We have a chat with Broadway actor Steve Steiner about his life and career in music and theater. Both in front of and behind the curtain.
Steve Steiner has had a long career in the performing arts, beginning nearly 50 years ago when his first job at 14 was in a rock and roll band. Steve attended Webster University studying music. Following several years as a professional musician and avocational actor, Steve headed to NY at age 30. Over the next 16 years he was fortunate to work almost nonstop in the theatre, including 3 Broadway, 3 Off-Broadway, 4 National Tours and dozens of Regional Productions. As he began to direct, the next step was an offer to become the Artistic Director of Surflight Theatre. During Steve’s tenure Surflight’s professional profile grew exponentially. Achieving an unprecedented attendance increase averaging over 10% per year for 12 seasons, Main Stage attendance increased more than 130%, Children’s Theatre increased more than 35%, a concert series was created, a Touring Educational Theatre Company was created, a school with classes for young people was formed and the Intern/Apprentice program was revitalized to become one of the most sought after programs for theatre students on the east coast. In August 2010 the Surflight Board made a decision to change leadership, a move which ultimately caused Surflight’s bankruptcy and closing. Steve is proud to have led the 2 year effort to successfully re-open Surflight Theatre. Directorial credits include 2 National Tours, 8 major Casino Productions and more than 50 Regional Productions in 17 states. In addition to his work in the theatre, Steve is on the boards of: The South Jersey Cultural Alliance (Past President), ArtPride New Jersey (Treasurer) and Ocean County Tourism Advisory Committee (Chair). He served 10 years on the Council (Board) of Actors Equity Association. Steve is the proud recipient of The Cultural Access Task Force’s Innovator Award for his forward thinking and hiring practices for Artists with Disabilities. In 2013 the Cultural and Heritage Commission awarded Steve a Special Recognition for the Advancement of the Arts in Ocean County, New Jersey.