Steppenwolf’s 2018 Women in the Arts Luncheon on January 22, 2018 was an exciting afternoon with acclaimed actress of the screen and stage Sarah Paulson. Guests enjoyed lunch while Sarah and ensemble member Tracy Letts discussed their work together on Letts’ play Killer Joe and Steven Spielberg’s film The Post. Their intimate conversation included Sarah’s insights from working with Ryan Murphy on his hit television shows American Horror Story and American Crime Story, as well as an insider glimpse into her artistic process and thoughts on her rise to fame in Hollywood.
Over 300 leaders from Chicago’s civic, corporate and artistic communities came together for the afternoon to raise funds for Steppenwolf Education's vital programming, including Steppenwolf for Young Adults, our nationally recognized education program, the School at Steppenwolf, and the Professional Leadership Programs. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this wonderful afternoon!
Steppenwolf Theatre Company wishes to thank the following donors for their generous support of the 2018 Women in the Arts Luncheon.
Lead Sponsor
Event Sponsors
The Bluhm Family Foundation
Liz & Eric Lefkofsky
Cari B. Sacks
Mentor Table Sponsors
Anonymous
Baird, Noreen Gallagher
Berle and Marlene Breslow-Blitstein
Caroline and Keating Crown
Mary A. Dempsey and Amy Eshleman
Exelon
Mary Kathryn Hartigan
J.P. Morgan, Elizabeth H. Connelly
Lynn Lockwood Murphy
The Orlebeke Foundation
Schiff Hardin LLP
Colette Cachey Smithburg and Tom Smithburg
United Airlines
Susan Farnham Warrington
2018 Women in the Arts Photo Gallery
2018 Women In The Arts Luncheon
Steppenwolf Trustee Sarah Beardsley with 2018 Honoree Sarah Paulson and Karen Zelden.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
2018 Women In The Arts Luncheon
The 2018 luncheon honored Sarah Paulson for her creativity and fearless work in theater, film and television. Steppenwolf ensemble member Tracy Letts, who worked with Paulson on both Killer Joe on Broadway and Steven Spielberg’s The Post, led an engaging conversation with Sarah about her amazing career and impact as a leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young leaders in the arts.
2018 Honoree Sarah Paulson with Steppenwolf Executive Director David Schmitz.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
2018 Women In The Arts Luncheon
The 2018 luncheon honored Sarah Paulson for her creativity and fearless work in theater, film and television. Steppenwolf ensemble member Tracy Letts, who worked with Paulson on both Killer Joe on Broadway and Steven Spielberg’s The Post, led an engaging conversation with Sarah about her amazing career and impact as a leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young leaders in the arts.
Directors Circle Members Gail Steingold, Nigel Caine and Aimee Graham.
credit: Michael Courier
2018 Women In The Arts Luncheon
The 2018 luncheon honored Sarah Paulson for her creativity and fearless work in theater, film and television. Steppenwolf ensemble member Tracy Letts, who worked with Paulson on both Killer Joe on Broadway and Steven Spielberg’s The Post, led an engaging conversation with Sarah about her amazing career and impact as a leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young leaders in the arts.
Mischelle Causey-Drake, Regina Marchese, 2018 Honoree Sarah Paulson, Debbie Marchese and Lyn McKeaney.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
2018 Women In The Arts Luncheon
The 2018 luncheon honored Sarah Paulson for her creativity and fearless work in theater, film and television. Steppenwolf ensemble member Tracy Letts, who worked with Paulson on both Killer Joe on Broadway and Steven Spielberg’s The Post, led an engaging conversation with Sarah about her amazing career and impact as a leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young leaders in the arts.
2018 Honoree Sarah Paulson in conversation with Steppenwolf Ensemble Member and longtime friend and collaborator Tracy Letts.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
2018 Women In The Arts Luncheon
The 2018 luncheon honored Sarah Paulson for her creativity and fearless work in theater, film and television. Steppenwolf ensemble member Tracy Letts, who worked with Paulson on both Killer Joe on Broadway and Steven Spielberg’s The Post, led an engaging conversation with Sarah about her amazing career and impact as a leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young leaders in the arts.
Steppenwolf Artistic Producer Jonathan Berry, Steppenwolf Ensemble Member Caroline Neff and actor Carrie Coon catch up during the VIP Reception.
credit: Michael Courier
2018 Women In The Arts Luncheon
The 2018 luncheon honored Sarah Paulson for her creativity and fearless work in theater, film and television. Steppenwolf ensemble member Tracy Letts, who worked with Paulson on both Killer Joe on Broadway and Steven Spielberg’s The Post, led an engaging conversation with Sarah about her amazing career and impact as a leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young leaders in the arts.
2018 Honoree Sarah Paulson chats with 2018 Host Committee Member Noreen Gallagher and Cait Gallagher during the VIP Reception.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
2018 Women In The Arts Luncheon
The 2018 luncheon honored Sarah Paulson for her creativity and fearless work in theater, film and television. Steppenwolf ensemble member Tracy Letts, who worked with Paulson on both Killer Joe on Broadway and Steven Spielberg’s The Post, led an engaging conversation with Sarah about her amazing career and impact as a leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young leaders in the arts.
2018 Honoree Sarah Paulson with Steppenwolf Trustee and Women in the Arts Sponsor Amy Bluhm and Steppenwolf Executive Director David Schmitz.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
2018 Women In The Arts Luncheon
The 2018 luncheon honored Sarah Paulson for her creativity and fearless work in theater, film and television. Steppenwolf ensemble member Tracy Letts, who worked with Paulson on both Killer Joe on Broadway and Steven Spielberg’s The Post, led an engaging conversation with Sarah about her amazing career and impact as a leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young leaders in the arts.
Steppenwolf Trustee Amy Eshleman and Ensemble Member Audrey Francis welcome guests.
credit: Michael Courier
2018 Women In The Arts Luncheon
The 2018 luncheon honored Sarah Paulson for her creativity and fearless work in theater, film and television. Steppenwolf ensemble member Tracy Letts, who worked with Paulson on both Killer Joe on Broadway and Steven Spielberg’s The Post, led an engaging conversation with Sarah about her amazing career and impact as a leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young leaders in the arts.
Caroline Burns, Julie O’Connor, Blythe Mendelson, 2018 Honoree Sarah Paulson, Steppenwolf Trustee and 2018 Host Committee Member Colette Cachey Smithburg, Liz Ryan and Jackie Ferro.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
2018 Women In The Arts Luncheon
The 2018 luncheon honored Sarah Paulson for her creativity and fearless work in theater, film and television. Steppenwolf ensemble member Tracy Letts, who worked with Paulson on both Killer Joe on Broadway and Steven Spielberg’s The Post, led an engaging conversation with Sarah about her amazing career and impact as a leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young leaders in the arts.