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.
|
Story Lab continues on in 2021!
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21ST @ 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!"
April Cast
Matt Bower
Matt Bower cycles through poplin dress shirts as a workaday rum-drum in Pittsburgh, PA. However, he's pursued various side hustles over the years. Matt’s storytelling has been featured in the Moth GrandSLAM, the Risk! podcast, WordPlay, True Story, and others. His novel Save Me, Rip Orion was a quarterfinalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award 2013, and spent one glorious week on Amazon’s bestseller list in the satire category. Matt is a regular-ish contributor to Sherman Oaks Review of Books, the once and longtime satire "channel" of Los Angeles Review of Books. His writing has been published in McSweeney’s, Defenestration, Rumbunter, Neutrons/Protons, The Crucible, and others. Matt has performed as a member of several Pgh-based improv/sketch comedy troupes, including The Cellar Dwellers, and Arcade Theatre's house troupe Player One. His first gig was at a little-known joint in Natrona, Pa. called The Vault Theatre. Matt authors the blog Gunmeddle. He is excited to be a part of Chicago Story Lab. #downwithpoplin
Alaina Hoffman
Alaina Hoffman grew up in a small town in Oregon and studied theater and theology in Minnesota before moving to Chicago to study improv comedy 16 years ago. She has performed improv locally, nationally, and internationally, and now calls Laugh Out Loud Theater her home where she both performs and teaches. She has worn many career hats--Montessori toddler teacher, C-Suite assistant, dating service event planner, employee engagement specialist, and is currently a seminarian seeking ordination while studying interreligious chaplaincy and the intersection of theology and the arts. You can check out her portfolio at alainahoffman.com or listen to her hash out Hallmark movies with her friend Janet on their podcast Hallmark Hall of Shame.
Eytán Lasca-Szalit
Born in the 20th Century in Montevideo, Uruguay, Eytán Lasca-Szalit –aka Eytan Lasca and The MonteVideo Man-- is an actor, translator, simultaneous interpreter, voice-over talent, clandestine poet, standup comedian, and writer of stories. Eytán lived in six countries and at least 10 cities, speaks four languages (learning other two), plays soccer, shoots hoops, and gets high on David Lynch’s films, Netflix, and Lucinda Williams. In addition, sometimes he sleeps.
Dionne Leonhardt
I am a verbose, life long, over-sharer and idle prattler that is looking to try something new. I grew up in the Chicagoland area and have now settled as close as to Wisconsin as I could, without actually moving there. For the last 13 months I have been perfecting my Super-Market Sweep abilities and mastering my entertaining for none skills. In the near future I hope to add to the perennials in my yard and the be able to go someplace, that is not my yard.
Kui Mi Oh
Kui Mi Oh is a native Michigander who has made her home in the Valley of the Sun for the last twenty years. Her love and appreciation for the arts has guided her through different life paths in the art industry. From the apparel industry, to boutique owner and curator of handcrafted art to now, the beauty industry. She has spent the last 8 years as a hair stylist/colorist, enhancing peoples beauty and self esteem. She loves traveling, nature, hiking, skiing, and paddle boarding and most of all her dog, Lucy. She has had the privilege of meeting so many different people and have travelled to some unforgettable places. She is excited and honored to be sharing a story experience with you on Story Lab Chicago.
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.
|
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. |