Event Honorees
At the Come As You Aren't Ball, we celebrate those who have made extraordinary contributions to the arts and our community. This year, we are proud to honor three exceptional individuals and organizations whose dedication, vision, and generosity have shaped Chicago's cultural landscape.
John Morris
The Service to the Arts Tribute: Architect John Morris
John Morris was, to many, Chicago's theater architect. To the Lookingglass community, John was also family. John served as Lookingglass Board President for five years, later collaborating with the company and project team to bring Lookingglass into its first permanent home in The Chicago Avenue Pumping Station. The intimate and flexible mainstage has allowed the company room to innovate, engaging audiences and fellow storytellers for the past 23 years, setting a paradigm for regional theater in the process.
Born and bred in Michigan, John moved to Chicago in 1978. During this period, John immersed himself in the world of theater. He participated in over 200 productions in Detroit, New York, and Chicago, operating his own scenic studio, and contributing as set designer, scenic artist, carpenter, stage manager, and technical director for renowned theaters such as Second City and the Goodman Theatre.
John's passion for stagecraft led him to a master's degree in architecture in 1983. Since that time John dedicated himself to architecture for theater, notably his work with Steppenwolf, Old Town School of Folk Music, Lookingglass, and Black Ensemble Theater, establishing him as a leading theater architect. John is celebrated for intimate performance spaces that foster a strong connection between actor and audience, his collaborative and innovative approach to design, and for his enduring enthusiasm for storytelling.
Steve & Lorrayne Weiss
The Arts Champion Honoree: Steve and Lorrayne Weiss
Lookingglass Theatre Company is privileged to honor Steve and Lorrayne Weiss of Chicago with the 2026 Arts Champion Award at the Come As You Aren't Ball. Steve and Lorrayne have long been steadfast advocates for Chicago's cultural and civic life—championing access, education, and the belief that the arts are essential to a vibrant, equitable city. Their leadership has strengthened institutions across Chicago, inspiring countless others to invest in creativity, community, and the transformative power of storytelling.
At Lookingglass, Steve and Lorrayne's impact has been profound. Steve's decade‑long service on the Board of Directors has helped guide the company through pivotal moments, strengthening its artistic vision and organizational resilience. Their generosity and vision have helped nurture groundbreaking new work, support artists at every stage of their careers, and expand opportunities for young people to experience theatre that sparks imagination and empathy. Lorrayne's dedicated service on the Goodman Theatre's Women's and Trustee Boards has further amplified their shared commitment to innovative storytelling and the health of Chicago's artistic community.
Beyond any single stage, Steve and Lorrayne's devotion to creativity, education, and civic life has enriched Chicago's cultural fabric and inspired countless others to invest in the transformative power of the arts.
Wintrust Bank
The Corporate Leadership Honoree: Wintrust
Lookingglass Theatre Company is proud to name Wintrust Bank as the Distinguished Corporate Honoree at the 2026 Come As You Aren't Ball. As Chicago's Bank, Wintrust has long championed the cultural vitality, neighborhood strength, and creative spirit that define our city. Their deep commitment to community investment and local storytelling mirrors the heart of Lookingglass's mission. This honor celebrates Wintrust's extraordinary civic leadership and its enduring partnership in building a more connected, imaginative, and empowered Chicago.