SATURDAY, MAY 10 | 6:30pm
Steppenwolf Theatre
Steppenwolf’s Ensemble and Board of Trustees invite you to our 2025 Gala – an unforgettable night kicking off the theater’s 50th anniversary celebration! Join Steppenwolf’s famed artists alongside civic and business leaders at our stunning expanded campus for cocktails, dancing and a one-night-only performance honoring the theatre’s legacy. Keep the celebration going with a live auction that features once-in-a-lifetime experiences with our artists and an after-hours lounge.
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.
Attire is fun, urban chic. Vibes are electric.
Gala 2024 Photo Gallery
Steppenwolf’s world-renowned ensemble was joined by over 400 civic, cultural and business leaders for the 2024 Gala on Saturday, May 11, raising over $1.6 million for Steppenwolf’s artistic, educational and community programming.
GALA 2024 - PHOTO GALLERY
Steppenwolf’s 2024 Gala was designed by Jeffrey Foster for Frost Chicago with centerpieces from Revel Décor
credit: Kyle Flubacker
The evening was emceed by the Steppenwolf Ensemble, including Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Ensemble Members (left to right – top row) Robert Breuler, Alana Arenas, James Vincent Meredith, Yasen Peyankov, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Gary Cole, Namir Smallwood, (middle row) Jon Michael Hill, Cliff Chamberlain, Kate Arrington, Celeste M. Cooper, Anna D. Shapiro, Glenn Davis, Jim True-Frost, (front row) K. Todd Freeman, Caroline Neff, Kathryn Erbe, Audrey Francis, Eric Simonson, Tim Hopper
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Ensemble Members with Gala Co-Chairs Ron and Paula Mallicoat, and Bob and Amy Greenebaum, Board Chair Keating Crown and Caroline Crown, and Executive Director Brooke Flanagan
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Executive Director Brooke Flanagan, Artistic Director Glenn Davis, Caroline Crown, Board Chair Keating Crown, and Artistic Director Audrey Francis
credit: Kyle Flubacker
The venue, Bridgeport Art Center, provided sweeping views of the Chicago skyline.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Ensemble Member K. Todd Freeman with stars of Chicago Fire Eamonn Walker and Hanako Greensmith
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot with Steppenwolf Associates Andrea Bailiff-Gush, Ben Hester, Kevin Dickey, Andrew Holden and Harriett White
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Michael Horton, Executive Director of Arts Alliance Illinois Claire Rice, Steppenwolf Trustee and Chair of the Illinois Arts Council Nora Daley, and Sean Conroy, joined by interactive entertainers furnished by Stage Factor
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Trustees Eric and Liz Lefkofsky
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Ensemble Member Caroline Neff reflects on Brandon Rivera’s journey from Steppenwolf Young Adult Council member to his role on Steppenwolf’s mainstage in 2023’s Sanctuary City.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Ensemble Member and Trustee Jon Michael Hill presents Northern Trust Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Grady with a gift in appreciation of Northern Trust’s four decades of partnership
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Ensemble Member Celeste M. Cooper cheers on Trustee Aimee Graham as she bids on the live auction
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Executive Director Brooke Flanagan, Ensemble Member and Artistic Director Audrey Francis, Trustee and former Board Chair Bruce Sagan, and Ensemble Member and Artistic Director Glenn Davis
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Members of the Steppenwolf Associates with Ensemble Member and Artistic Director Glenn Davis. The Steppenwolf Associates, a group of young professionals that fundraise for Steppenwolf Education throughout the year.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
DJ Rae Chardonnay kept the dance floor packed until late in the night.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Partners
A/V PARTNER
OFFICIAL AND EXCLUSIVE AIRLINE
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Questions about the 2025 Gala? Contact our events team for more information.
LEARN MORE
Questions about the 2025 Gala? Contact our events team for more information.