Over the last 6+ years, we have provided the space for over 500 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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Our Next Show Will Take Place on
WEDNESDAY, May 16TH,
Featuring ...
Amy Bean

Amy is a middle school teacher from the Boston area. She has lived in New Orleans, New Mexico, and now Chicago. When she’s not grading papers at Dunkin’ Donuts or scheming ways to make 7th grade more interesting, she can be spotted watching sports, heckling the New York Yankees, playing board games, dancing, running, cooking, and pretending to be a weight lifter at Planet Fitness. She looks forward to hearing and sharing stories through Story Lab.
Steph Fowler

As a quiet kid in rural Iowa, Steph Fowler spent hours reading Choose Your Own Adventure books from the local library. As an adult, she’s learned to use a similar "do over" approach when she doesn’t find the happy ending she had hoped for. She's now an entrepreneur and mental health professional who uses narrative therapy to help clients discover new stories and create lives they love. When she's not working long hours, she can be found writing or doing cross-stitch in late night establishments or enjoying the therapeutic benefits of boxing, cosplay karaoke, and cat cafes.
Ray Lauk

Dr. Ray Lauk has been a school superintendent and business manager since 1993 in suburban Cook County, downstate Illinois, and overseas at the American School of Brasilia, Brazil. Ray also teaches School Finance at Concordia University in Chicago and at The College of New Jersey’s international master’s program in Bangkok, Thailand. Ray has been transitioning from school leadership to being an entrepreneur. In 2014, he created Dr. Ray’s Toffee, a gourmet toffee candy business that was built on his 38 years of toffee making. Ray is also professional speaker who speaks across the country on a variety of business topics. A marathon runner, Ray is running his eighth Chicago Marathon in October, 2018.
Kate Lorber-Crittenden

Kate is a high school English teacher who is committed to social justice education, equity, and inclusion. When she’s not working, she’s bound to be at the gym or curled up with a good book for a short reprieve; if she’s got a bit more time on her hands, she’s likely getting out of town and into nature . Kate got interested in the storytelling scene about five years ago but has only told a handful of times. She’s thrilled (and a tad a bit nervous, too) about her first appearance on the Story Lab stage!
Michael Sanchez

Michael Sanchez is a filmmaker, songwriter and recovering stand-up comedian. A co-founder of Comedians You Should Know and the storytelling show I SHIT YOU NOT, Michael would give it all up in a heart beat to "make it" with his band The Electric Dylan Controversy.
lifejazzfilms.com
electricdylan.com
lifejazzfilms.com
electricdylan.com
Gillian Summers

Gillian is Irish, and grew up in Liverpool, where everybody inherited the 'gift of the gab'! She is a recently retired R.N., who has lived in Australia, California, Hawaii, Oregon and now, more recently, Chicago. Realizing she may have more stories than she has years left to tell them, her New Year's resolution is to die trying!
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. |