Daniel J. Rubin's drama The Viewing Room, which was developed in the first year of Steppenwolf Theatre Company's New Plays Lab last season, will get its fully-stage world premiere production Oct. 23-Nov. 17 as part of Steppenwolf's Studio Theatre 1996-97 season.

Also included in the Steppenwolf Studio season will be productions from smaller Chicago resident theatres, Redmoon Theatre, Latino Chicago Theatre Company and FreeStreet Theatre.

Anna D. Shapiro will direct The Viewing Room, set in a future in which prison overcrowding results in a black prisoner serving his term in the living room of a young white couple. The drama runs Oct. 23-Nov. 17.

Here is a precis of the rest of the season:

* Mad Joy, the story of a woman aging in reverse, developed in workshops by an ensemble of teen actors at FreeStreet Theatre. Sept. 19 29 * Fur by Migdalia Cruz, a darkly comic retelling of the Beauty and the Beast story, presented by Latino Chicago Theatre Company. Jan. 15-Feb. 9

The Designated Mourner by Wallace Shawn. American premiere set in a future where one man tried to uphold the ideals of an art and culture that have been destroyed. March 19-April 13

* Frankie & Johnny, drama created as a group effort by the Redmoon Theatre, directed by Blair Thomas and James Lasko. May 28-June 22

Subscriptions cost $46-$62. Tickets for Mad Joy are sold separately at $4-$15.

For tickets or information: (312) 335-1650.

-- By Robert Viagas