Student Feature: My top 5 spaces for creative outlet in Logan
a review and trip down memory lane , written by intern and undergraduate student Tirzah Cobb.
6 August 2026
As a fourth year at UChicago and a long time lover of the performing arts, I have spent many a day and night in the Logan Center. Whether it be a 10 am art class in the basement or a 10 pm dance rehearsal in 701, I think it’s fair to say I’m familiar with the creative spaces that the center offers to its students.
As such, I would like to connect myself and my creative growth over the past four years to some of the most generative sources I’ve had available to me within the Logan Center. Which may or may not include some unconventional spaces that people may be under-using, simply because I don’t believe in gatekeeping space.
No. 5 Logan Cafe
As a student, I feel like the cafe doesn’t need much in way of an explanation. I’ve written many an essay, brainstormed for creative projects, and of course bought a multitude of energy drinks from the cafe to keep me awake to do my assignments. Bonus points for the cool art projects that rotate on the cafe’s walls. Who doesn’t want to feel like they’re studying in an art exhibit?
No. 4 9th Floor Penthouse
I might be giving myself away with this one but if you get really lucky and choose the right time of day you can take the elevator to the 9th floor and have the penthouse views all to yourself. My personal favorite way to use the free space is with an impromptu dance session. Plus, the view from the window is extremely photo-worthy!
No. 3 701 Rehearsal Space
I am a dancer and performer and across the span of my undergrad career I have spent many hours rehearsing in 701. It’s where a lot of late-night goofing off happens at night rehearsals, and where I’ve taught several of my own choreographic pieces. 701 is a space any student in a dance group on campus is probably familiar with, and for good reason. It’s also another great space for impromptu dance sessions if you can manage to find it unoccupied.
No. 2 The Staircase (either side)
2 words; acoustics and lighting. Try having an a cappella session/photo shoot in the staircase during golden hour. Just trust me on this one…
No. 1 The Performance Hall
I have so many fond memories of performing on this stage, most recently for the Where Fun Comes to Dance competition this past May. I can never properly describe the feeling of being on stage and hearing the crowd cheer you on and then getting to watch other talented performers do their thing from the audience. I have attended a lot of really awesome concerts in the performance hall, and it is always a little surreal when I am reminded that I have also had the chance to express myself creatively on the same stage. One such instance can be seen in the clip below, in RBIM’s dance piece from Where Fun Comes to Dance 2026 (I’m the one in the front).
All photo and video credits to me, Tirzah Cobb
