Thank you for joining us at Steppenwolf's 2026 Gala - we are so grateful you joined us as we raised a glass to the trailblazers and risk-takers that gave Steppenwolf its innovative spirit and turned the page to the next 50 years of bold and courageous theatre.
Together we raised over two million dollars!
Steppenwolf’s Gala generates vital funding to provide an artistic home for our Ensemble, bring bold and innovative theatrical experiences to the stage, and create educational programs that reach thousands of teens throughout the Chicago region and beyond.
Save the date for next year's gala on Saturday, May 8, 2027.
GALA 2026 PHOTO GALLERY
GALA 2026 - PHOTO GALLERY
Steppenwolf Ensemble members Alana Arenas, Robert Breuler, Jim True-Frost, Tim Hopper, Celeste M. Cooper, Eric Simonson, Audrey Francis, Gary Cole, Jeff Perry, Caroline Neff, Namir Smallwood, Sandra Marquez, Jon Michael Hill, Glenn Davis and Amy Morton
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Guests were welcomed by Artistic Director Audrey Francis, Gala Co-Chairs Nigel Caine & Aimee Graham, Verett Mims and Christopher Keogh, Executive Director E. Brooke Flanagan and Artistic Director Glenn Davis
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2026 was designed by Jeffrey Foster for Frost Chicago with photos by Sandro Miller
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala Co-Chair Aimee Graham, ensemble member/co-founder Jeff Perry, Gala Co-Chair Nigel Caine and Cian & Kate O'Riordan
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Cindy Moelis, Trustee Bob Rivkin, Board Chair Keating Crown and Artistic Director Glenn Davis
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Trustee Dr. Stephanie B. Smith, Gerald Smith, ensemble member Celeste M. Cooper and Genora Hopkins
credit: Kyle Flubacker
(Center) Gala 2026 honorees Douglas R. Brown & Rachel E. Kraft with (left to right) Sielle Hodzic, Meredith Brown, Manny Hodzic, Lois Miller, Adam Kraft and Brittany Brown
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Ensemble member Gary Cole, Tom Levin, Trustee Emeritus Robert J. Greenebaum, Jr. and Courtney Levin
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Trustee Bryan Traubert, Artistic Director Audrey Francis and Trustee Emeritus Eric Lefkofsky
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Ensemble member Caroline Neff, photographer Sandro Miller and ensemble member Celeste M. Cooper cheer on guests during the live auction
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Young Adult Council member Nadia Arellano and ensemble member Amy Morton perform and excerpt from August: Osage County
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Windfall cast member Esco Jouléy and DJ Rae Chardonnay kept the dance floor packed until late in the night
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Co-Chairs
- Aimee Graham and Nigel Caine
- Christopher Keogh
- Verett Mims
Honorees
Douglas R. Brown and Rachel E. Kraft
Sponsors
Partners
A/V PARTNER
OFFICIAL AND EXCLUSIVE AIRLINE
SAVE THE DATE
Our 2027 Gala will be held on May 8. We hope to celebrate with you!
LEARN MORE
SAVE THE DATE
Our 2027 Gala will be held on May 8. We hope to celebrate with you!