"I live in the Edgewater neighborhood and could walk over to this little storefront theater and see this extraordinary work and it's that phenomenon in Chicago that around every corner...There is something astonishing and this is astonishing." -Kelly Kleiman of Dueling Critics on Steep's A Case for the Existence of God

Dear friend,

Chicago’s vibrant theater community is one of the most essential parts of the city’s cultural landscape and I am extraordinarily proud that Steep has distinguished itself - yet again - as a shining example of what theater can be and what it can contribute to the common good of the community. It is astonishing how shared moments in a shared space can bring us closer together and I’m inspired by the artists and audiences who make these moments of real connection possible. The capacity for theater to heal has never been more essential, but in this moment when we need art the most, Steep needs your help.

As we navigate a new post-pandemic financial landscape with uncertain foundational and civic support, the support of patrons and theater lovers like you can make an enormous difference in securing a bright future for our company and help us traverse this new uncertain territory. A gift today will support our art and have a profound impact on this coming year and the next.

When civil discourse seems to be dominated by division and distrust, we need theater that connects us and fosters understanding. For me, Steep’s Chicago premiere of Samuel D. Hunter’s A Case for the Existence of God did just that. Director Robin Witt and team’s miraculous production made an inspiring case for faith in our capacity for kindness and empathy. It’s a sentiment that can’t be put out into the world enough and something I, for one, certainly needed. Audiences and critics agreed, as the production earned universal critical praise and played to sold-out houses for the entirety of its run.

We also need theater that creates space for bold new work and supports the artists that create these essential experiences. Steep’s explosive world premiere of Ensemble Member Omer Abbas Salem’s Happy Days Are Here (Again), described by Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune as “one of the most powerful new Chicago plays of this year, heck, most any year”, continued Steep’s long history of embracing challenging conversations with courage and care. Commissioned and developed by Steep over the course of a year, Happy Days employed 42 artists and brought a host of exciting new voices to our stage.

We have important work ahead, not the least of which is completing our new theater and creating an artistic home that will support our company for decades to come. Our construction plans are at City Hall awaiting permit approval, and we’re cautiously optimistic that construction will begin in early ‘25 and we’ll be in our new home in Fall of next year. Our team of architects, consultants, and ensemble and board members has been working diligently to create a bold, sustainable vision for a building that will be the embodiment of our faith in the power of theater and that will carry us far into the future. We’re on the verge of building something extraordinary – join our fundraising efforts to make the new Steep Theatre a reality.

2025 promises to be an exciting and transformative year and I hope you will consider being a part of it. Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season and a joyous New Year.

Yours Truly,