Dear Friend,

These architectural renderings of Steep’s new home - hot off the presses - offer a glimpse into the astonishingly bright future of our company. We are on the verge of accomplishing something truly miraculous: navigating one of the most trying times that American theater has ever seen and emerging a stronger company with the structure and funding in place to support our work for decades to come. This journey has been a testament to your enormous faith, generosity, and belief in the power of theater and I’m writing to you today to ask for your continued support along the final leg of our journey so we can begin life in our new home in robust health.

This past year was another landmark year for Steep, deepening our standing as both a vital Chicago cultural institution and a cherished community hub. Our U.S. Premiere of Ella Hickson’s The Writer played to near-capacity crowds and was hailed as “a shimmering example of why we go to theater” (The Fourth Walsh), an “artistic gem” (Chicago on Stage), and “a gutsy look at theater itself… caustic, unsparing, and entertaining” (Chicago Tribune). We connected with old and new friends through a summer block party that welcomed over 500 people to our new home. We helped neighbors in need, hosting a week-long supply drive for our local food pantry, Care for Real. And last, but certainly not least, we brought on our new Executive Director, Marisa Macella, whose infectious enthusiasm has us primed for the year ahead!

Important work will be happening on and off stage in 2024. The excitement of construction will begin soon and I’m thrilled to report that Steep will be back on stage, doing what we do best, with two shows. We will continue our efforts to offer more robust compensation for our artists and staff as we gear up for a return to a full production schedule in our new home in 2025. It is imperative that we meet that moment in strong fiscal health. A gift today to our General Operating Fund will help support our art and have a profound impact on this coming year and the next.

And while our fundraising efforts for our new building have been wildly successful, including a generous new grant from the Paul M. Angell Foundation, we ask that you consider an additional gift to our Lights Up Edgewater capital campaign to help us truly build the theater of our dreams.

The year ahead is a bridge to a bright future for our company. No matter how you choose to support Steep, please know you have the gratitude of the entire Steep community for your partnership in our journey home. I hope this finds you and yours well and I wish you a happy holiday season and a wonderful new year.     

Yours truly,

Peter Moore, Ensemble Member & Artistic Director

P.S. If you’d like to talk about Steep’s capital campaign, campaign leadership opportunities, or our work ahead, please reach out to me at peter.moore@steeptheatre.com or Marisa at marisa@steeptheatre.com.