissance Italy, a brilliant composer spirals into madness as jealousy, forbidden love, and religious manipulation collide within the walls of a noble household. A young bride trapped in a loveless marriage risks everything for love—unleashing a chain of events that will haunt generations.
Framed by a chilling mystery and driven by lush, expressive music, this is a bold new work where beauty and brutality share the same breath.
Not yet available
A Full Length Musical Thriller in Two Acts​
7 Women / 11 Man / 1 Boy (10 years)
Fully Orchestrated
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A New Musical Thriller
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.