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, JUNE 16TH @ 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!"
Also, ... A SPECIAL OUTDOOR EVENT!
Storytelling in The Square
Saturday, June 12th @ 7:30 PM
North Center Town Square (4100 N Damen)
Please join us for a safely done LIVE, IN PERSON PERFORMANCE in a beautiful outdoor venue
For details and tickets, please click here.
Saturday, June 12th @ 7:30 PM
North Center Town Square (4100 N Damen)
Please join us for a safely done LIVE, IN PERSON PERFORMANCE in a beautiful outdoor venue
For details and tickets, please click here.
June Cast
Suz Ballout
Suz Ballout is a Seattle born stand-up comedian. She has produced shows all over Seattle and Chicago and is now taking time away from comedy to pursue storytelling. She can’t wait to break away from a funny persona to one that hopefully everyone can relate to.
Réka Ehrentreu
Réka Ehrentreu is originally from Peoria, Illinois, home to the “Crying Pig” statue and the birthplace of Richard Pryor. After an extensive Catholic education and a fear of being on stage, she broke away from both at the age of eighteen. She attended SIU-Carbondale’s Radio-TV Production program and DePaul University’s MFA in Screenwriting program. She’s dabbled in stand-up comedy, auditioning at Zanies in 2018, storytelling at Louder Than a Mom, and memoir writing nurtured by best-selling author Pamela des Barres. Her screenplays “Mom and Pop Rock,” “The Truth Hurts,” and “Mama Charlotte” have been finalists in various screenwriting contests over the last five years. Réka believes every woman has a story. Women should embrace their life experiences and not be afraid to find and use their voices. When not working full time, she enjoys baking, concert photography, yoga, meditation, and silent films. She currently resides in Rockford, Illinois, aka, the home of Cheap Trick, and is working on a comedic limited series.
Geneva Norman
Geneva Norman is a Chicago vocalist, songwriter, musician and music arranger. She has performed throughout Europe, including, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Poland, France, Spain, etc. She has performed with musicians along the W. Coast of Africa traveling South along the Atlantic coast to South Africa and in 47 of the 50 United States. She wrote the locally popular “Obama Vote Song” in 2007. She is a storyteller and has been a student and actor at The Goodman Theatre, 2nd Story, Free Street Theater, About Face Theatre, The Looking Glass Theatre and many others. She is the lead vocalist of the Geneva Convention Band and the G2 band. She has arranged many pieces of work throughout her career and is currently the creator and executive producer/director of “The Aretha Project- Chicago Tour”.
Alex Stein
Alex Stein is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, writer, and multiple Moth Story Slam winner. His essay collection No, Mr. Bond, I Expect Your Dreams To Die caused America’s Comedy to label him “a masterful storyteller who peppers his tales with humor, soul, and a top-notch wit.” And while he doesn’t like labels, that’s not a bad one to have. He has created, hosted, and curated storytelling shows in Los Angeles for more than five years, where he is a staple of the local storytelling community. For the past nine years, he’s cohosted the world’s most popular Iditarod podcast (while living in a city that never gets cold enough for water to freeze) and is the author of Tales From the Trail: Short Fiction About Dogs, Mushing, and Sled-Dog Races.
Jessica Winowich
Jessica Winowich (Jess) lives in Columbus, Georgia with her little dog Bogart. She studied Theatre Education at Columbus State University. Jess has worked in advocacy for people with Disabilities as well as being a caregiver for her mom. Currently she is a Community organizer. She is also an active member of New Hope Presbyterian Church where she serves on multiple committees, and has the true joy of writing and directing plays for the Children and Youth. Jess has been an actor, poet, writer, and comedian. She is new new to Storytelling; she loves it and is eager to see where this new journey may lead.
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. |