Associates
Steppenwolf Associates are a community of young professionals who give back through service, philanthropy, and planning events for their peers.
NETWORK. GIVE BACK. HAVE FUN!
Associates enjoy an enhanced theatre experience, including special access to Steppenwolf programming. Your gift made through the Associates goes directly towards Steppenwolf Education and Engagement programs, providing meaningful arts experiences to nearly 15,000 students, teachers, and families across Chicago.
Become an associate
To become a Steppenwolf Associates member, click the button below and fill out the online membership form.
Benefits cumulative across levels.
MEMBERSHIP ($150-$499)
- Access to Associate tickets ($35 each, up to 6 per show)
- Discounted tickets to Steppenwolf's Annual Gala ($750)
- Early access to Visiting Artist presentations
- Access to Associate networking events
MEMBERSHIP + ($500-$1,199)
- 10% discount on Steppenwolf Merch
- Poster of your choice from the current season (upon request)
- Poster of your choice from the current season (upon request)
- Invitation for two to 1 Front Row Event
- Complimentary Preview Black Card Membership
NEXT GEN PHILANTHROPIST ($1,200+)
- Invitation for two to 3 Front Row Event
- Complimentary Classic Membership
- Complimentary round of drinks at your ticketed performance
- Invitation for two to our summer Opening Night performance
| 2026/27 THEATRE NIGHT EVENTS | |
|---|---|
| Topdog/Underdog | Friday, September 18, 2026 |
| Adirondack Chair Circle | Friday, October 23, 2026 |
| The Comeuppance | Friday, February 5, 2027 |
| Ellen B. | Friday, April 2, 2027 |
| The Night Fawn | Thursday, May 27, 2027 |
Associate Board Members
The Steppenwolf Associates Board members are elected by their peers and lead the group by putting together events, leading fundraising efforts, and working with the theatre to ensure the Associates are connected to the exciting work happening at Steppenwolf. Click 'Details' to learn more and view Associate Board Members below.
CO-PRESIDENTS
Ben Hester, TAG - The Aspen Group
Vanessa Passini
COMMUNICATIONS CO-CHAIRS
Libby Deshaies, Winston Taylor
Becky Traisman, Greater Chicago Food Depository
CORPORATE CHAIR
Bridget Byrne, Santa Barbara Management
EVENTS CO-CHAIRS
Toria McKenzie, USA TODAY Co., Inc.
Kimberly Paschall, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP
MEMBERSHIP CO-CHAIRS
Lauren McGrath, G2
Lauren McKenzie
EDUCATION & ENGAGEMENT CO-CHAIRS
Halley C. Hoffman, University of Chicago
Adam Zaucha, Telma Retarder Inc
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Bridget Byrne, Santa Barbara Management
AT-LARGE MEMBERS
Ellie Davidson, Fairlife
Brian Dhingra, McKinsey
Julie Sammarco, Publicis Media
Stephanie Schwartz, Ashfield Events Experience
Elyssa Westby, Ropes & Gray LLP
Tiade Williams, Accenture
Follow Us On Social Media
Learn more about the Associates and ways to get engaged by following us on social media.
FACEBOOK: @SteppenwolfAssociates
INSTAGRAM: @steppenwolf_ac