“While we are devastated to suspend productions, the safety and well-being of our staff, artists and audiences is paramount. In these trying times, we can’t help but reflect on the irreplaceable value of the shared experience of live theater and storytelling, and what a void its absence leaves. We look forward with hope and anticipation to the near future when we come together again to celebrate this essential part of our humanity,” shares Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro.
The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington, which was slated to run April 2 – May 17, will now be produced in the 2021/22 season. While later than anticipated, Steppenwolf is excited to share this stunning work by playwright James Ijames in a future season.
Steppenwolf is actively working on the development of creative content to allow audiences to stay connected to our work. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.
Steppenwolf is asking audiences to consider donating during this particularly difficult time for the arts community. For more information, visit www.steppenwolf.org or call 312-335-1650.
Front Bar, Steppenwolf’s café and bar at 1700 N Halsted, has also suspended service in accordance with the government mandate.
Thank you for looking after yourselves and each other. We look forward to welcoming you back to Steppenwolf very soon.
Recap of canceled and suspended performances:
- All remaining performances of Bug were cancelled March 12-March 15.
- Remaining student and public performances of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter were cancelled, March 12 – April 5.
- Steppenwolf Education cancelled its tour of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter to three juvenile justice facilities set for the week of March 23.
- Steppenwolf’s visiting company, First Floor, canceled remaining performances of PLANO in the 1700 Theatre, March 12 – 28.
- Steppenwolf production The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington (April 2 – May 17) will now be produced in the 2021/22 Season.
- The Chicago Reader event, “New Directions: Emerging Chicago Theater Leaders on Changing the Conversation and the Field,” on March 25 has been canceled.
- “Activating Art: A Student Showcase” to be presented April 3 & 4 in partnership with Snow City Arts and Steppenwolf Education has been canceled.
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation’s premier ensemble theater. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble members represent a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors and playwrights. Thrilling and powerful productions from Balm in Gilead and August: Osage County to MS. BLAKK FOR PRESIDENT—and accolades that include the National Medal of Arts and 12 Tony Awards—have made the theater legendary. Steppenwolf produces hundreds of performances and events annually in its three spaces: the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 299-seat Upstairs Theatre and the 80-seat 1700 Theatre. Artistic programming includes a seven-play season; a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; Visiting Company engagements; and LookOut, a multi-genre performances series. Education initiatives include the nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf for Young Adults, which engages 15,000 participants annually from Chicago’s diverse communities; the esteemed School at Steppenwolf; and Professional Leadership Programs for arts administration training. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Anna D. Shapiro is the Artistic Director and David Schmitz is the Executive Director. Eric Lefkofsky is Chair of Steppenwolf’s Board of Trustees.
Steppenwolf's mission
Steppenwolf strives to create thrilling, courageous and provocative art in a thoughtful and inclusive environment. We succeed when we disrupt your routine with experiences that spark curiosity, empathy and joy. We invite you to join our ensemble as we navigate, together, our complex world.