The venerable Steppenwolf Theatre, one of the most respected theatrical institutions in the country, is expanding to offer more programming and some tasty repasts. This spring they’ll not only open a new 80-seat black box theater, they’re also opening a cafe and bar with help from the equally respected Boka Restaurant Group (Boka, Balena, Girl & The Goat, GT Fish & Oyster, Momotaro, Swift & Sons).
“We wanted to create a space that elevates the notion of what a full theatre experience can be,” shares Anna D. Shapiro, Steppenwolf Artistic Director. “Steppenwolf is a familial environment, and for a long time we have craved a comfortable setting where our audiences, artists, staff and friends can interact—the café & bar is the perfect solution. With the addition of a flexible black box theater we’ll be able to re-connect with our roots as a company, allowing more opportunities for our ensemble to experiment as well as welcoming new artists and genres, which is all very exciting. This building promises to be a cultural destination that everyone can enjoy. We have the best team in Chicago assembled, and can’t wait to open our doors to the community.”
Opening dates for the as-yet unnamed theater and cafe have not been announced. They’ll take over the garage space that connects to the existing theater with a door in the lobby. You can read the full press release on Steppenwolf’s site. Steppenwolf Theatre is located at 1650 N Halsted St and the new space will be at 1700 N Halsted.
Pictured (left to right): Karen Herold, founder of Studio K; Kevin Boehm, co-founder of BRG; Anna D. Shapiro, Artistic Director, Steppenwolf; David Schmitz, Managing Director, Steppenwolf; and Rob Katz, co-founder of BRG, the team collaborating on the development and opening of Steppenwolf’s new café & bar. Photo credit: Joel Moorman
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