Over the last 8+ years, we have provided the space for OVER 600 people from every walk of life and experience level to share their true personal stories with packed houses of attentive listeners. Each show is an unpredictable mix of the hilarious and the heartbreaking featuring memorable tales from your friends, neighbors, and fellow Chicagoans.
Come hear what people are saying, then get involved. |
Third Wednesday of Every Month
Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro 3905 N Lincoln Avenue 7:30 PM FREE! (Doors at 6:00. Please arrive early if you are dining.) New Voices Telling New Stories
Join us for an intimate evening of storytelling in the cozy back room of one of Chicago's best pubs. Each month, an entirely different lineup of up-and-coming storytellers will share their stories. Hosted by Scott Whitehair.
|
Story Lab continues on in 2021!
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH @ 7:00 PM CENTRAL
We are thrilled to continue our 11th year
with a whole new lineup of fresh tellers in an online event.
We are thrilled to continue our 11th year
with a whole new lineup of fresh tellers in an online event.
Our performance will take place on Zoom, and is free to attend, simply visit the link and fill out the simple form to receive log in information and further details. CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR "SEAT!"
FEBRUARY LINEUP COMING SOON!
January Cast
Lisa Henderson

Lisa Henderson is a Chicago storyteller and comedian who grew up in rural Wisconsin and, therefore, is constantly questioning if raising her two kids in Chicago without a yard will screw them up in life. Sher spent fifteen years working in consulting and earned a Master’s Degree in Product Design from Northwestern University, but is best known for laughing really hard at her own jokes. Lisa can be spotted telling stories around Chicago, including Second City, where she has completed the Humorous Memoir Writing Program and Stand-Up classes.
Beatriz Badikian-Gartler

Beatriz Badikian-Gartler grew up in Buenos Aires and has lived in Chicago for fifty years where she received a Ph.D. in English. She's published two poetry collections and a novel as well as numerous essays, reviews, and short stories. She's also a visual artist focusing on collage and mixed media. Storytelling is her latest adventure into the world of words. And so far, it has been a joyous and inspiring journey.
Joe Mallon

Prior to my early retirement, I was a partner at one of the world’s largest multinational accounting and consulting firms, where I helped the world be safe for those who wanted to reduce their taxes by any means possible. Now I have a job herding cats. Oops!!! I mean I’m a sprints coach for 70 girls on a girls Track & Field team at a Catholic college prep school here in Chicago. I love each and every one of them. My favorite album? Born To Run, by Bruce Springsteen. Other than that, I spend my time sitting in a French cafe, sipping a nice espresso.
Alyssa Cox

Alyssa is a Chicago transplant who hates the cold but braves the Arctic chill for love. A professional management consultant, committed list maker, and inveterate dabbler, she is a recognized amateur in the fields of horseback riding, crochet, literary critique, and bluegrass mandolin. Her long suffering friends and family are a little tired of listening to her tell the same stories over and over again, so she is now on the hunt for new venues and audiences to dazzle with her tales of suburban misadventure.
Linda Eisenberg

I am an eclectic storyteller with a fascination for the past. My interest lies between reality and illusion. My vision creates a historic stream that is not confined to my room. I experience it in my daily life. I am my writing; in the very simple sense that it reflects me and I echo it. I work from the inside out. The work reveals back to me my inner self.
Scott Whitehair (Host)

Scott Whitehair is a storyteller, teacher, and producer living in Chicago, IL. He is the producer of This Much Is True, Chicago's longest running monthly personal narrative series, creator of Story Lab Chicago, which has put 700+ new storytellers on stage since 2011, and director of Do Not Submit, a grassroots network of open mics across the city bringing people together to connect with each other. Scott tells anywhere someone will listen, including The National Storytelling Festival Exchange Place, Steppenwolf Theater, the historic Green Mill, and on NPR, the Risk podcast, and Siruis XM. He is a frequent guest instructor at the city's top universities, and his personal narrative class has been selling out every month since 2012. Scott is in demand as a coach and trainer, spending his days helping individuals, companies, and non-profits develop their voices as storytellers. In 2014, he was the featured instructor at Hong Kong Story Worthy Week, headlined by David Sedaris, and in 2015 taught an intensive at All Hallows College in Dublin.
Drink and Dine
Mrs. Murphy & Sons generously offers a $10 burger and beer special on show nights. No better way to enjoy stories than with a full stomach and a cold one in your hand. |
Tell YOUR Story
Story Lab Chicago is open to anyone wanting to share his or her story, regardless of experience or background. Click here for more details on getting started. |
Take a Class
Do you feel like you need a little more guidance and experience before taking the stage? Click here for more details. |