About Me

Although an admirer of literature since his childhood, Tony and Grammy Award-winning lyricist and playwright Steven Sater made the decision to seriously pursue the arts after a near-death experience while attending Washington University in St. Louis. As a fire swept through his apartment building, Steven Sater leaped from his window on the third floor of the building and critically damaged his spine and arms. Forced to spend months in traction while recovering from the injuries, Steven Sater resolved to pursue a career in the arts. After joining the Soka Gakkai Buddhist organization, Steven Sater became friends with Duncan Sheik, a fellow arts lover with a background in singing, songwriting, and composing. Together, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik worked on a number of creative projects. One of their earliest joint efforts was Umbrage, a play for which Steven Sater contributed lyrics and Duncan Sheik composed the musical score. The duo also cooperatively produced Duncan Sheik's third studio album, Phantom Moon. Following several other productions on which Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik collaborated, Steven Sater's first Broadway musical, Spring Awakening, debuted to critical acclaim. The musical received over a dozen international productions as well as an assortment of Tony awards, Grammy awards, Londons Olivier Award, and other recognitions. A film adaptation of the musical is currently in the works, with Steven Sater writing the screenplay, Duncan Sheik composing the music, and McG (Terminator Salvation) serving as Director.