Steppenwolf Theatre Company

In support of our core artistic tenets, we seek to 1) serve as an artistic home for our ensemble and a launching pad for bold, new work; 2) amplify the voices of chicago teens and cultivate future generations of artists and enthusiasts; and 3) provide a collaborative space for independent artists and companies to promote a stronger, sustainable, and vibrant arts community.steppenwolf produces hundreds of performances and events in its three spaces: the 500-seat downstairs theater; the 400-seat ensemble theater; and the 80-seat 1700 theater. Artistic programming includes a main stage season of new work and reimagined plays; a two-play Steppenwolf for young adults season; and lookout, a multi-genre performance series that gives a platform to local emerging artists, quintessential chicago companies, and young aspiring ensembles.reaching over 15,000 teens, educators, early-career professionals, and community members from across chicago's 77 neighborhoods annually, Steppenwolf education consists of in-school programs, teen programs, educator training for classroom teachers and teaching artists, and Steppenwolf for young adults (sya).in 2023, total performances and attendance increased 67% and 49%, respectively from fiscal 2022. This represents a more complete return to live performances than 2022, which suffered from partial covid closures through the year. Financially, the 2022 season was supported by the recognition of federal revenue (ppp loans and the shuttered venue operators' grant) and this surplus was carried forward to partially offset the operating deficit incurred in fiscal 2023. Additionally, Steppenwolf transferred 2.5 times its annual draw level ($2,755,000) from unrestricted endowment funds to both further offset the 2023 deficit and fund operating cash flows. Steppenwolf is engaged in strategic planning to increase earned revenues, supplement fundraising to compensate for the loss of earned income and contain expenses.