Sheldon Patinkin facts for kids

Sheldon Arthur Patinkin (born August 27, 1935 – died September 21, 2014) was a very important person in American theater. He led the Theater Department at Columbia College Chicago and was an artistic director for the Getz Theater there. He also helped guide famous comedy groups like The Second City and the Steppenwolf Theatre.

Sheldon won a special award called the Jeff Award for directing a show called Puttin’ on the Ritz. He also received another Jeff Award for all his amazing work in Chicago theater. He was a cousin of the well-known actor and singer Mandy Patinkin.

Sheldon Patinkin's Career in Theater

Sheldon Patinkin grew up in Chicago and studied English at the University of Chicago. While he was there, he joined a group called the Playwright's Theater Club. He worked on plays with other students who later became famous, like Mike Nichols, Elaine May, and Ed Asner.

In 1959, Patinkin joined The Second City Chicago, a famous comedy theater. He started as an assistant director and then became the artistic director from 1963 to 1968. Later, he became an Artistic Consultant for them.

From 1968 to 1974, he lived in New York City, working on plays, movies, and writing. In 1974, he moved to Toronto to help start Second City in that city. He also worked as a writer and assistant producer for the TV show SCTV from 1976 to 1978.

In 1980, Sheldon became the head of the theater department at Columbia College Chicago. He worked there until 2009, and even after that, he kept teaching and directing until he passed away. He also helped the Steppenwolf Theater Company and co-founded The School at Steppenwolf, where he taught for 17 years.

Directing Many Plays

Sheldon Patinkin directed many plays outside of Columbia College. Some of these include The Glass Menagerie, South Pacific, and Uncle Vanya. He also directed Long Day's Journey into Night and Krapp's Last Tape, both starring actor John Mahoney.

In 1980, he directed Death of a Salesman for Steppenwolf. In this play, he worked with actors John Malkovich, Terry Kinney, and John Mahoney.

His musical show, Puttin' on the Ritz: an Irving Berlin American Songbook, won two Joseph Jefferson Awards. It won for Best Revue and Best Director. He also received a special Joseph Jefferson Award in 1991 for his great service to the Chicago theater community. In 1992, he received the Illinois Association's Outstanding Contribution Award.

In July 2014, Columbia College Chicago announced a special scholarship in his honor. It is called the Sheldon Patinkin Endowed Award. This award helps theater students with money for their careers.

Books Written by Sheldon Patinkin

Sheldon Patinkin wrote a book called Second City: Backstage at the World's Greatest Comedy Theater. It was published in 2000 and tells the story of the famous comedy theater.

He also wrote a textbook about the history of American musicals. This book, called No Legs, No Jokes, No Chance, was published in 2008.

Sheldon Patinkin's Legacy

Sheldon Patinkin passed away in Chicago on September 21, 2014, at the age of 79. He had a heart attack. He was buried two days later in Arlington Heights, IL. He was survived by his brother, sister, and many nieces and nephews. When he died, he was directing a play called "Into The Woods" at Columbia College Chicago, which opened a month later.

A memorial service was held for him on January 26, 2015. This event was put together by The Second City, Columbia College Chicago, and Steppenwolf Theater. Many people spoke at the event, including actors and colleagues like Scott Adsit, David Cromer, and Jeff Perry. Letters from Anna D. Shapiro and Alan Arkin were also read.

Many generations of his friends, colleagues, and former students attended the service. Some of the well-known people there included Fred Willard, John Mahoney, and Laurie Metcalf.

At Columbia College Chicago, the New Studio Theater, where Sheldon Patinkin directed many plays, has been renamed the Sheldon Patinkin Theater in his honor.