Some have called Joyce Piven the Matriarch of the Chicago Theatre Family, as she played a vital
role in expanding Chicago and Evanston’s theatre community. Born in Chicago in 1930, Piven
had always been drawn to the stage. After graduating from Hyde Park high school, she attended
the University of Chicago, and while the school did not have a theatre program, she was an
active part of the groundbreaking group of theatre artists in and around the university. It was in
this community of illustrious actors and directors where she met her husband Byrne Piven, and
the two wed in 1954.
Joyce was one of the founding members of Playwrights Theatre in 1953 along with Paul Sills,
David Shepard, Sheldon Patinkin, Elaine May, and others. Playwrights Theatre Club was one of
the first significant off-Loop theatres in Chicago, located in Old Town. Though the theatre was
open for just two years, the collaborations and work done there would shape the future of
Chicago theatre and improv comedy. After its closing, the Pivens moved to New York working
as actors on and off Broadway and having their two children: Shira and Jeremy.
The couple moved to Evanston in 1970 and founded the Piven Theatre Workshop, which
provided theatrical training for thousands of children and adults over the decades. It contributed
to the growth of Evanston’s theatre community and is nationally renowned for Piven’s unique
acting philosophy. It is a highly collaborative theatre philosophy centered on theatre games, and
ensemble work. Some of their earliest students included John and Joan Cusack as well as their
two children. Piven eventually co-authored a book along with Susan Applebaum entitled: In The
Studio With Joyce Piven: Theatre Games, Story Theatre and Text Work For Actors.
Piven’s work had regional and national influence. Her collaboration with Paul Sills at the
Playwrights Theatre Club and founding of the Compass Players in 1959 would lead to the
opening of the famed Chicago improv theatre, The Second City. Joyce and Byrne Piven’s
influence helped shape the Chicago theatre and improv scene throughout the twentieth
century. Joyce remained passionate about film and theatre until the end of her life. In her final
years, she discovered Arthur Miller’s short story The Performance and sent it to Jeremy and
Shira, hoping to turn it into a feature film. It was a family affair, with Shira directing and Jeremy
in the lead role. Both have highlighted Joyce’s devotion to the story as the catapult that launched
the film, set to be released in 2026.
While Piven had an indelible impact on Evanston and its theatre community, her legacy far
exceeds the Chicagoland area. Many notable alumni of the Piven Theatre Workshop have made
lasting contributions to film, television and theater, including Jeff Garlin, Kate Walsh, and Tony
nominated playwright Sarah Ruhl. In Evanston, the Piven Theatre Workshop remains a vibrant
theatre under the Artistic Direction of Jennifer Green and continues to train new generations of
actors, directors, and playwrights.