# Steppenwolf Young Adult Council

Free year-long council at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre: 30 high school students meet weekly, see 30+ plays, work with professional artists, and curate teen programming, with travel stipends and paid roles.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Steppenwolf Theatre Company |
| Category | arts |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Chicago, IL |
| Apply | https://www.steppenwolf.org/education-and-engagement/for-teens/ |

## About this program

# Steppenwolf Young Adult Council

Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the ensemble theater famous for launching generations of American actors, runs the Young Adult Council as its flagship teen program. Each year a council of 30 high school students from across the Chicagoland area comes together weekly at the theater's Arts and Education Center to learn how a professional arts organization operates from the inside.

## What You'll Do

- Meet weekly at Steppenwolf with a cohort of 30 teens from across Chicagoland
- Attend more than 30 plays throughout Chicago each season at no cost
- Take workshops with leading professional theater artists
- Collaborate as an ensemble to curate and host teen nights at Steppenwolf
- Access paid community engagement and leadership opportunities beyond the weekly meetings

## Who Should Apply

High school students in the Chicago area who are serious about theater - as performers, writers, designers, critics, or future arts leaders. The application includes a peer recommendation from another teen and a professional recommendation from an adult such as a teacher or mentor. Applications for the 2026/27 council were due April 24, 2026; the next cycle typically opens in spring.

## Outcomes

Council members graduate with an insider's understanding of professional theater operations, a season's worth of performances and workshops, and a network of Chicago theater artists. The council is free to join, with travel stipends available, and members can apply for multiple paid opportunities at the theater - a rare early resume credit at one of America's most celebrated regional theaters.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Steppenwolf Young Adult Council cost?

Steppenwolf Young Adult Council is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### Who is eligible for Steppenwolf Young Adult Council?

Steppenwolf Young Adult Council is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Steppenwolf Young Adult Council online or in person?

Steppenwolf Young Adult Council is an in-person program based in Chicago, IL.

### How do I apply to Steppenwolf Young Adult Council?

Apply directly through Steppenwolf Theatre Company's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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