Polly Hubbard named new literary manager at Steppenwolf

In what might signal the real start of Anna D. Shapiro’s rein as the new artistic director of Steppenwolf Theatre, the company has announced that Polly Hubbard will become the theater’s new Literary Manager beginning Dec. 1.

In a prepared statement, Aaron Carter, director of New Play Development and artistic producer at Steppenwolf notes: “Polly Hubbard’s expertise in supporting the work of playwrights, both as an agent and as a dramaturg, will be an incredible addition to the Steppenwolf artistic staff. Her insight into dramatic structure, and her tireless advocacy for writers, will enable Steppenwolf to both deepen existing relationships with playwrights and forge new collaborations.”

Hubbard is a former literary agent with Abrams Artists Agency (N.Y.), and since departing that position has been working as a freelance dramaturg. Recent productions includes Philip Dawkins’ critically acclaimed “Charm,” which Northlight Theatre presented at the Steppenwolf Garage under the direction of BJ Jones, and Matthew-Lee Erlbach’s “Sex of the Baby,” which played earlier this fall at Access Theatre in New York, directed by Michelle Bossy.

Hubbard’s developmental work includes: Steppenwolf’s First Look (“The Imaginary Music Critic Who Doesn’t Exist,” by David Mitchell Robinson, directed by Marti Lyons; Victory Gardens Ignition Festival (“Queen,” by Madhuri Shekar, directed by Joanie Schultz; “The Last Book of Homer,” by José Rivera, directed by Jonathan Berry; “Seven Spots on the Sun,” by Martín Zimmerman, directed by Lisa Portes); and American Theatre Company (“Dinner Party Play,” by Lauren Yee, directed by Jess McCleod; “The Rose Garden,” by Troy Deutsch, directed by Bonnie Metzgar.)

Upcoming plays include: Jackalope Theatre’s production of “Rolling,” by Calamity West, directed by Nate Silver, and developmental work with Sideshow Theatre Company’s The Freshness Initiative (“Amy Bishop Liberty Tree,” by Bonnie Metzgar, directed by Jonathan L. Green.