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.
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Story Lab continues on in 2021!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 19TH @ 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!"
May Cast
Dee Fuller
Dee Fuller grew up in New York and New Jersey then lived in Los Angeles for 20 years. A change of plans found her moving to Chicagoland in 2014. She's often told she's a good storyteller but always dismissed it as a nice way of saying she talks too much. The truth is she has always had a passion for storytelling. She worked in film and television as a costumer, wardrobe supervisor, and stylist assistant. At the same time, she spent many years as a tour guide and reenactor at Heritage Square Museum in Highland Park. She took a break to raise two kids as a stay-at-home mom, but she never stopped telling stories. She now has time to pursue her multiple passions, which include dance, history, horror, art, and storytelling. She teaches music and movements to toddlers and preschoolers during the day and scares adults as costume manager and haunter at Massacre Haunted House at night. Story Lab is her first official storytelling event.
Stan Osowiecki
While a bit reserved and shy in real life, Stan Osowiecki has always had an inner desire to be a performer. Growing up, his passion was music. From the time he got his first records, Stan loved making mix tapes and this led him to become a college radio DJ. His passion for performing continued as a side job for many years after college as a DJ for weddings and parties. As with many people, work, family and life in general took main stage for Stan. Things changed when he began attending improv shows at Laugh Out Loud Schaumburg and receiving positive feedback the times he volunteered as an audience participant… and a new interest began to grow. While not much good came out of the pandemic, it did provide Stan with the opportunity to take online comedy, creativity and storytelling classes and his desire to perform has once again grown. When not performing comedy or storytelling, Stan can be found at Citi Field cheering on his beloved New York Mets, acting as the editor of the newsletter for the Connecticut chapter of Society for American Baseball Research, searching for sea glass on the beaches of Connecticut or making license plate signs.
Brendan Praniewicz
Brendan Praniewicz was an Army brat, born in Athens, Greece, and he has traveled all over the world but now resides in San Diego, California. There he teaches composition and creative writing at Grossmont College and San Diego Mesa College. He is an award-winning teacher, photographer, and writer. He has had more than twenty poems and short stories published. He also received first place in the Rilla Askew Short Story Contest, and he placed second in Tallahassee Review’s First Chapter’s Competition. He writes poetry, short story (fiction and nonfiction), and he’s currently working on a novel. In addition, he performs stand-up comedy, and he’s opened for Dat Phan, Erik Griffin, Ian Edwards, and Jamie Kennedy.
Noah Silver-Mathews
Noah Silver-Mathews is an outdoor educator, ecological restorer and old school co-oper in the vein of Big Bill Broonzy and Pete Seeger. He hails from Chicago and Evanston and lives at his co-op in the woods of rural southwest Michigan, where the trails tell their own tales and, if he’s listening carefully, he can hear those tales well enough to tell his own version. A former, swiss army-knife ensemble member of a puppet symbolist theatre and dabbling creative performer, he’s basically brand new to storytelling and eager for immersion.
Lindsay Williams
Lindsay is a devout Chicagoan, even though she was born in Dallas. She moved there 17 years ago to do improv and ended up discovering running and photography as well. She’s written and performed several solo shows around the city and misses performing like crazy. But for now she enjoys working her day job from home, baking, watching anything on TV, making ridiculous TikToks and living in sin with her amazing boyfriend.
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.
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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. |