Photo Flash: Steppenwolf Kicks Off 42nd Season with Rebrand by Grip

Steppenwolf Theatre Company announces a bold new look by Grip for the start of the 2017/18 season. Scroll down to view a gallery of images from the rebrand!

Since starting a partnership in 2016, Steppenwolf and Grip have worked to conduct deep field research to inform the rebrand. Both dynamic and flexible, the visual and messaging systems expand the brand to reflect the cultural institution that Steppenwolf is.

The print, outdoor and online content immerse the community in the greater diversification of artistic voices and range of programming choices for patrons, inviting the community in to enjoy the new programming on their own terms.

Kevin McConkey, co-founder and president of Grip shares, "When thinking about Steppenwolf's place in the community, we realized they are about creating conversations. Our work reflects the bold approach Steppenwolf takes in theatre, leading the nation in conversations about what Americans and our communities find true and relevant, today and tomorrow."

Executive Director David Schmitz says, "Anna Shapiro and I opened Front Bar: Coffee & Drinks and the new 1700 Theatre last year with the goal of elevating the full theatre experience. This desire is echoed in our expanded programming, which has allowed more opportunities to share a wider array of stories that reflect the diversity of our great city. Grip has been an innovative partner in our growth and expansion, and with this rebrand they have captured the essence of the moment we're in and the future we see."

Grip is a marketing, design and concept agency that specializes in creating meaningful connections between clients and their customers. They craft brands, products, and experiences for companies they believe in. For almost 20 years, Grip has practiced a dedicated approach to constantly evolving how they work. Servicing clients in a range of industries, Grip's primary goal with every project is to achieve quantifiable results. Through the years this disciplined approach has honed their research skills and maximized the return potential for clients. As a full service creative agency, Grip is constantly striving to add the highest value communication in an ever changing corporate landscape. That noted, perhaps the most telling statistic about their storied history is that Grip still works with its very first client.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation's premier ensemble theater. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble today features 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 15,000 participants annually from Chicago's diverse communities; the esteemed School at Steppenwolf; and Professional Leadership Programs for arts administration training. 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.

Photo Credit: Joel Moorman

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