Steppenwolf to Participate in THE GHOSTLIGHT PROJECT This Month

Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro and Executive Director David Schmitz announce Steppenwolf's participation in The Ghostlight Project, an evening of advocacy at theater companies across the country to demonstrate a shared commitment to greater inclusion, participation and compassion in our theaters and our communities.

On January 19, 2017, beginning at 5:15pm, Steppenwolf Theatre Company will host a public gathering in the open-air lot next to the Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N Halsted St. Ensemble members will read a statement on behalf of Steppenwolf and a ghostlight will be officially lit at 5:30pm.

Complementary cider will be provided for guests outside, and the 1700 Theatre and Front Bar: Coffee & Drinks will be open for guests to gather following the event. Steppenwolf's ghostlight will remain lit in the theatre lobby until no longer needed. Free and open to the public, the event will also be wheelchair-accessible and feature ASL Interpretation.

Inspired by the tradition of leaving a "ghost light" on in a darkened theater, participants will be invited to pledge their commitment to stand for and protect the values of inclusion, participation and compassion for everyone regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, gender identity, sexual identity or dissident actions in the coming years. The lights symbolize hope and a belief that, through action, change is possible.

Ensemble member Tina Landau, who is one of the founders of The Ghostlight Project, shares, "The theater in general has always espoused values of inclusion and diversity, and The Ghostlight Project now asks us to stand ever more actively and aggressively behind our commitment to those values. The project is designed not only as beautiful, poetic action on the 19th, but also as a beautiful, prosaic set of ongoing actions into the future. In these challenging times, so many people I know are asking, "What can I DO?" The Ghostlight Project aims to help answer that question, and specifically for a nationwide network of theaters and theater folk. As a US President from Chicago once said, 'We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.'"

"We know, now more than ever, that we will not be cowed by the intimidation or threats of those who fear what we have to say nor will we be broken by the hatred and fear being used to fracture and separate us," shares Steppenwolf Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro.

For more information about The Ghostlight Project, visit theghostlightproject.com.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation's premier ensemble theater-redefining the landscape of acting and performance. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble has grown to 47 members who represent a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors and playwrights. Thrilling and powerful productions from Balm in Gilead to August: Osage County-and accolades that include the National Medal of Arts and 12 Tony Awards-have made the theater legendary. Steppenwolf produces hundreds of performances and events annually in its three spaces: the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 299-seat Upstairs Theatre and the 80-seat 1700 Theatre. Artistic programing includes a seven-play season; a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; Visiting Company engagements; and LookOut, a multi-genre performances series. Education initiatives include the nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf for Young Adults, which engages 14,000 participants annually from Chicago's diverse communities; the esteemed School at Steppenwolf; and Professional Leadership Programs for arts administration training. Steppenwolf's own Front Bar: Coffee and Drinks serves coffee, cocktails and a menu curated in partnership with the Boka Restaurant Group day and night. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Anna D. Shapiro is the Artistic Director and David Schmitz is the Executive Director. Eric Lefkofsky is Chair of Steppenwolf's Board of Trustees. For additional information, visit steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr.