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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Our next performance is on
Wednesday, November 20th,
Featuring ...
Beatriz Badikian-Gartler
Beatriz Badikian-Gartler grew up in Buenos Aires and has lived in Chicago for fifty years where she received a Ph.D. in English. She's published two poetry collections and a novel as well as numerous essays, reviews, and short stories. She's also a visual artist focusing on collage and mixed media. Storytelling is her latest adventure into the world of words. And so far, it has been a joyous and inspiring journey.
Amy Meadows
Bookish, bawdy and almost always grammatically correct, Amy Meadows is new to the Storytelling and Stand-Up scene but has, in theory, been collecting material for well over half a century (okay, a little bit over half a century). You may have seen her Window Display work and more if you visited Marshall Fields and Macy’s during Christmas anytime between 1983 and 2008. If you were dragged downtown against your will for chicken pot pie under the Great Tree, her apologies (but you should know that there’s a story behind almost every snowflake, each elf and countless reindeer). Amy continues to teach and mentor designers and retailers through her work on the Columbia College faculty and as a consultant. She also continues her work with Second City, Chicago Dramatists and Lincoln Lodge, eager to share her observations and irreverent takes on life.
Lindsay Morris
Born and bred in the upper crust of the Connecticut peninsula, Lindsay fled the blue bloods for the deep and homey southern charm of New Orleans, Louisiana. There she spent 5 years lapping up culture and filling her closet with a plethora of costumes and wigs reminiscent of her childhood hero Fran Drescher. When the southern heat and her liver deterioration became too much she opted for a long drive to the midwest. In Chicago, she continued her compulsion for storytelling and playwriting. She has completed her first play called We Won't Fight with the Agency Theater Collective and is the editor of a new play coming out this fall called Blonde Poison. In truth, her life is a series of odd and poorly thought out decisions but with chaos comes incredible joy. Spontaneity had her sign up for story labs and Lindsay is excited to tell a good tale.
Jennifer Ostermeier
My name is Jennifer Ostermeier. I have impeccable taste in footwear, dresses, and eyewear. During the day, you will find me managing social media for a federal agency; managing two teenagers and a brood of house pets; and trying not to succumb to the ever present gloom and despair that is this world - hence the shoes. In my constant search for self expression and humor, I dabbled in stand-up comedy, which has now morphed into storytelling and I am so excited to be a part of this experience.
Gail Sikevitz
Gail Sikevitz, often known in the storytelling community, as “Jessica’s mom” has been a professional “listener” for 30 years. From her first visit to the Illinois Storytelling Festival, through two decades at the National Storytelling Festival and more recent trips to This Much is True and Stage Left Café in Woodstock, she has been inspired by dozens of tellers who have shared their personal stories and folktales. But, she has never taken the stage … until tonight. When not hanging out as an enthusiastic member of a storytelling audience, Gail spent her 45-year career behind-the-scenes in both television and education. As a producer and writer, she specialized in documentaries and community affairs programming at WBBM-TV and WMAQ-TV. Utilizing her knowledge of the media, she then spent two decades working at the Dolores Kohl Education Foundation, as the Director of Communications for the Kohl Children’s Museum, the Kohl McCormick Teaching Awards, and then as the Executive Director of the Foundation. Most recently she created and produced over 400 episodes of Green Screen Adventures, a national educational children’s program on Me-TV/WCIU-TV. Her work in television garnered over 30 national and local awards for outstanding achievement, including seven Emmy awards.
Dana Trottier
Originally from Massachusetts but been living in Chicago for the past 30 years. Worked as an engineer for half my career and then bought a franchise with no technology involved.
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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. |