Steven Shaw, a native of Brooklyn, New York, spent his formative years in the iconic borough, indulging in a plethora of activities characteristic of childhood in this vibrant setting. As he navigated the transitional phase of puberty, his interests underwent a significant transformation, with girls soon assuming a paramount position in his life.
As he entered his late teenage years, Shaw received an invitation to audition for the Detroit Tigers, a team that had unfortunately become accustomed to finishing at the bottom of the league standings during the 1950s. Nevertheless, Shaw ultimately decided that a career in the entertainment industry would be a more fulfilling and lucrative pursuit.
In his early twenties, Shaw embarked upon a transformative journey, departing from his brief stint as an unemployed actor to assume the reins of the New York Shakespeare Festival/Public Theater's prop department, thereby catapulting it into the status of the largest regional theater prop department of its time.
During his nine-year tenure at the helm, Shaw played a pivotal role in the premieres of numerous contemporary plays, including the iconic "Hair", the innovative "Two Gents", the groundbreaking "No Place To Be Somebody", the award-winning "That Championship Season", and a staggering twenty-six of Shakespeare's works.
Furthermore, Shaw's creative vision and entrepreneurial spirit led him to conceive and produce The Five O'Clock Theater, a bold and ambitious project that showcased his versatility and range as a producer.
Following his departure from the Festival, Shaw transitioned to stage managing on Broadway shows, lending his expertise to a diverse range of productions, including the beloved "The Wiz", the critically acclaimed "Deathtrap", the daring "Sly Fox", the groundbreaking "Sunday in the Park with George", and the intense "Death and the Maiden".
Shaw has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, holding esteemed positions on the Executive Board of The Stage Managers Association and the Advisory Board of the Broadway Show League, a prestigious organization he has been affiliated with for an impressive 36 years.
In 2000, his dedication and expertise in the field of stage management were recognized when he was inducted into the All Century All-Star Team, a testament to his exceptional skills and contributions.
Throughout his career, Shaw has had the privilege of observing the techniques of renowned directors such as Arthur Penn, Sir Peter Hall, James Lapine, and Mike Nichols, gaining valuable insights into their approaches to storytelling and theatrical direction.
Furthermore, he has had the opportunity to study the craft of acclaimed actors like Robert Preston, Vanessa Redgrave, Glenn Close, Richard Dreyfuss, Gene Hackman, and George C. Scott, allowing him to develop a deeper understanding of the acting process and the art of bringing characters to life on stage.
As a result of his extensive experience and network of industry professionals, Shaw has been able to hone his skills and stay at the forefront of the stage management profession, consistently delivering high-quality work and making significant contributions to the world of entertainment.
George C. Scott, a renowned actor, acquired the rights to a script penned by Shaw, specifically titled "Grimby", during the run of the play "Sly Fox". This script, however, failed to thrive as a film, despite being optioned, and instead lived on in a series of options.
In the early 1980s, Shaw took the helm of staging Spanish-speaking productions of two iconic plays, "Deathtrap" and "Amadeus", in Mexico City. These productions, which took place at the esteemed 1,300-seat Teatro San Rafael, ran for an impressive eight months, captivating audiences and solidifying Shaw's reputation as a skilled director.
Shaw, a stalwart resident of Los Angeles since the dawn of 1992, has resided in the City of Angels alongside his cherished wife, the talented and industrious producer Diana Kerew. Despite her numerous and vociferous protests, Shaw has continued to indulge in the recreational activity of softball, a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport.
