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. 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]
Zürich by Amelia Roper
Red Rex by Ike Holter
First Love is the Revolution by Rita Kalnejais
Pomona by Alistair McDowall
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]
Steep Theatre Company members include actors, directors, artists, writers, and other theatre artists.
† 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]
Steep was named 2010 Broadway in Chicago Emerging Theatre Award winner.[15]
| 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 |