“Steep keeps the bar on theater excellence in Chicago sky high.” - Mitchell Oldham, Stage and Cinema on A Slow Air.

Dear Friend,

What does it mean to play “a slow air”? As we discovered through this season’s production of A Slow Air by David Harrower, it’s a tune played with extraordinary care — rich, emotional, and unhurried. The musician shapes each phrase with intention: taking time to linger, to breathe, building toward something profound.

The year ahead for Steep feels like our own kind of slow air. We’re taking the time to shape what comes next with that same deliberate care, laying the groundwork - structurally, artistically, and organizationally - for our new home and a return to a full production schedule of 4 shows a season. Like a musician preparing for a pivotal performance, we’re curating a bold lineup of productions for our inaugural season in our new home, deepening community relationships, and ensuring the infrastructure is in place to support the next chapter of Steep’s story.

As the arts face a complex landscape of funding reductions and heightened scrutiny, Steep’s work has never been more essential. Stories that challenge, connect, and inspire are critical to sustaining healthy and vibrant communities. Steep’s commitment to embracing fearless storytelling and fostering difficult conversations is not just relevant—it’s necessary. 

Your support makes these stories possible, and we cannot continue telling these stories without your incredible support. A general operating gift today will enable us to strengthen our foundations for a momentous re-opening, support the creation of new work, and improve the experience for artists, audiences, and our community for years to come. Will you be part of this moment with us? 

As we look ahead, join us at two upcoming celebrations of Steep’s vibrant community and future. On Saturday, September 20, we will host Steep’s Third Annual Block Party in our parking lot. It will be a fantastic afternoon of games, food, and conversation about what lies ahead. Then, on February 26th, we’ll celebrate Steep’s 25th anniversary at the Bramble Arts Loft for a weekend filled with dynamic performances and familiar faces as we honor the artists and audiences who have shaped our story and look ahead to Steep’s bright future.

I am enormously grateful to be a part of a community that engages with challenging work and embraces the importance of the arts. If you’d like to talk more about your giving, the future of Steep, or what this new space could mean for our community, I’d love to connect. You can always reach me at marisa@steeptheatre.com. 

With heartfelt gratitude,