Story Lab Chicago - Chicago Storytelling By Fresh New Storytellers
  • Home
  • About Us
  • TELL YOUR STORY
  • Classes
  • PAST PERFORMERS
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
  • FAQ
  • Contact Us
Picture

Picture

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.    ​


Our next performance is on
​Wednesday, December 18th,

Featuring ...


Brad Brubaker

Picture
Brad Brubaker is a theatre artist and musician. He produces and performs in the Whiskey Radio Hour, a thrice-annual live show that is always looking for director and playwright submissions. As a musician, he plays with Brad Bru & The Crowd Goes Wild. Their music can be heard on Spotify and everywhere else, including the delightfully-demented holiday tune "Joy (Christmas with Mr. Waits)."   whiskeyradiohour.com
 andthecrowdgoeswild.bandcamp.com


Kumar Jensen

Picture
Kumar Jensen (he/him/his) spends too much of his time accidentally inventing things that already exist. He writes occasionally, usually about identity, specifically as it relates to his experience as a transracial adoptee born in India and raised in a hippie commune in rural Ohio.


Diana Kaiser

Picture
Diana Kaiser has spent most of her time telling stories from behind the scenes. She received her bachelor's in Theatre Design and Technology from Ball State University in 2010, and her MFA in Lighting Design in 2013. After several years of freelance design and technician work, Diana hung up her c-wrench and gobos for other opportunities. She is now exploring other ways to stay creatively involved and is looking forward to her first time at Story Lab. You may have seen her share a story at Sidetrack's Outspoken! or perform in Pride Films and Plays all female production of 12 Angry Men.


Melissa Schmitz

Picture
Melissa Schmitz is a theatre artist and arts administrator. She was born and raised in semi-rural Wisconsin, and yes, it does have the best cheese. Chicago is the 4th major city she's lived in, and she was convinced to move here after a fortuitous and random tarot card reading two and a half years ago. Melissa is a connoisseur of pizza and cupcakes, but her favorite thing in Chicago (besides theatre) is Vosges Chocolate. She is currently the Marketing Director for Shattered Globe Theatre.


Allison Torem

Picture
Allison is a Chicago-born Jew who followed in her grampi's footsteps by attending The University of Chicago and who follows in her grandma's footsteps by seeing a little too much treasure in other people's crap. She is the first to admit that being an artist of multiple forms- painting, improv, acting, filmmaking, writing- has its challenges, but, she is grateful to be adding storytelling into the mix because it is just so cool. After performing in Chicago's 2016 Lit Crawl, she is exuberant to resume the storytelling side of her with this show.  


Katie Young

Picture
Katie Young has lived in Chicago for her entire life, minus a short stay in Central Illinois where she got her Masters in Sociology at Illinois State University. She currently works doing evaluation research at a nonprofit. When not at work, Katie enjoys traveling, being outdoors during the few months the weather is tolerable, and reading. Please check out her blog at 
https://youngandwitty.home.blog.


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.