About the Show
Sometimes a dad is also a daddy. And sometimes that daddy is also a Softie. Chicago-based comedian, Tim Felton (picture the lovechild of Mr. Rogers, Pee-wee Herman and Buster Bluth), invites you along in his journey as he figures out how to connect with people as he gets older... and softer.
Can we be strong and capable, but also want to be held and seen? Yes, you ding-dong! Part flirting with your barista, part confiding in your bestie, Softie is here to encourage Tim and his audience toward a more transparent pursuit of close, deep relationships.
Softie is making its Chicago debut this year after acclaimed runs at the Fringe Festivals in Vancouver (Sept. 2025) and Orlando (Jan. 2026),where it won Artistic Risk and Spirit of the Fringe awards.
Written and performed by: Tim Felton
Devising and Direction by: Dean Evans (www.dean.la)
Artistic Guidance by: Abby Pajakowski and Will Sonheim
About the Artists
Tim Felton is a comedian/actor/writer/producer/director and all-around earnest elder-millennial from Chicago whose comedy often embraces the sad underbelly of an otherwise humorous moment. If Tim has a superpower (jury is still out), it is his innate ability to connect with audience members—making creative use of space and all the senses. In Softie, Tim performs a unique blend of standup, performance art and clown!
When he’s not performing for strangers, he’s trying to make his spouse and kids laugh, but honestly, they’re his toughest audience. @timfeltoncomedy
Press
"Softie examines the gracefulness and gracelessness in growing older, and under the whimsy and absurdist clowning is an air of sadness in the best clown tradition.” - Orlando Sentinel
“Tim Felton is a confident and gifted performer who has here created something truly original in the character of the titular Softie.” - Orlando Theatre Review
Running Time
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SPONSORS
RED Card Members
If you are a RED Card Member, your credits are valid for this LookOut presentation! Click the button below to learn more about redeeming your credits online.
Patron Code of Conduct
Welcome to Steppenwolf, one of the premiere ensemble theaters in America. By visiting us, you agree to adhere to the theatre’s Patron Code of Conduct and Health and Safety Protocols.