Steppenwolf Theatre Company Welcomes New Ensemble Member

Steppenwolf Theatre Company proudly announces the addition of Audrey Francis to the acclaimed Steppenwolf ensemble.

Audrey has performed in seven productions with Steppenwolf, most recently The Fundamentals, and she teaches at the School at Steppenwolf. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, Steppenwolf has grown to an ensemble of 47 actors, playwrights and directors who represent the best in American theater.

Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro shares, "Audrey has been a member of the Steppenwolf family for years and her work on our stages and with our students has proved, time and time again, that we share essential beliefs about theatre making and its power. It's an honor to finally officially add her to the ensemble, and we all look forward to our work together for many years to come."

Audrey Francis has performed at Steppenwolf in The Fundamentals, Between Riverside and Crazy, The Herd, Where We're Born, Life and Limb, Drunken City and Want. Other Chicago credits include Kill Floor (American Theater Company); Talking Pictures, The Actor (Goodman Theatre); Othello, Another Part of the Forest (Writer's Theatre); and Awake and Sing! (Northlight Theatre).Television credits include Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, ER and Written Off. Film credits include Signature Move, Dig Two Graves, Medal of Victory, Dustclouds and Chicago Overcoat. Her commercial and voiceover work include campaigns for Sears, Ford, Citibank, Kenmore, Quaker, Moen and Sideline. She has also directed multiple ChicaGo Productions, most recently with the University of Chicago, Pine Box Theatre, Step Up Productions, and First Floor Theater. Francis teaches at the University of Chicago, the School at Steppenwolf and is the proud owner and founder of Black Box Acting.

"Steppenwolf has been a source of inspiration for me both on and off stage since I moved to Chicago. I am incredibly grateful, honored and humbled to be invited into the company of so many artists I respect. I share this honor with the Black Box Acting community and every artist who believes that what we do can elicit change," says Audrey Francis.

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.

To post a comment, you must register and login.