Shawn Pfautsch Papers, 2012-2014

  • IdentificationMidwest MS Pfautsch
  • TitleInventory of the Shawn Pfautsch Papers, 2012-2014 Midwest.MS.Pfautsch
  • PublisherThe Newberry Library - Modern Manuscripts
  • RepositoryThe Newberry Library - Modern Manuscripts
  • Physical Description0.4 linear feet (1 box)
  • Date2012-2014
  • Location1 27 1
  • AbstractDrafts of the play "Season on the Line" by Chicago-based actor, writer, and musician Shawn Pfautsch. The play was first performed at the House Theatre of Chicago in September and October, 2014. Also includes outline cards for the play and the sheet music to "Jolly Is the Gale."
  • OriginationPfautsch, Shawn

Gift of Shawn Pfautsch, 2015.

The Shawn Pfautsch Papers are open for research in the Special Collections Reading Room; 1 box at a time (Priority III).

The Shawn Pfautsch Papers are the physical property of the Newberry Library. Copyright is retained by the author. For permission to publish or reproduce any materials from this collection, contact the Roger and Julie Baskes Department of Special Collections.

Shawn Pfautsch Papers, The Newberry Library, Chicago.

Elizabeth McKinley, 2015.

Chicago-based actor, writer, and musician.

Shawn Pfautsch is a founding company member of The House Theatre of Chicago, performing and writing for the company, as well as in other Chicago companies, such as Steppenwolf Theatre, The Hypocrites, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Signal Ensemble Theatre, and Chicago Children's Theatre.

Revised drafts of Pfautsch's play Season on the Line, also with outline cards and the music to "Jolly Is the Gale," one of the musical numbers in the play

According to Chicago Tribune critic Chris Jones, "The premise is that we were watching the unfolding of an entire season at our struggling Chicago theater company, beginning with an adaptation of 'The Great Gatsby,' moving on to Lanford Wilson's 'Balm in Gilead' and ending with a blowout, hyperexpressionistic version of 'Moby-Dick.' The backstage traumas and post-show reactions to each of these productions get their own act.....the whole piece is very much in the thrall of the Herman Melville opus." [Review, Sept. 24, 2014] The play was staged at Chicago's Chopin Theatre, September-October 2014.

The final version of the play has been cataloged individually, call number: Melville PS3616.F38 S43 2014.

Playscripts arranged by draft number, with outline cards at the end.

  • Names
    • House Theatre of Chicago.
    • Melville, Herman, 1819-1891 -- Moby Dick -- Dramatic production
    • Pfautsch, Shawn
  • Subject
    • Chicago
    • Literature
    • Manuscripts, American -- Illinois -- Chicago
    • Theater
    • Theater -- Illinois -- Chicago
    • Theater -- Production and direction