One of America's most significant regional theatre companies, Steppenwolf was founded in 1974 and has been based in a purpose-built complex on Halsted Street in Old Town since 1991. The ensemble includes Gary Sinise, John Malkovich, Laurie Metcalf, and other actors who built their careers here; the company's reputation for intense, physical ensemble performance shaped American regional theatre.
The complex has been expanded multiple times and now includes the main 515-seat Downstairs Theatre and a smaller studio stage. The programme runs from September to June, with a mix of new American plays and bold revivals. Tickets are often available on the day for sold-out productions; the garage theatre downstairs has the most intimate staging. Halsted at North Avenue.