Launching New Ensemble Podcast
Steppenwolf announces “Half Hour: A Steppenwolf Theatre Podcast,” a Steppenwolf produced, Ensemble member hosted, interview-style podcast that uses the most magical amount of time there is in the theatre — the half hour before a show begins — to sit down and make connections between artists in the Steppenwolf family. To hear their stories. To learn about their processes. And to discover what motivates them to create theatre.
Hosted by Audrey Francis, Caroline Neff, Cliff Chamberlain and Glenn Davis, four of Steppenwolf’s newer ensemble members, “Half Hour” takes audiences behind the scenes for candid, intimate, one-on-one conversations between members of the nation’s premier ensemble theatre.
“Half Hour” is produced by Patrick Zakem, and recorded and engineered by Matt Chapman.
The first episode of the podcast will air in early April with special guest Steppenwolf co-founding ensemble member Jeff Perry.
Steppenwolf Education Virtual Workshops
Steppenwolf Education is moving online and will be hosting several free virtual teen and educator workshops over the coming weeks. This week includes:
Teen Writing Workshop
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
4:30pm-5:30pm CST
Led by Steppenwolf teaching artist Fatima Sowe
To register: https://steppenwolftheatre.wufoo.com/forms/p1efp62g1al5l1p/
Using the Steppenwolf for Young Adults’ season theme “How Do You Navigate Family History While Trying to Write Your Own?” as the jumping off point, teens will gain tools to deepen their writing, learn more about individual writing processes, and will be able to dabble in creating some of their own material in a supportive, generative, creative virtual environment.
Teacher Skill-Building Workshop
Thursday, March 26, 2020 11:00am - 12pm CST
Led by Steppenwolf teaching artist Gregory Geffrard
To register, visit: https://steppenwolftheatre.wufoo.com/forms/p1efp62g1al5l1p/
Open to all teachers, this workshop is an opportunity to participate in an activity they can take back to students once CPS reopens OR use in their distance learning with students. Using the poetry of Erika L. Sánchez, author of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, participants will delve into aesthetic education pedagogy and create together.
Steppenwolf Education celebrates the learner, maker and appreciator in each of us. Serving more than 20,000 students and teachers in the Chicagoland area each year with teen programs, in-school training, community and professional leadership programming Steppenwolf Education is committed to breaking down barriers to ensure access and equity for all. steppenwolf.org/education. #justbringyourself
Never-before-released Steppenwolf video
Today Steppenwolf is sharing the never-before-publicly-released 40th anniversary Gala video featuring ensemble members telling candid and hilarious stories. Watch the video online here: https://bit.ly/40anniversary_video
While the 40th anniversary video is now available to all, Steppenwolf Members will receive exclusive access to the company’s 25th anniversary Gala video.
Social engagement
On social media, Steppenwolf launched a #GOSHAREAPLAY campaign, which features a quotes from past and upcoming plays that resonates with our current moment. The company is working with fellow theaters to feature quotes from the community as well. View posts here on Instagram.
Steppenwolf is releasing several “Watch Lists” recommending movies and television shows that feature ensemble members. Follow Steppenwolf’s Instastory for updated lists.
Additionally, Steppenwolf’s production of Pass Over, which was made into a movie by Spike Lee, can be viewed on Amazon Studios.
Now available online is an AmazonSmile store with plays available for purchase written by Steppenwolf ensemble members. With this #GOREADAPLAY initiative customers have the opportunity to donate to Steppenwolf with every purchase. More info on Steppenwolf’s website.
Steppenwolf is exploring additional digital opportunities to keep audiences and artists connected. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.
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.