Strawdog Theatre Company


Founded in 1988, Strawdog Theater Company is located in North Center at 1802 W Berenice Avenue.

2015–2016 - Season 28

Lawrence Novikoff and Paul Engelhardt founded Strawdog Theatre Company in 1988 after performing together in a production of Euripides's Helen. Strawdog was intended to be a home for a company of actors drawn to a gritty, realistic theater style. The group took their name from Sam Peckinpah's movie "Straw Dogs" and was founded with the commitment to the ensemble approach, which remains the backbone of Strawdog today .
In 2000, the Company went through a period of restructuring. Many ensemble members left the Company and new members were recruited. This personnel change led to a shift in leadership and focus for the ensemble. Jennifer Avery and Michael Dailey took over as Co-Artistic Directors. They added many new ensemble members of varying disciplines, restructured the administration of the Company and gradually moved its focus from gritty kitchen sink dramas to a wider range of styles.
In August 2003, the Company hired Nic Dimond, a former ensemble member, to helm the Company as Artistic Director.
Strawdog first garnered national attention when Terry Teachout of The Wall Street Journal named Aristocrats one of the best shows of 2007. The next year, Teachout once again lauded Strawdog for their production of RUR, a rarely seen parable about robots and technology.

Production history

2003–2004 - Season 16

2008

Old Town

After Dark Awards
  • Outstanding Musical
  • Outstanding Original Song/Score
  • * Misha Fiksel
  • Outstanding Performance in a Musical or Review
  • * Kat McDonnell


Lie of the Mind

Joseph Jefferson Awards, Non-Equity Wing
Marathon '33

Joseph Jefferson Awards, Non-Equity Wing
Three Sisters
Joseph Jefferson Awards, Non-Equity Wing
After Dark Awards