By Charlotte H.
This spring, the Steppenwolf Theatre is inviting Chicago-area teens to join its Young Adult Council and become part of a world-renowned theater community.
Founded in 1974, Chicago’s Steppenwolf has received national accolades, including 12 Tony Awards and the National Medal of Arts. It’s also known for it’s extensive ensemble, featuring world-renowned actors including John Malkovich, Gary Sinise, and Laurie Metcalf.
The Steppenwolf says its Young Adult Council (YAC), created in 2007, is “an integral part of the lifeblood of the theater.” This group is made up of Chicago-area teenagers who meet weekly throughout the year.
Some YAC programming includes “Teen Takeovers,” where they invite area teens to watch a Steppenwolf play and engage in post-show programming featuring speakers and activities. According to YAC member Mel Butler, a senior at Latin School of Chicago, being exposed to every new Steppenwolf show is a unique opportunity. “The work that is put on is very intentional and it’s pushing boundaries and telling untold narratives. I genuinely walk away with something new each time,” Butler says.
Several YAC meetings each year are dedicated to “Script Bootcamps,” where members read and discuss scripts for new plays at the Steppenwolf. Guest speakers, such as playwright and screenwriter Tarell Alvin McCraney, best known for the film “Moonlight”, also visit. Butler says she finds this program to be especially helpful.
“The textual analysis I’ve learned is incredibly useful. I truly think I’m a better actor for it!”
For teens with more of an interest in what happens behind the scenes, YAC members also watch rehearsals of plays and meet with the costume shop, set designers, and lighting designers. “There are so many varied, amazing opportunities for YAC members,” says Joanie Cox, a council member and senior at Senn High School.
The program requires a time commitment of weekly meetings in addition to programs and events. “We want folks who are eager to explore and investigate through our programming and be fully engaged,” says Jalyn Greene, producer of teen programming.
Joanie Cox says this time together creates a strong sense of community. “I have made some very close friends through YAC,” Cox says. “I have created such a tight-knit cohort.” Mel Butler agrees. “YAC is so dear to me because we all really want to be there and we’re all interested in theater.”
According to Greene, members of YAC also gain a sense of empowerment. She hopes teens “end their time in YAC knowing that they are experts in their own experiences, that there is power and agency around sharing their voices in creative spaces.”
Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort of YAC are due Friday, April 25.
Interested candidates can fill out an online application and, if selected, come in for an interview. To succeed in this process, Butler advises applications to, “JUST BE YOURSELF! Bring yourself, authentically and unapologetically.”
For those interested in applying, visit their website.