Steppenwolf for Young Adults

The Steppenwolf for Young Adults department brings high-quality theatre to artistically curious young adults across Chicago. Each production resonates with a mature teen audience, in hopes of inspiring a new generation of theatre enthusiasts and practitioners. Productions have ranged from original work and adaptation, to classics like The Glass Menagerie and Of Mice and Men - both being produced in the 2008-2009 SYA season. The department produces two full-scale shows each year, performed during the week for students and opened up to the public during weekend matinees.

For Students: Steppenwolf Essay Contest

Congratulations to Ligin Solamen for winning the Steppenwolf for Young Adults My American Dream Contest.

For Teachers and Principals: The Inspire the Future Award

Fidelity Investments created the Inspire the Future award with Steppenwolf to honor two educators from Chicago Public Schools who are passionately dedicated to the advancement of youth through theater and the arts in Chicago. The winners will receive an Inspire the Future memento and a $2,500 grant to support arts programming for his/her school.

Download the teacher application.
Download the principal application.

Applications are due March 16, 2009. For more information on award please contact Lindsey Barlag at lbarlag@steppenwolf.org. Application materials will also be posted online this winter.

Of Mice and Men
Apr. 21, 2009 – May. 10, 2009

The House on Mango Street
Oct. 13, 2009 – Nov. 1, 2009

A Separate Peace
Feb. 23, 2010 – Mar. 14, 2010

On Sale Oct. 13, 2009

Steppenwolf for Young Adults Programs

Productions for Students and Families
Steppenwolf for Young Adult productions are performed exclusively for students Tuesday-Friday mornings at 10am. Schools interested in deepening their relationship with Steppenwolf should considering becoming a subscriber or residency school. more...

Young Adult Council
The department encourages students who wish to deepen their involvement with Steppenwolf to apply to the "Young Adult Council." The Council is a theatrical leadership program through which students can learn the inner-workings of Steppenwolf Theatre while also promoting theatre to their peers. more...

The MaTEENée Series
The department offers "MaTEENée" performances of Steppenwolf productions, specifically geared toward high school students. Students can see the production for only $15, and are invited to stay afterward for lunch and discussion with play’s actors. more...

Educator Workshops
For educators who wish to bring the creative arts into their classrooms, Steppenwolf for Young Adults offers Educator Workshops throughout the year designed to help teachers engage their students through theatrical exercise and play. more...

Professional Leadership
Professional Leadership Programs allow students, graduates and others to experience the inner workings of a professional theatre from every angle. more...

Professional Training for Actors

Founded in 1998, The School at Steppenwolf is a training residency for professional actors to immerse themselves in the ensemble traditions, values and methods that make Steppenwolf unique. more...