The Hidden Staircase Theatre Company is a fledgling theatre company formed by two young actresses who met at the Williamstown Theatre Festival 2004, Erin Salm and Rachel Handshaw. We share a mutual passion for the rich and visceral language, expansive characters, intellectual dilemmas, and the immense possibilities of classical theatre. Our primary goal is to explore “the hidden staircase” of Elizabethan, Jacobean, and Restoration theatre, and produce these gem-like rarities that have been all but forgotten in our own time, yet were of no less influence in the development of theatre, nor less successful in their own eras. Our secondary goal is to produce contemporary and new works that are also linguistically and intellectually challenging. Inspired by the simplicity and minimalism of productions by Peter Brook, Trevor Nunn, Polly Teale, and Declan Donnellan among others, we intend to utilize a raw physicality and close attention to the text to tell these intricate stories. We are dedicated to creating opportunities for talented, intelligent actresses of all hues, shapes, and sizes. One of our purposes in forming this company is to unearth exciting roles for female performers. With these goals in mind, the Hidden Staircase Theatre Company looks forward to an exciting future of productions.