Steppenwolf Theatre Company Named One of Nation's Top Small Workplaces

Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company is pleased to announce it has been named one of the nation's Top Small Workplaces by the Wall Street Journal and Winning Workplaces. Steppenwolf is one of 15 winners announced today from a pool of 330 initial applicants and 35 finalists.

"We are honored to be the first arts organization in the U.S. to receive this distinguished recognition," comments Steppenwolf's Executive Director David Hawkanson. "This is a tribute to the entire Steppenwolf family - our talented artists, dedicated administrators, extraordinary production team and ambitious apprentices. We've worked very hard as a team to create an exceptional work environment - and will continue to make it a top priority," adds Hawkanson.

The Top Small Workplaces list showcases exceptional employers that have built workplace environments that foster teamwork, flexibility and professional growth while providing an atmosphere and benefits that encourage employee loyalty. A national panel of small business experts chosen by the Wall Street Journal and Winning Workplaces judged the finalists based on specific metrics and qualitative assessments of their success in creating workplaces that nurture, challenge and reward employees. A complete list of winners can be found at www.wsj.com/reports (article) or www.winningworkplaces.org.

ABOUT STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY

Founded in 1976, Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation's foremost ensemble theatre. The theatre's workforce includes 77 full-time staff members, 340 part-time/seasonal employees, 60 trustees and 42 ensemble members (the theatre's artistic core comprised of actors, playwrights and directors). Steppenwolf provides exceptional benefits for both full- and part-time employees including a competitive 401(k) plan and healthcare benefits unparalleled in the arts industry. Steppenwolf is dedicated to the training of early-career arts professionals through apprenticeship and internships programs, as well as cultivating mentoring and management skills among its junior staff. Additionally, the organization supports its employees' desire to be involved in the Chicago theatre community beyond their commitments at Steppenwolf. Steppenwolf's mission is to advance the vitality and diversity of American theater by nurturing artists, encouraging repeatable creative relationships and contributing new works to the national canon. For additional information, visit www.steppenwolf.org.

Winning Workplaces is an Evanston, IL-based non-profit whose mission is to help small and midsize organizations create better workplaces.