Steep Theatre Company

Steep Theatre Company is a not-for-profit theatre company located in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois.[1] Founded in 2000 by Peter Moore, Alex Gillmor, and Alex Gualino, Steep has become known as one of Chicago’s iconic ensemble-based storefront theatres.[2] Chicago is known for its brand of bold, collaborative, actor-driven theatre in intimate venues scattered throughout the city’s many neighborhoods, and Steep is an embodiment of this theatrical movement.[2] The ensemble has produced over 60 plays and cultivated a growing community of artists and audience members.[3] In 2019, through a gift from the Bayless Family Foundation, Steep announced it would become an Equity theater.[4]

Current Season[5]

2018–2019

Zürich by Amelia Roper

Red Rex by Ike Holter

First Love is the Revolution by Rita Kalnejais

Pomona by Alistair McDowall

History

After two years of producing plays as an itinerant company, Steep opened its first storefront theatre in the Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago. Over the years, Steep has grown from an original founding of three actors into an ensemble of 41 artists[6] driven by a shared commitment to their mission: “To bring out the everyday truths in the stories we tell through ensemble work and to reach out to non-traditional theater goers by seeking out stories and creating experiences relevant to them.”

In October 2008, Steep moved to a new storefront – a newly renovated theatre in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood.[7] This flexible black box theatre seats approximately 55 people. Steep continues to flourish in its new home, where an impressive string of hits has cemented its reputation as one of the most compelling ensembles in the city. Steep’s growing artistic ensemble, engaged board of directors, and current leadership team, founder and Artistic Director Peter Moore and Executive Director Kate Piatt-Eckert, are poised to continue Steep on its trajectory of growth and artistic accomplishment.

In 2015, Steep Theatre produced the National Premiere of "Martyr" by Marius Von Mayenburg. In 2016, The Student based much of its imagery off of Steep Theatre's production including the use of Chalk art in its poster [8]

In addition to the mainstage theater, Steep operates a bar and small cabaret-style performance space in the adjoining storefront. This space, The Boxcar, opened to the public in August 2018. It features free programmed performances Sunday and Monday evenings.[9] Steep Ensemble Member Thomas Dixon serves as The Boxcar's Artistic Curator.[10]

Ensemble Members and Artistic Associates

Ensemble

Steep Theatre Company members include actors, directors, artists, writers, and other theatre artists.

  • James Allen
  • Jonathan Berry
  • Lucy Carapetyan
  • George Cederquist
  • Matt Chapman
  • Brad DeFabo Akin
  • Maria DeFabo Akin
  • Thomas Dixon
  • Patricia Donegan
  • Peter Dully
  • Jonathan Edwards
  • Nate Faust
  • Alex Gillmor
  • Nick Horst
  • Lauren Lassus
  • Ashleigh LaThrop
  • Cynthia Marker
  • Peter Moore
  • Caroline Neff
  • Jim Poole
  • Egan Reich
  • Joel Reitsma
  • Melissa Riemer
  • Brandon Rivera
  • Michael Salinas
  • Amber Sallis
  • Joanie Schultz
  • Julia Siple
  • Sasha Smith
  • Kendra Thulin
  • Robin Witt
  • Brendan Melanson
in memoriam

Artistic Associates
  • Catherine Allen
  • Kristin Leahey
  • Emily McConnell
  • Jon Ravenscroft
  • Alison Siple
  • Simon Stephens

Assoc. Playwright

  • Dan Stratton
  • Brandon Wardell
  • Chelsea M. Warren
  • Ellen Willett

Productions

† indicates World Premiere production

‡ indicates U.S. Premiere production

Season 1 (2001–02)

Season 2 (2002–03)

Season 3 (2004)

Season 4 (2004–05)

Season 5 (2005–06)

Season 6 (2006–07)

Season 7 (2007–08)

Season 8 (2008 – 09)

Season 9 (2009–10)

Season 10 (2010–11)

Season 11 (2011–12)

Season 12 (2012–13)

Season 13 (2013–14)

Season 14 (2014–15)[11]

Season 15 (2015–16)[12]

Season 16 (2016–17)[13]

Season 17 (2017–18)[14]

Awards and Nominations

Steep was named 2010 Broadway in Chicago Emerging Theatre Award winner.[15]

Jeff Awards[16]
Year Work Category Artist Result
2006 Book of Days Ensemble N/A Nominated
Actress in a Principal Role Krista Forster Nominated
2008 The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui Production – Play N/A Nominated
2009 Greensboro: A Requiem Actress in a Supporting Role Lily Mojekwu Nominated
In Arabia We’d All Be Kings Actress in a Supporting Role Rinska Prestinary Nominated
Ensemble N/A Won
Director – Play Joanie Schultz Nominated
Production – Play N/A Nominated
2010 Harper Regan Actress in a Principal Role Kendra Thulin Won
2011 A Brief History of Helen of Troy Actress in a Principal Role Caroline Neff Won
2012 Under the Blue Sky Actress in a Supporting Role Caroline Neff Nominated
2013 The Receptionist Actress in a Principal Role Cheryl Roy Nominated
Moment Ensemble N/A Nominated
Production – Director Jonathan Berry Nominated
2014

The Knowledge

 Production – Play N/A Nominated
Production – Director Jonathan Berry Nominated
Ensemble N/A Nominated
Actress in a Principal Role Caroline Neff Nominated
Motortown Actor in a Principal Role Joel Reitsma Nominated
Actress in a Supporting Role Ashleigh LaThrop Nominated
Fallow Actor in a Supporting Role Jose Antonio Garcia Nominated
2015 The Vandal Actor in a Principal Role Kendra Thulin Nominated
Actor in a Supporting Role Jack Miggins Nominated
If There Is I Haven’t Found It Yet Actor in a Supporting Role Shane Kenyon Won
2016 Posh Production – Play N/A Nominated
Ensemble N/A Won
Director – Play Jonathan Berry Nominated
2017 Wastwater Actress in a Supporting Role Kendra Thulin Nominated
Sound Design Thomas Dixon Nominated
Bobbie Clearly New Play Alex Lubischer Won
2018 Lela & Co. Production – Play N/A Won
Director – Play Robin Witt Won
Performer in a Principal Role – Play Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel Won
Performer in a Supporting Role – Play Chris Chmelik Nominated
Scenic Design Joe Schermoly Nominated
Lighting Design Brandon Wardell Nominated
The Invisible Hand Production – Play N/A Nominated
Director – Play Audrey Francis Nominated
Performer in a Principal Role – Play Joel Reitsma Nominated
Performer in a Supporting Role – Play Owais Ahmed Won
Sound Design Thomas Dixon Nominated

References
  1. "Steep Theatre Company | Edgewater Chamber of Commerce". www.edgewater.org. Retrieved 2017-11-20.
  2. "Steep Theatre Company". Chicagoplays. Retrieved 2017-11-20.
  3. Jones, Chris. "Good question: How does a play as good as 'Birdland' end up in a storefront theater?". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2018-05-24.
  4. Jones, Chris (February 26, 2019). "Steep Theatre makes the leap to Equity, thanks to a gift from chef Rick Bayless". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2019-07-20.
  5. Hawbaker, KT. "Steep Theatre to stage an Ike Holter world premiere during 2018-19 season". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2018-09-24.
  6. Desk, BWW News. "Steep Announces New Ensemble Members". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2018-05-24.
  7. "Steep Theatre Coming to Edgewater - Edgeville Buzz". www.edgevillebuzz.com. Retrieved 2017-11-20.
  8. "'The Student' ('Uchenik'): Cannes Review". The Hollywood Reporter.
  9. George, Doug. "Steep Theatre opens new Boxcar cabaret space this weekend". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2018-09-02.
  10. Desk, BWW News. "Steep Theatre Opens THE BOXCAR". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2018-09-02.
  11. Desk, BWW News. "Steep Theatre's 14th Season to Feature Regional Premieres and Directors Jonathan Berrie, Joanie Schultz, and Robin Witt". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2018-09-24.
  12. Oleksinski, Johnny. "Steep Theatre announces a season of local premieres". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2018-09-24.
  13. Desk, BWW News. "Steep Theatre Company Sets 16th Anniversary Season". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2018-09-24.
  14. Greene, Morgan. "Ayad Akhtar, Calamity West in Steep Theatre's 2017-18 season". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2018-09-24.
  15. "Emerging Theatre Award 2010 | Broadway in Chicago". Broadway in Chicago. Retrieved 2017-11-20.
  16. "Jeff Awards". jeffawards.org. Archived from the original on 2017-12-01. Retrieved 2017-11-20.
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