Eric Simonson is a renowned writer, director, and ensemble member of the prestigious Steppenwolf Theatre Company. He has made significant contributions to the world of film, television, theatre, and opera, showcasing his versatility and artistic range.
In the realm of film, Simonson has written and directed several documentaries and feature films, including "Studs Terkel: Listening to America," which earned an Emmy nomination, and "A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin," which won an Oscar for Documentary Short and received a nomination from the International Documentary Association (IDA) for Distinguished Achievement. His other notable film credits include "On Tiptoe: Gentle Steps to Freedom," which received an Oscar nomination, IDA Award, and Emmy nomination, and "Hamlet," a co-directed production with Campbell Scott for Hallmark Entertainment.
Simonson has also made a significant impact in the world of television, having written and developed multiple series for various networks, including HBO, FX, Starz, TNT, and USA. His television credits include "The Man in the High Castle" and "Homecoming" for Amazon, both of which earned a Writers Guild of America (WGA) nomination, and "Swagger" for Apple TV+.
On Broadway, Simonson has written and directed several hit plays, including "Lombardi," "Magic/Bird," and "Bronx Bombers." His other notable theatre credits include work at Steppenwolf Theatre, Manhattan Theatre Club, Primary Stages in NY, The Huntington Theatre, Milwaukee Rep, Kansas City Rep, The Kennedy Center, Pasadena Playhouse, Seattle Rep, Arizona Theatre, San Jose Rep, and Court Theatre in Chicago.
Simonson's opera directing credits are equally impressive, having directed the North American premiere of "The Handmaid's Tale" at Minnesota Opera and world premiere productions of "The Grapes of Wrath," "The Shining," "The Fix," "Edward Tulane," and "Silent Night," which earned a Pulitzer Prize. He has also collaborated with The Violent Femmes frontman Gordon Gano on the smash hit musical "Run Bambi Run."
Throughout his career, Simonson has received numerous honors and awards, including the Princess Grace Foundation's Statuette Award for Sustained Artistic Achievement, the Frankel Award for new play development, and several Edgerton Foundation grants for new play development.
