11. Behind the Curtain at Steppenwolf with Audrey Francis & Glenn Davis

This week, we got DIBS on Audrey Francis and Glenn Davis, the dynamic co-artistic directors of Chicago’s legendary Steppenwolf Theatre. From its scrappy beginnings in a Highland Park church basement to its 50th anniversary season, Steppenwolf has redefined American theater, launching iconic productions, shaping generations of actors, and making Chicago a global cultural force.In this episode, Audrey and Glenn pull back the curtain on how the ensemble operates, what it means to nurture bold new voices, and how they’re keeping Steppenwolf’s rebellious spirit alive while planning a boundary-pushing season. We talk about their own journeys from actors to artistic leaders, the delicate balance between honoring classics and debuting new work, and what makes Chicago audiences so uniquely special.In this episode, we cover:The origin story: How three young actors built Steppenwolf into a world-class theater company.Building an ensemble: Why long-term relationships and artistic trust fuel their success.Behind the season: A preview of Mr. Wolf, Feet, Windfall, Catch as Catch Can, and a revival of Amadeus.Life onstage: Their advice for aspiring actors, and how they keep the work honest, brave, and alive.Steppenwolf’s 50th season celebrates its storied past while boldly embracing the future—and Audrey and Glenn are steering the company with passion, humor, and a fierce love for Chicago.Episode Resources:Learn more and explore upcoming shows at Steppenwolf.Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman