Steppenwolf Gala 2024 brought out hundreds for its annual event, which honors Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s ensemble for its dedication to the arts and the greater community. The evening’s festivities raised over $1.6 million for Steppenwolf’s education and artistic programs. The annual event at Chicago’s Bridgeport Art Center also celebrated the company’s 48th successful season and excited the crowd for the upcoming 2024-2025 season.
Steppenwolf Theatre Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis talked with Stephi Wild of BroadwayWorld.com about their vision for the annual gala.
“As we ring in Steppenwolf’s 49th season, this year’s gala will embrace our ensemble’s bold, irreverent and rock ‘n’ roll style of work and play,” they told BroadwayWorld.com. “It’s a special night where we get be the most motley version of our crew and will undoubtedly be a party to remember… if we can.”
During the event, guests mingled with ensemble members at the steampunk-themed experience designed and produced by Frost Chicago. The Paramount Events provided the cocktails and seated three-course gourmet dinner for guests and the ensemble.
Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s donor engagement director, Courtney M. Anderson, elaborated on the evening’s theme and how it embraced the myriad of emotions felt by the company as it approaches its 50th anniversary.
“In conversations with designer Jeffrey Foster from Frost and Steppenwolf’s artistic director, Audrey Francis, the theme of vintage yet new, beautiful yet broken, and fractured light kept emerging. With the historic theater approaching its 50th anniversary, the passage of time is really palpable for our ensemble, board, and staff. This combination of inspiration led to the steampunk feel and the clock elements throughout the event.”
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Following dinner, auctioneer Robbie Gordy took to the stage to host a live auction featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences with the Steppenwolf ensemble, including an intimate dinner with ensemble member Laurie Metcalf and her Little Bear Ridge Road co-star Micah Stock at the home of James Beard Award-winning Chef Rick Bayless; an exclusive set visit to CBS’ NCIS with ensemble member Gary Cole, including lunch with Gary and his castmates; a tour of Geffen Playhouse with ensemble member and Geffen Artistic Director Tarell Alvin McCraney and a meet-and-greet with Rainn Wilson;a brunch experience with Steppenwolf Co-Founder Jeff Perry and Emmy Award-winning casting director Linda Lowy in their Hollywood Hills home, joined by ensemble members Tom Irwin and William Petersen plus Judy Greer; tickets to Fiddler on the Roof (Los Angeles) followed by a meet-and-greet with Jason Alexander; tickets to Broadway’s Othello, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal,followed by a meet and greet with director Kenny Leon and artists from the show; a private tour of The Shubert Archive with ensemble member Kate Arrington, dinner with Tony Award-winning comedian and actor Alex Edelman and Broadway producer Jenny Gersten; an exclusive portrait session with award-winning photographer Sandro Miller, and much more.
The evening included a celebratory toast to Northern Trust and CEO Michael O’Grady by Chair Keating Crown and ensemble member Jon Michael Hill in recognition of the company’s longstanding partnership with Steppenwolf.
Ensemble member Caroline Neff and actor Brandon Rivera spoke about Steppenwolf’s Education programs. They introduced a video showcasing Rivera’s journey from Steppenwolf’s Young Adult Council to a leading role in Steppenwolf’s 2023 production of Sanctuary City. Concluding the Gala evening, guests hit the dance floor to the lively jams of DJ Rae Chardonnay and enjoyed gourmet late-night snacks.
How To Help
Steppenwolf Theatre Company strives to create thrilling, courageous, and provocative art in a thoughtful and inclusive environment. Arts education initiatives, including the Young Adult Council, Step In, Educator Training Program, and more, provide theatrical training and viewing experiences for young people and educators across the Chicago area.
