The company began in a basement of a Highland Park church before moving to its permanent home in Chicago.
Steppenwolf is one of the few remaining major regional theaters with a dedicated acting ensemble, currently featuring over 40 members.
The 1700 Theater is specifically designed as a flexible space to host experimental performances, music, and community events.
The theater's production of 'August: Osage County' won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and five Tony Awards.
The building complex includes the Front Bar, which functions as a public meeting space before and after performances.
The organization maintains an extensive archive of its production history, which spans over 50 years of theater-making.
Steppenwolf was the first theater company in the United States to receive the National Medal of Arts.
Steppenwolf Theatre Company is a renowned ensemble-based theater organization in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. Founded in 1974 by Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry, and Gary Sinise, it has evolved into a premier destination for world-premiere productions and experimental works. The campus features the modern Liz Lefkofsky Arts and Education Center, which includes the 400-seat Ensemble Theater. The theater operates three distinct performance spaces: the Downstairs Theater, the Ensemble Theater, and the 1700 Theater. It is recognized for its commitment to developing new American plays and fostering a permanent artistic ensemble. The organization frequently transfers its productions to Broadway and other major stages. The facility serves as both an active performance venue and a community hub for arts education. It remains a cornerstone of the Chicago theater scene, known for its visceral and gritty performance style.
The modern glass-fronted facade of the Liz Lefkofsky Arts and Education Center on Halsted Street.
Check the Front Bar schedule, as it often hosts live music or post-show discussions.
Arrive early to explore the public art installations located in the lobby areas of the Arts and Education Center.
Read the playbill articles before the performance for deeper context on the ensemble's creative process.
Do not wait until the night of the performance to buy tickets, as popular shows frequently sell out in advance.
Mainstage productions typically run on a seasonal cycle with breaks between shows; usually dark on Mondays.
Business casual is standard, though there is no formal dress code; silence mobile devices before entering the theater.
