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.
Co-Chairs
- Aimee Graham and Nigel Caine
- Christopher Keogh
- Verett Mims
Honorees
Douglas R. Brown and Rachel E. Kraft
Sponsors
2025 GALA PHOTO GALLERY
GALA 2025 - PHOTO GALLERY
Steppenwolf ensemble members
credit: Photo by Kyle Flubacker
(left to right) The evening was hosted by Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis, Executive Director E. Brooke Flanagan, Gala Co-Chairs Chanel W. Coney and Caroline and Keating Crown.
credit: Photo by Kyle Flubacker
(front) Steppenwolf Artistic Director Glenn Davis leads ensemble members in a 50th Anniversary toast.
credit: Photo by Kyle Flubacker
(left to right) Trustee Robert S. Rivkin, Patrick Powers, Artistic Director Glenn Davis, Lina Dang, Jim and April Conneely and Vania Wit.
credit: Photo by Elías Carmona-Rivera
(left to right) Trustee Eric Lefkofsky, Neal Zucker, Trustees Liz Lefkofsky and Cari Sacks and Marko Iglendza.
credit: Photo by Elías Carmona-Rivera
(left to right) Gautam and Ritu Dhingra.
credit: Photo by Elías Carmona-Rivera
(center) International drag superstar Shea Couleé entertains guests.
credit: Photo by Kyle Flubacker
(left to right) Chelsea Smith, Trustee Stephanie B. Smith and Gerald Smith, John Taylor, Lisa Bury, Melissa and Justen Knight.
credit: Photo by Kyle Flubacker
(left to right) Trustee Ronald J. Mallicoat, Jr., ensemble member Namir Smallwood and Maiysha Kai, Trustee Beth Boosalis Davis and ensemble members Rajiv Joseph and Jim True-Frost.
credit: Photo by Kyle Flubacker.
(pictured) Steppenwolf’s 2025 Gala was designed by Jeffrey Foster for Frost Chicago.
credit: Photo by Kyle Flubacker
(left to night) The evening was hosted by Gala Co-Chairs Keating Crown and Chanel W. Coney with Artistic Directors Audrey Francis and Glenn Davis.
credit:
(pictured) Ensemble member Ora Jones narrates a multi-media program celebrating Steppenwolf Theatre’s five decades of bold, ensemble-driven work.
credit: Photo by Kyle Flubacker
(left to right) Steppenwolf ensemble members Lois Smith and Jim True-Frost.
credit: Photo by Kyle Flubacker.
(pictured) Steppenwolf Co-Founder Jeff Perry pays tribute to Steppenwolf’s five decades of bold, ensemble-driven work.
credit: Photo by Kyle Flubacker
(front, l to r) Nigel Caine and Paul Jeffries with (back, l to r) Kevin Goldstein, Trustee Bryce Cooper and Taylor Atkins, Seth Harrop, Kevin and Ben Hester and Trustee Aimee Graham.
credit: Photo by Kyle Flubacker
(left to right) Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Trustee Amy Eshleman, Trustee Robert S. Rivkin and Steppenwolf Artistic Director Audrey Francis.
credit: Photo by Kyle Flubacker
(left to right) Kevin Boehm, Cortney Hall, Les Coney and Afua Owusu.
credit: Photo by Kyle Flubacker.
(pictured) The Steppenwolf Theatre Ensemble.
credit: Photo by Kyle Flubacker
(pictured) Interactive entertainers furnished by Stage Factor join guests on the dance floor.
credit: Photo by Kyle Flubacker.
(center) Ensemble member Kate Arrington leads guests in the annual paddle raise.
credit: Photo by Kyle Flubacker
(front) International drag superstar Shea Couleé entertains guests.
credit: Photo by Kyle Flubacker
(left to right) Ana Cristina Wagener-Sobrero, Co-Chair Chanel W. Coney, Javon Coney, Dawn Coney and Temitope Orenuga.
credit: Photo by Kyle Flubacker
(pictured) DJ Rae Chardonnay kept the dance floor packed until late in the night.
credit: Photo by Kyle Flubacker
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!