Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/Chicago
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Earlier dates (1)
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Who Gets to Measure Reform in The Gradient at Lincoln Park?
In The Gradient, the people overseeing reform also have an institutional stake in its outcome. Steph Del Rosso puts an idealistic new employee inside a futuristic rehabilitation center for men accused of sexual misconduct, where technology, corporate ambition and profit complicate the stated work of change.
Tess enters the system
Tess joins the center hoping to take part in its reform work, but the organization’s business interests complicate that purpose. Because she is an employee rather than one of the people enrolled in the program, the setup brings the institution’s own practices into focus.
The play’s questions extend beyond whether an individual can change: they include who sets the standard for accountability and who has the authority to decide when change deserves forgiveness. That tension gives the satire its particular focus on power as well as rehabilitation.
Further reading: The Gradient at Lincoln | Chicago Park District ↗ · Buy tickets – The Gradient by Steph Del Rosso ↗
A production in Campfire’s 2026–27 season
Campfire Repertory Theatre includes The Gradient in its 2026–27 Season 4, titled No Small Womxn. The company describes the season as femme-forward, with work celebrating women and queer voices. Gina Cioffi directs; Campfire identifies her as its Associate Artistic Director and describes her artistic practice as engaging with feminine rage and the silencing of femme voices.
The season page also lists a New Works Festival, scheduled for Jan. 22–24, 2027, and And M is for Medusa by Jessica Posey, scheduled March 18–April 4, 2027. Those are separate season offerings, not additional activities at the Lincoln Park performances.
Further reading: Tickets/Events | Mysite ↗ · Home | Campfire Repertory Theater| Chicago ↗ · Our Team | Mysite ↗
A neighborhood building with changing purposes
Lincoln Park Cultural Center occupies a Georgian Revival building designed by Edwin Hill Clark and built in 1927 as the park’s administrative headquarters. After the Chicago Park District formed in 1934, the building continued to serve administrative and police functions. By the early 1940s, it also housed the North District police station, while other rooms hosted community meetings and classes in subjects including jewelry making, costume design, photography, and fly tying.
After the park police force moved to the Chicago Police Department in 1959, the basement was adapted for arts and crafts. The building received its Cultural Center name in 1965, when its instructors included professionals in drama, music, puppetry, crafts, and dress and millinery design. That history helps explain the venue’s long-standing role as a place for both civic work and community arts.
Further reading: Lincoln Park - Cultural Center ↗
The same play on both dates
Both Lincoln Park listings name The Gradient and the same creative team: Steph Del Rosso wrote the play, Campfire Repertory Theatre presents it, and Gina Cioffi directs. The dates are two scheduled performances of one production, not separate program offerings.
Thursday, November 12, 2026 · Lincoln Park - Cultural Center
- The Gradient, written by Steph Del Rosso, presented by Campfire Repertory Theatre and directed by Gina Cioffi.
Thursday, November 19, 2026 · Lincoln Park - Cultural Center
- The Gradient, written by Steph Del Rosso, presented by Campfire Repertory Theatre and directed by Gina Cioffi.
Plan your visit
Two Thursday evening performances
The Park District lists performances on Thursday, Nov. 12, and Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. That is the listed event window, not a separately confirmed running time.
The Gradient at Lincoln | Chicago Park District ↗ · The Gradient at Lincoln | Chicago Park District ↗
The listed event fee is $0.00
The Park District lists a $0.00 event fee. Ticket Tailor offers date selections, but the supplied listing information does not establish whether reservations are required. Check the Lincoln Park listing for booking instructions before going.
The Gradient at Lincoln | Chicago Park District ↗ · Buy tickets – The Gradient by Steph Del Rosso ↗
Review the age information and advisory
The Park District labels the age range “Adult.” Its content advisory recommends the play for ages 16–17 and older and flags themes of sexual assault, sexism and misogyny, and adult language. The listing does not state a strict minimum-age rule.
The Gradient at Lincoln | Chicago Park District ↗ · The Gradient at Lincoln | Chicago Park District ↗
Request accommodations in advance
The event listing does not specify performance-specific accessible entrances, seating, or accommodations. The Park District’s general policy directs accommodation requests to [email protected] or (312) 742-4298. Contact the District at least one week before the date the services or items are needed; sign-language interpreter requests require at least 72 hours’ advance notice.
Getting to Lincoln Park Cultural Center
Address and directions
The event is listed at Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 North Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614. The listing identifies the venue but not a performance-specific entrance. Its map link can calculate directions from your starting point.
The Gradient at Lincoln | Chicago Park District ↗ · Lincoln Park - Cultural Center ↗
Public transit
The venue page directs visitors to the CTA website for public-transit directions but does not name a route for this event. Use CTA trip planning to check a route from your starting point.
Parking
Paid parking is available in Chicago Park District lots in the area. The venue page directs visitors to its parking information for rates and details; event-night availability is not specified.
Before you make a plan
What dates and times are listed?
Thursday, Nov. 12, and Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The listed window does not confirm the play’s running time.
The Gradient at Lincoln | Chicago Park District ↗ · The Gradient at Lincoln | Chicago Park District ↗
Do I need to reserve a ticket?
The Park District lists a $0.00 event fee, and Ticket Tailor offers date selections. The supplied listing information does not confirm whether reservations are required; check the Lincoln Park listing for instructions.
The Gradient at Lincoln | Chicago Park District ↗ · Buy tickets – The Gradient by Steph Del Rosso ↗
Is there a strict minimum age?
The Park District labels the age range Adult and recommends the play for ages 16–17 and older. It does not state a strict minimum age. The advisory flags sexual-assault themes, sexism and misogyny, and adult language.
How can I request an accommodation?
Contact the Park District at [email protected] or (312) 742-4298. Its general policy advises requesting accommodations at least one week ahead; sign-language interpreter requests require at least 72 hours’ notice.
Location & Google Maps
Lincoln Park - Cultural Center
2045 North Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.