Synopsis

NEXT UP: three productions showcasing Chicago's next generation of artists, presented in rotating repertory in The Steppenwolf Garage. NEXT UP is presented in collaboration with Northwestern University's MFA programs in Direction and Design, and will feature the work of graduates of those programs with casts of professional Chicago actors. The directors and designers make their Steppenwolf debut under the mentorship of Steppenwolf staff and artists, including ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro and scenic designer Todd Rosenthal—both members of the Northwestern faculty—as well as Steppenwolf Casting Director Erica Daniels and Director of Artistic Development Polly Carl. NEXT UP includes: Animals Out of Paper By Rajiv Joseph Directed by Jaclynn Jutting Scene Design by Emily Tarleton Costume Design by Mekey Guberinic Lighting Design by Nastassia Jimenez Sound Design by Andre Pluess Featuring Amy J. Carle, Derek Hasenstab and Adam Poss Where We're Born By Lucy Thurber Directed by Brad Akin Scene Design by Scott Davis Costume Design by Mekey Guberinic Lighting Design by Nastassia Jimenez Sound Design by Andre Pluess Featuring Audrey Francis, Shane Kenyon, Max Lesser, Tim Musachio and Caroline Neff Venus By Suzan-Lori Parks Directed by Jess McLeod Scene Design by Scott Davis Costume Design by Emily Tarleton Lighting Design by Nastassia Jimenez Sound Design by Andre Pluess Featuring Carolyn Hoerdemann, Mildred Marie Langford, Jeff Parker, Michael Pogue Ann Sonneville, and John Stokvis

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person.If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.

Watch & Listen

Next UP in Rehearsal
Next Up Repertory in the Garage Theatre

Cast & Artists

The Artists

Program Articles

FIVE MINUTES WITH... Next Up director Brad Akin

A short interview with with the Brad Akin, director of the Next Up show "Where We're Born," with Director of Northwestern University's MFA Directing Program and ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro.

FIVE MINUTES WITH... Next Up Director Jaclynn Jutting

A short interview with Animals out of Paper director Jaclynn Jutting with the Director of Northwestern University’s MFA directing program and ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro.

FIVE MINUTES WITH... Next Up Director Jess McLeod

A short interview with with the Jess McLeod, director of the Next Up show "Venus," with Director of Northwestern University's MFA Directing Program and ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro.

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person.If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.