Steppenwolf has announced the addition of Audrey Francis as the 47th member of the distinguished ensemble. Francis has performed in seven productions with Steppenwolf, most recently “The Fundamentals,” and teaches at the University of Chicago, the School at Steppenwolf, and is the owner and founder of Black Box Acting.

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 theatremaking 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.”

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” and “The Actor” (Goodman Theatre); “Othello” and “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.

“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.

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.