Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s Arts Exchange program launched in 1983 with two fully staged productions performed for student audiences. The program began as a way for ensemble members to create productions outside of subscription programming, but quickly became a means to strengthen and deepen the work Steppenwolf does within our community. Arts Exchange programs are an example of the influence Steppenwolf has in creating a future filled with citizens who have a deep connection with theater artistically, socially and emotionally. We accomplish this by building relationships with students, teachers, principals and parents through our internship program, teacher workshops, special events, Cross-Town teen ensemble, mentorship program, school residencies and our Arts Exchange productions.
ARTS EXCHANGE PRODUCTIONS
Student- and family-geared productions range from established plays to new works to original adaptations
of novels from the Chicago Public Schools reading list. The professional sophistication with which we approach our student performances allows for the inclusion of new voices and talents. These productions are often as highly acclaimed as any offered at Steppenwolf. Recent shows include A Tale of Two Cities; A Lesson Before Dying; Winesburg, Ohio; The Chosen and The Bluest Eye.
CROSS-TOWN ENSEMBLE
Founded in 1997, the Cross-Town Ensemble recruits teens from different backgrounds and pairs them with theater professionals who serve as mentors. Under the guidance of playwright Brett Neveu and director Kimberly Senior, the teen ensemble writes and rehearses original plays that are performed in the Merle Reskin Garage Theatre. The teens spend time with their mentors outside of rehearsals, talking about college, future careers and common artistic interests. These relationships between teen and mentor
help bridge the gap between education, artistry and friendship.
IN-SCHOOL RESIDENCIES
Arts Exchange Resident Artists conduct in-school residencies around each Arts Exchange production, visiting classrooms before and after the show. These visits help put the play in context with what students are learning in the classroom; each lesson plan is tailored to the teacher’s curricular goals. Post-performance visits give the students a chance to critically analyze the production and discuss the themes presented.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Steppenwolf offers hands-on Summer Internships and nine-month Apprenticeships in which interns experience the inner workings of a professional theater from every angle. Through daily assignments within a given department, bi-weekly seminars with guest speakers, volunteer opportunities in many areas of the theater and free tickets to productions, interns are offered the chance to learn from the finest professionals working in theater today.
TEACHER WORKSHOPS
Arts Exchange offers a variety of free workshops for teachers to explore their own creativity and learn to use theater techniques to approach educational
subjects. The courses are open to teachers of any discipline and grade level, from any Chicago-area school. Resident Artist Robin Chaplik tailors the workshops to address state and local teaching goals.
FAMILY SERIES
The Family Series is a unique opportunity for young people and their families to attend Steppenwolf at an affordable price. Family Event Subscribers come together on a Saturday afternoon for a pre-show reception with a guest artist from the production. These events inspire adults and teens to experience a live theater event together and to use the arts as a catalyst for meaningful intergenerational dialogue.
VETS’ NIGHTS
Started by co-founder Gary Sinise in the Company’s early days, Vets’ Nights are an invitation to veterans to visit Steppenwolf and see the final dress rehearsal of each Subscription Series play. The evening features a buffet dinner for more than 200 guests from veteran and service organizations from around Chicago.