Celebrating 50 Years of “Freedom Onstage”

The New York Times is shining a spotlight on Steppenwolf Theatre Company as it celebrates five decades of bold storytelling and fearless artistry.

What began as a small ensemble of passionate artists — including future stars like Laurie Metcalf and Gary Sinise — has grown into one of America’s most influential regional theatres, launching new plays, nurturing talent, and shaping the national stage.

Regional theatres like Steppenwolf — and Gulfshore Playhouse — are where the heartbeat of American theatre truly lives. These professional companies prove that world-class art doesn’t just happen on Broadway — it’s born in professional regional theatres where vision, collaboration, and courage ignite something extraordinary.

Here’s to the power of regional theatre: where artists take risks, audiences discover the unexpected, and the stage reflects the stories that connect us all.

Read the full New York Times story here: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/27/theater/steppenwolf-theater-chicago-50-anniversary.html