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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.

SPECIAL EVENT ON FRIDAY, APRIL 5TH @ 8:00 PM

Ike Reilly is one of his generation's finest songwriters, a charismatic performer, and an incredibly gifted musician, but more than anything, he is a peerless storyteller. Join us in the cozy confines of a legendary Chicago pub for a special evening of acoustic music, and the stories around, behind, and within the songs. This is a rare opportunity to share an intimate experience with Ike, and the atmosphere will be closer to spending the night at the bar with a talented friend and his guitar than a traditional concert.
Limited seating! Tickets available now.

Our next monthly performance is on
Wednesday, April 17th,
Featuring ...

Terilyn Elise

Terilyn is a 25-year-old recovering homebody who has now lived in five states and traveled to twenty countries. She recently returned home to Chicago after a two month backpacking trip through Costa Rica, Panama, and Florida and is praying she doesn’t lose her tan before summer. Fingers crossed! Terilyn graduated magna cum laude from Connecticut College with a degree in Theater and American Studies, and has trained extensively around the world as an actor and playwright. Her original play “Lovelocked” is scheduled to premiere as a workshop in NYC during the spring of 2020. She also reads Tarot cards (I know, right?) and you can learn more about that at www.tarotbyterilyn.com.

Trevor Gertonson

Trevor Gertonson has had an interest in the arts since he was a child; Music, film and Stand Up were his favorites. In his school age years he took drama & music lessons. He started his first band at the age of 15. He wrote music for films which landed him a few cameos in independent films. After 13 years he wanted to give his true passion a chance and turned to stand up in 2010. He started in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the Acme Comedy Club where he was a semi-finalist in the 2010 Funniest Person in the Twin Cities Contest. He went on to perform his stand up throughout the Midwest and parts of the East and West Coast in rock venues and comedy clubs/festivals. He has been a regular at Gilda’s LaughFest in Grand Rapids, MI and the Elgin Fringe Festival. 2018 was his first year performing in the Milwaukee Comedy Festival. His first 30-minute special I've Seen better was released in 2012. He is also the creator of the comedy showcase DVD series Laugh You Bastards. Trevor’s stand up has been reviewed as “funny, weird and deeply human.” You should go see him. He would appreciate it.

Sarah Gise

Sarah is an actor/teaching artist/audiobook narrator who grew up in San Antonio and then moved to Los Angeles, where she graduated with a BFA in Acting from the University of Southern California (USC). Sarah has been working professionally as an actor since 2011, and has been in Chicago since 2013. She is a company member with Interrobang Theatre Project and New American Folk Theatre, and has been seen in a number of shows with them throughout the years. Her performance in Interrobang’s production of The Amish Project was nominated for Best Solo Performance at the 2017 Joseph Jefferson Awards. Despite her extensive acting and teaching background, she still gets stage fright when she has to speak (as herself) in public! She's turning 30 in May and promised herself she'd do a storytelling event before that, so HERE WE ARE :)

Katherine Hermina

Katherine Hermina, a Wisconsin native, has been a Chicago city girl the last 11 years. Her 10 year old German Shepherd has been a part of the adventure. Having a background in laboratory medicine along with a Masters in Business landed her the position of technical buyer by day. Driven by unnatural curiosity, Katherine set a goal a few years ago to experience new hobbies and explore this beautiful city while doing so during her free time in the evenings/weekends. Storytelling quickly became an area of fascination that she wanted to explore more. Along with Scott Whitehair’s class, her toastmasters club became a breeding ground for exploring different storytelling techniques and is still working on developing this skillset to become a better public speaker.

Jessica Schanberg

Jessica Schanberg grew up in NYC. She came to Chicago 12 years ago with only a hint of a job. She has been a graphic designer, writer, illustrator, and counselor. She is also the proud mama to 2 cats named Theo Monk and Lionel Hampton. Jessica is passionate about movies, Zumba and brunch.

Zach Selch

Zach Selch, the VP of Sales for a high tech medical company, has traveled and sold in about 140 countries and has lived in 6, and loves nothing more than taking his family off the beaten path. As a child Zach lived in 13 places in his first 13 years, none of them places you’d probably want to grow up in. After his family broke up when he was 15, he was all on his own until he met his lovely Columbian archeologist wife and started their family of 3 children and a Corgi. He now lives in an apartment by the lake with 43 varietals of honey, 25 types of mustard and a dozen types of vermouth. His lovely wife would like to know if anybody wants some honey, mustard or vermouth. Zach was a paratrooper scout in two conflicts and a bunch of little disagreements, but has not aimed a gun at anybody in close to 30 years, and does not really miss it.

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.