Saint Sebastian Players Theatre Company

Saint Sebastian Players Theatre Company "Great Theatre, Right Around the Corner" since 1982. Free parking! COMING SOON - SSP's 45th Season Reveal! Bonaventure Oratory.

The Saint Sebastian Players is a membership-based theatre company performing a wide variety of dramas, comedies, and musicals for the stage. Our emphasis is on collaborative theatre development that brings together actors, directors, writers, and technical crews in a supportive environment that fosters learning and growth. We believe in theatre as a way for people of all ages, from all walks of li

fe, to more fully understand themselves and each other, both on stage and off. We encourage the development of original works through readings, studio projects, and mainstage productions. SSP is a nonprofit, non-Equity organization and an organization of the St.

06/14/2026

⭐Our secret is out - The 45th Season Reveal is here!⭐

Secrets. Lies. The stories we tell. This season, the truth comes to light - the spotlight.

🔎A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED by Agatha Christie
October 23–November 15, 2026

🩺NEXT FALL by Geoffrey Nauffts
February 5–28, 2027

🧳THE FOREIGNER by Larry Shue
April 23–May 16, 2027

Find out what everyone's been whispering about - Get your season tickets through the link in the profile.

🏆 And the recipients are...Following an unforgettable season and a wonderful evening of celebration at our annual Awards...
06/10/2026

🏆 And the recipients are...

Following an unforgettable season and a wonderful evening of celebration at our annual Awards Gala, we're proud to recognize just a few of the individuals whose talent, dedication, generosity, and hard work helped make this year possible.

From the artists who brought memorable characters to life to the volunteers and supporters who strengthened our company behind the scenes, these awards celebrate the many ways people contribute to the magic of live theater at SSP.

⭐️Supporting Role Onstage:

Jered Becker* as John Barrymore in I Hate Hamlet
Ellen Shaw as Lillian Troy in I Hate Hamlet

🌟Leading Role Onstage:

Julie Utrup-O'Nan as Veta Louise Simmons in Harvey
Jeff Broitman as Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey

💫Barry Cunnane Award:
Our "Member of the Year" honor is presented to a company member whose dedication, leadership, and commitment have gone above and beyond throughout the season.

Sean Smyth* - from producing and stage managing and sound designing to reinforcing our stage to ensure the safety of our cast, he has proven that he will do whatever he can do to support our company

✨Scott Rosengarden Production Award:
Presented to a company member whose outstanding behind-the-scenes contributions strengthened our season.

Valerie Gerlock* - for her imaginative social media campaigns.

🥇Father Dan Montalbano Award:
Presented to an individual outside of our membership whose support has made a meaningful impact on our organization.

Rob DeBock - for his services to our construction projects.

Congratulations to this year's recipients, and thank you to everyone who contributed their time, talents, and passion throughout the season.

Be sure to follow our channels in the coming days for photos from Awards Gala, behind-the-scenes moments from the celebration, and exciting news about our upcoming season. The next chapter is just around the corner. 🎭

*denotes SSP Company Membership

🏆 The Awards Gala is almost here!Before we gather on Monday to celebrate another incredible season, we're proud to recog...
06/07/2026

🏆 The Awards Gala is almost here!

Before we gather on Monday to celebrate another incredible season, we're proud to recognize the artists, volunteers, and supporters whose contributions helped make this year unforgettable.

🌟Leading Role Nominees:
• Sienna Merlin Moraff - Eleanor Vance, "The Haunting of Hill House"
• David R. Feiler* - Dr. Montague, "The Haunting of Hill House"
• Julie Utrup-O'Nan - Veta Louise Simmons, "Harvey"
• Jeff Broitman - Elwood P. Dowd, "Harvey"
• Emma Parsons - Deirdre McDavey, "I Hate Hamlet"
• Benjamin Chalex - Andrew Ralley, "I Hate Hamlet"

⭐Supporting Role Nominees:
• Japo Parcero - Theodora, "The Haunting of Hill House"
• Tony DiPisa - Luke Sanderson, "The Haunting of Hill House"
• Erin Gordon - Ruth Kelly, R.N., "Harvey"
• Eric S. Prahl* - Lyman Sanderson, M.D., "Harvey"
• Ellen Shaw - Lillian Troy, "I Hate Hamlet"
• Jered Becker* - John Barrymore, "I Hate Hamlet"

🥇The recipients of our Leading and Supporting Performance awards are selected by audience members who attended all three productions this season.

🩷In addition to our performance awards, we'll also honor members of our community through several special recognitions.

✨Scott Rosengarden Production Award - Presented to a company member whose outstanding work behind the scenes helped strengthen a production, event, or project during the season.
Nominees:
• Russ Gager*
• Valerie Gerlock*
• Jim Masini*
• Laura Peterson*
• Sean Smyth*

💫Father Dan Montalbano Award - Presented to an individual outside the company whose generosity, encouragement, and support have made a meaningful impact on our organization.
Nominees:
• Rob DeBock
• Peggy Fink
• Abigail Jimenez
• Brian Vabulas

🔥Barry Cunnane Award - Our "Member of the Year" award recognizes a company member whose dedication, leadership, and commitment have gone above and beyond throughout the season.

🥇The recipients of our special awards, along with this year's performance award winners, will be announced at the Awards Gala on Monday, June 8th.

Congratulations to all of our nominees, and thank you to everyone who helped bring this season to life both onstage and off. 🎭

*denotes SSP company membership

06/03/2026

The magic of live theater is that it only exists for a moment.

Every laugh, every entrance, every perfectly timed line in I Hate Hamlet disappeared as quickly as it arrived. And yet, somehow, the experience remains.

Bursting with theatrical chaos, ‘90s nostalgia, big personalities, and ghostly glamour, this production celebrated not only the joy of performance but the strange beauty of its impermanence. Theater cannot be paused, replayed, or perfectly preserved. It lives only in the connection between performers and audience, and then becomes memory.

That is what made I Hate Hamlet so special. Not simply the performances on stage, but the shared experience of witnessing it together.

As we look ahead to our Awards Gala next week, we celebrate the artists whose work lit up the stage night after night, then vanished into applause, leaving behind laughter, memories, and a season we will carry with us long after curtain call.

What theater moment from I Hate Hamlet was unforgettable?

05/30/2026

Our winter show gave us a gentler story than our fall play.

With warmth, wit, and a six-foot invisible rabbit, Harvey reminded us that kindness is not weakness, our differences are not something to fear, and compassion can change the world.

Audiences laughed alongside Elwood and his wonderfully unconventional world, but beneath the comedy was something enduring: a story about patience, grace, and choosing softness in a world that often asks for the opposite.

It was also a reminder that some of the people who see the world most clearly are the ones willing to live a little outside the box.

This production became more than a comedy. It became a celebration of humanity, connection, and the quiet ways people care for one another every day.

As our end-of-season Awards Gala approaches, we celebrate the artists and audiences who embraced the joy, humor, and enormous heart of Harvey and helped make it one of the season’s most meaningful experiences.

Which moment from Harvey was most memorable for you? 🐰

05/27/2026

Some stories entertain us. Others ask us to confront the things we would rather leave in the dark.

This past season, The Haunting of Hill House invited audiences into a world of shadows, memory, isolation, and the fears that follow us home long after the lights come up. Through haunting performances, atmospheric design, and unsettling stagecraft, this production transformed our theater into a place where suspense and vulnerability lived side by side.

But beyond the creaking doors and candlelit chambers, Hill House reminded us of something deeply human: fear loses some of its power when we face it together.

As we prepare to celebrate this season at our upcoming Awards Gala, we look back with gratitude on the artists, technicians, and audiences who stepped bravely into Hill House with us and made it a story we will not soon forget.

What moment from Hill House still lingers with you? 👻

05/24/2026

⭐A puzzling murder, a love that tests belief, and a comedy where silence uncovers scandal...
Our next season promises intrigue, passion, and laughter. Stay tuned and FOLLOW for the big reveal. ⭐

Make your guesses in the comments ⬇️

05/18/2026

I Hate Hamlet has taken its final bow - and we are so grateful for every single person who made it possible and every seat that was filled. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

Address

1625 W Diversey Pkwy
Chicago, IL
60614

Telephone

+17734047922

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