The LOFT
A New Space for Chicagoland Teens
The fourth floor of Steppenwolf’s new Liz and Eric Lefkofsky Arts and Education Center, also known as The Loft, is a brand-new space designed to house all of Steppenwolf Education’s programming and inspire the next generation of theater learners, makers and appreciators. The Loft includes three dedicated learning spaces for young people to explore and create within, as well as gallery walls that will feature artwork created by Chicagoland youth.
More than a series of classrooms, studios and reflection galleries, The Loft signifies Steppenwolf's deeply-seated commitment to education and to being the Chicago destination for teens to come and learn about what the arts have to offer. It's an invitation to all the theater nerds, the arts makers, the appreciators, the teens who just want to explore and try something new.
The Loft Teen Arts Project
The Loft Teen Arts Project (LTAP) was a juried competition open to visual artists in all mediums (mural, photography, sculpture, graphic design, printmaking, collage, graffiti, etc.) between 14–22 years of age interested in submitting their work for an opportunity to be exhibited in The Loft.
Selected by a jury of celebrated local artists, creatives and curators in collaboration with Chicago youth and Steppenwolf Education staff, the winners of LTAP had their artwork on display for one year at Steppenwolf, received a $1,500 cash prize ($2,500 for group submissions) and received a stipend for supplies and materials.
The Loft Opening Committee was a cohort of Chicagoland youth who dreamed up, developed and facilitated a series of events during the summer and fall 2021 to drum up community excitement leading up to the opening of The Loft. These young people represent former City Connections partner organizations BUILD Inc., Kuumba Lynx and Storycatchers, as well as past members of the Steppenwolf Young Adult Council.
- Ginelle A.B.
- Isabella B.
- La’Keisha B.
- Mikquel B.
- Miles C.
- Victoria C.
- Devin D.
- Kristen D.
- Ines G.V.
- Faith H.
- Hannah H.
- Andreauna K.
- Gannon L.
- Marquis M.
- Naima M.
- Winifred O.M.
- Gloria O.
- Katie S.
- Maiya S.
- William S.
- Joey V.
The Loft Advisory Council was a group of key Steppenwolf stakeholders, community members and civic leaders who served in an informal advisory role regarding the opening of The Loft.
- Susan Berghoef*
- Amy Bluhm*
- Mike Bolton
- Sheila Chapman
- Beth Davis*
- Jeremy Dunn
- Alfreda Eddings-Walls
- Amy Eshleman*
- Jane Fleming
- David Germaine
- Anais Gonzalez-Nyberg
- Lawrence Grimm
- John Hart*
- Elizabeth Ingram
- Leslie Jaffe
- Lauren Katz
- Lynn Lockwood Murphy*
- Robert LoPrete
- Lilian McGrady
- Jeremy Ohringer
- Vanessa Passini
- Cari Sacks*
- Robert Sanborn*
- Michelle Schlack
- Jennifer Stuart
- Elliot Stultz*
- Annie Tully
- David Wagener
- Allan Waite
- Ashley Walter
- Nina Winston
*denotes Steppenwolf Trustee
Explore the Loft
Architectural renderings courtesy of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, and construction progress photos of The Loft in Steppenwolf's Arts and Education Center.
Want More Information?
Are you a teen, educator, youth organization or community member who wants to learn more about The Loft or the programming happening at Steppenwolf this summer? Contact Steppenwolf’s Associate Director of Engagement, Rae Taylor.