Producer

Now celebrating its 50th Anniversary Season, Steppenwolf Theatre Company has been a cultural leader in Chicago and model for theatre companies in the United States and around the world. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble represents a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors, playwrights and stage managers. Steppenwolf’s artistic ambitions are made possible by its incredible workforce of individuals, who help create a culture of inclusivity, collaboration and accountability. To that end, we attempt to use an anti-oppressive and anti-racist lens in our roles and everyday decision-making. Join us in this ongoing process, as we navigate, together, our complex world.

Opened in 2016, Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater is an intimate venue dedicated to Chicago artists working across form and discipline: emerging artists and performance legends, quintessential Chicago companies and young aspiring ensembles, familiar Steppenwolf faces and new friends. For nearly ten years, the theater has been the home of the LookOut Series, which annually presents an eclectic slate of 100+ Performances from 300+ artists, welcoming 7,000+ audiences to Steppenwolf. As the venue (and the Series) approaches its tenth anniversary in 2026, Steppenwolf seeks a Producer to execute current programming models, while designing and implementing new innovative programs to meet the contemporary needs of Chicago’s arts ecosystem.

The Producer for the 1700 Theater is an experienced producer/presenter, passionate about serving Chicago-based artists across discipline. Reporting to Steppenwolf’s Creative Producer, and an active member of Steppenwolf’s Artistic Staff, this role maintains and supports the systems behind a busy programming calendar, while envisioning future opportunities and programs in alignment with Steppenwolf’s mission. In collaboration with the Production Supervisor and the Creative Producer, the Producer makes key decisions about artistic programming, strategy and vision for all artistic activities in the 1700 Theater. Candidates should possess a knowledge of the performance scene in Chicago, a passion for championing bold artists, a proven commitment to equity and inclusion, and a strong perspective on—and understanding of—performance across discipline.

Responsibilities:

Producing:
Managing artist correspondence, gathering and distributing information between outside artists and internal departments.
On-Site Line Producing, directing and aligning the work of Box Office, Front of House, Production and Artists.
Leading marketing efforts in collaboration with Steppenwolf’s marketing department, including social media management, email strategy, digital/website maintenance and on-site marketing.
Programming:
Fielding inquiries from Chicago based artists, scouting work and managing application processes.
Making programming decisions, in alignment with institutional goals and resources, in collaboration with Production Supervisor and Creative Producer.
Coordinating announcement, on-sale and programming timelines on an ongoing basis.
Administration:
Drafting, editing and managing the annual program budget of approximately $150k.
Supervising the settlement process, prioritizing timely payments to artists.
Processing ticket orders, reporting on sales and inventory management in Tessitura.
Track key performance metrics of programming on an ongoing basis.
Program Design, Implementation and Evaluation:
In collaboration with Creative Producer and Production Supervisor, design and implement new models of programming for the venue, inclusive of needs assessment, implementation and ongoing evaluation.
Strategize key areas of opportunity for transformative performance experiences for artists and audiences in Chicago.
Artistic Office Responsibilities:
Participate in conversations around season selection and overall artistic strategy.
Represent the Artistic Office and Steppenwolf generally through a variety of one-off events, engagements and initiatives.
Qualifications:

5+ years of experience in programming, presenting, producing, talent booking, event producing, artist advocacy, curation, production management or related field.
Thorough knowledge of Chicago’s arts ecosystem, and a track record of advocacy for a diversity of local artists. Especially valuable is knowledge of Chicago’s dance, music, comedy, drag, and/or performance art communities
Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of different constituencies (artists, administrators, front line staff, funders etc.)
Problem-solving instincts, flexibility, generosity and a desire to learn existing systems and innovate new ones.
Literacy in the basic principles of Program Design/Evaluation, and meaningful experience implementing and/or evaluating programs.
Comfort working on teams with shared decision-making structures and working independently.
Familiarity with Tessitura or similar arts enterprise software a plus.
Familiarity with Instagram content creation an added plus.
Attention to detail.