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Eric Schaeffer

Also Credited As: Eric D. Schaeffer

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Eric Schaeffer BIO

Eric Schaeffer is the Co-founder and Artistic Director of Arlington’s Signature Theatre. Under his leadership, the Theatre was honored with the 2009 Tony Award® for Outstanding Regional Theatre in America, as well as 97 Helen Hayes Awards with an additional 411 nominations for theater excellence in Washington, DC.

At Signature, Schaeffer directed productions including: Titanic; Silver Belles; Georgie: My Adventures with George Rose; Girlstar; The Fix; Elmer Gantry; Cloak and Dagger; Beaches; Miss Saigon; Crossing; Hello, Dolly! (Ford’s Theatre co-production); The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas; Brother Russia; Hairspray; Sunset Boulevard; Chess; Show Boat; First You Dream: The Music of Kander & Ebb; The Hollow; Les Misérables; ACE; Kiss of the Spider Woman; Glory Days; The Witches of Eastwick; Saving Aimee; Into the Woods; My Fair Lady; Nevermore; The Highest Yellow; One Red Flower; Allegro; Twentieth Century; 110 in the Shade; Hedwig and the Angry Inch; The Gospel According to Fishman; Grand Hotel; The Rhythm Club; Over & Over; The Fix; Working; The Rink; Cabaret; First Lady Suite; Wings; Poor Superman; Unidentified Human Remains and the True Nature of Love; and the Sondheim musicals Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday in the Park with George (Arena Stage co-production), Passion, Into the Woods, Company, Assassins, Sweeney Todd, Follies and Pacific Overtures, among others.

On Broadway, Schaeffer directed Gigi, the critically acclaimed Follies as well as the Tony Award®-winning Million Dollar Quartet, Glory Days and Putting It Together. His national tours include Million Dollar Quartet and Big. Off-Broadway, he has directed Sweet Adeline (City Center Encores! Great American Musicals in Concert) and Under the Bridge. His West End credits include Million Dollar Quartet and The Witches of Eastwick.

Eric’s regional credits include Drury Lane: Beaches; Ford’s Theatre: Meet John Doe; Goodman: Million Dollar Quartet; Apollo Theatre: Million Dollar Quartet; Mark Taper Forum: Putting It Together (w/ Carol Burnett); Chicago: Elmer Gantry; Los Angeles: Disney’s Snow White. For the Kennedy Center, Schaeffer served as the Artistic Director of the acclaimed Sondheim Celebration in 2002 as well as directing its productions of Sunday in the Park with George and Passion. At the Kennedy Center, he also directed Follies starring Bernadette Peters, Mame starring Christine Baranski, First You Dream: The Music of Kander & Ebb and Gigi starring Vanessa Hudgens. Overseas, Eric directed Sweeney Todd in Seoul, South Korea with the OD Company.

In 2006, Schaeffer created Signature’s musical theater commissioning program, the American Musical Voices Project (AMVP), in partnership with the New York-based Ted & Mary Jo Shen Charitable Gift Fund, to commission and produce new musicals for the American theater canon. Since that time, AMVP has grown to become the largest musical theater commissioning program in the country, providing writers and composers a creative, fertile ground to develop original musicals. Since the program was launched, Signature has commissioned 18 new musicals from composers such as Michael John LaChiusa, Ricky Ian Gordon, Joseph Thalken, Adam Guettel, Jeanine Tesori, Josh Schmidt and Joshua Rosenblum, among others.

Schaeffer earned his BFA from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, where he received an Honorary Doctorate in 2012. He also received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Shenandoah University in 2014.

Eric Schaeffer Photos

Eric Schaeffer STAGE CREDITS

Eric Schaeffer Productions

 
[Arlington, VA (Regional), 2020]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Scenic Designer
Director
 
[Chicago (Regional), 2015]
Director
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2015]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Director
 
[Arlington, VA (Regional), 2014]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2011]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Director
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2011]
Director
 
[West End, 2011]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Director
 
[Arlington, VA (Regional), 2009]
Director
Scenic Designer
 
[Arlington, VA (Regional), 2008]
Director

Eric Schaeffer Movies

[1993]My Life's in Turnaround Splick

[1996]If Lucy Fell Joe MacGonaughgill

[1997]Fall Michael

[1998]Gunshy Gwynne

[1999]Wirey Spindell Wirey Spindell

[2001]One Night at McCool's Greg Spradling

[2001]Never Again producer

[2004]Marmalade Dan

[2004]Spanglish Rabid Sports Fan

[2004]Mind the Gap Sam Blue

[2009]Adventureland Foreigner Tribute Band Member

[2011]After Fall, Winter Michael

[2011]They're Out of the Business Splick

[2012]Eric Schaeffer: Life Coach writer

[2014]Boy Meets Girl director

[2021]Before I Go producer


Eric Schaeffer TV Shows

New York Daze Eric McDougal

Eric Schaeffer Awards and Nominations

Helen Hayes Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical

Eric SchaefferAce: The New Musical Adventure

Helen Hayes Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical

Eric SchaefferSunday in the Park with George

Helen Hayes Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical

Eric Schaefferhe Gospel According to Fishman

Helen Hayes Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical

Eric SchaefferSunday in the Park with George

Helen Hayes Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Director, Resident Production

Eric SchaefferUnidentified Human Remains and the 1 Nature of Love

Eric Schaeffer Videos

Eric Schaeffer News

PRIVATE JONES World Premiere, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY & More Set for Signature Theatre 2023/24 Season

Signature Theatre has announced its 34th season, featuring six musicals and one play in a season lineup that includes one world premiere and three DC premieres. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Signature Theatre is Accepting Submissions For SIGWORKS: MONDAY NIGHT NEW PLAY READING SERIES

Signature Theatre will continue its commitment to new work by presenting the eighth annual SigWorks: Monday Night New Play Readings. Under the leadership of Signature's Director of Artistic Development Anika Chapin, this initiative highlights and supports the work of DMV playwrights and is an opportunity for playwrights, actors, directors, designers, and patrons to explore new plays in a fun and informal environment.

Nathaniel Stampley & Bryonha Marie to Lead SWEENEY TODD at Signature Theatre

Signature Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for the musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, with music & lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler.

Megan Hilty & Lea Salonga to Star in BROADWAY IN THE PARK at the Filene Center

Signature Theatre and Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts announced the cast for the third annual musical theater collaboration, Broadway In The Park. See who is starring, and learn how to purchase tickets!

Cast & Creative Team Set for PASSING STRANGE at Signature Theatre

Signature Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for the musical Passing Strange, with music by Stew and Heidi Rodewald and book & lyrics by Stew.

ASSASSINS Walking Tour & More Added to SO MANY POSSIBILITIES: A SEASON OF SONDHEIM Events at Signature

Signature Theatre is continuing its season-long tribute to Signature’s signature, Stephen Sondheim, with three new events.

Brian Stokes Mitchell, Jessie Mueller & More to Honor Chita Rivera at Signature Theatre Gala

On April 3, 2023, Virginia’s Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre will honor the theatrical icon Chita Rivera with the company’s twelfth Stephen Sondheim Award. See performers and more!

Cast & Creative Team Announced for PACIFIC OVERTURES at Signature Theatre

Signature Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for the musical Pacific Overtures with music & lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman.

Mazin Akar, Neagheen Homaifar & More to Star in SELLING KABUL at Signature Theatre

Signature Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for the play Selling Kabul, written by Sylvia Khoury.

Chita Rivera to be Honored With Signature Theatre's 2023 Stephen Sondheim Award

On April 3, 2023, Virginia’s Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre will honor the theatrical icon Chita Rivera with the company’s twelfth Stephen Sondheim Award.

Ayo & Rochelle Rice to Star in FIRST LADY OF SONG: ELLA FITZGERALD at Signature Theatre

Ayo (HBO’s The Apollo) and Rochelle Rice (Sweet Honey In The Rock®) will perform in First Lady of Song: Ella Fitzgerald, a cabaret dedicated to the music of acclaimed jazz artist Ella Fitzgerald at Signature Theatre.

Works by Audrey Cefaly, Jennifer Barclay & Nayna Agrawal Chosen for SigWorks: Monday Night New Play Readings

Works by local playwrights Audrey Cefaly, Jennifer Barclay and Nayna Agrawal have been selected for Signature Theatre's 2023 season of SigWorks: Monday Night New Play Readings.

Signature Theatre to Present INTO THE WOODS, SWEENEY TODD & PACIFIC OVERTURES in Sondheim Tribute Season

Signature Theatre will present So Many Possibilities: A Season of Sondheim, a season-long tribute to Signature’s signature, Stephen Sondheim, which highlights the organization’s long-time relationship with the legendary composer.

WATCH: THE SIGNATURE SHOW Season 3, Episode 2 Released

Signature Theatre has released Season 3, Episode 2 of The Signature Show, streaming free on YouTube featuring performances by acclaimed artists, interviews, and a peek behind the scenes at Signature Theatre. Watch here!

Cast Announced for BOTH SIDES NOW: JONI MITCHELL AND LEONARD COHEN at Signature Theatre

Robbie Schaefer (Signature’s Light Years, Blowin’ in the Wind) and Danielle Wertz (The Kennedy Center, Blues Alley Jazz) will perform in Signature Theatre's Both Sides Now: Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen, its upcoming cabaret dedicated to the music of longtime friends and one-time lovers Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. 

Signature Theatre Now Accepting New Play Submissions for SIGWORKS: MONDAY NIGHT NEW PLAY READINGS

Signature Theatre is accepting submissions for original and unpublished full-length plays (no musicals) from now through August 15, 2022. Playwrights must currently reside in Virginia, Maryland or DC. Only one submission per playwright.

Cast Announced for Concert of New Musical WE SHALL SOMEDAY at Signature Theatre

Signature Theatre has announced the cast for the concert presentation of We Shall Someday, a timely new musical written by Harrison David Rivers and Ted Shen. The concert presentation will take place June 30 – July 2, 2022.

Arlington's Signature Theatre Announces 2022/2023 Season Featuring Three Sondheim Productions

Signature Theatre has announced its 33rd season today, which highlights the organization’s long-time relationship with the legendary Stephen Sondheim. Signature has produced 31 Sondheim productions in its 32 season history – more than any other theater in North America.

Kelli O'Hara, Adrienne Warren & More to be Featured in Arlington's Signature Theatre Summer 2022 Events

This summer, Signature Theatre will feature an array of concert and cabaret performances to kick off the 2022/23 season, ranging from a special presentation at Wolf Trap, to a new musical to the return of Signature’s popular cabaret series. 

BWW Review: A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS at Arkansas Repertory Theatre Brings the TV Special to the Stage

For all the Charlie Brown fans out there (and I know there are a lot of you), The Arkansas Repertory Theatre, 601 Main Street in Little Rock, performed A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS for most of December, and if you missed it, all I can say is 'good grief!' This show was almost a replica of the cartoon Christmas special on TV, right down to the 30ish minutes of the actual show.

Eric Schaeffer FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Outstanding Director of a Musical, HAYES Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Beaches , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Hello, Dolly! , Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Follies , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Hairspray , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Chess , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Les Misérables , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Ace: The New Musical Adventure , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Meet John Doe , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Witches of Eastwick , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Pacific Overtures , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Allegro , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for 110 in the Shade , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Follies , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Sunday in the Park with George , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for he Gospel According to Fishman , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Putting It Together , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Rhythm Club , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Sweeney Todd , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Fix , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Sunday in the Park with George , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Passion , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Rink , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Cabaret , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Into the Woods , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Wings , Outstanding Director, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Unidentified Human Remains and the 1 Nature of Love Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Assasins and Outstanding Director, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Sweeny Todd .

Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Les Misérables , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Meet John Doe , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Allegro , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Passion Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Assasinsand Outstanding Director, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Sweeny Todd.

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