Over the last 11+ years, we have provided the space for OVER 750 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. |
3rd Thursday of Every Month Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro 3905 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago 7:30 PM (Doors at 7:00) FREE 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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April 18th Cast
Laura Garcia
Laura is a new story teller but has sold quite a few girl scout cookies if needed. She recently shifted from the work-a-holic life to "live it up and enjoy just for the hell of it" one... and is enjoying each day as if it's the last. Exciting trips, relaxing beaches, and intimidating speeches.... :)
Ivy Glennon
I don”t use the “Dr.” much but as a lifelong procrastinator, the fact that I actually finished my PhD mattered to me. A lot. I told myself if I finished this, it would atone for the Famous Artists Course my financially strapped single Mother paid for that I never finished in High School. For the piano lessons I dropped at 15. For the tap lessons my Mom pulled me out of at six because I was not disciplined enough. More contemporaneously, it would justify choosing to leave my first career and latest job as a TV reporter—and my first husband who was not a fan of that choice. Yup, last of my class to get my degree (besides the half dozen or so who gave up and veered elsewhere), but hey I finished. That, for me, led to a better career (30 years as a professor), a better husband (married 34 years now) and an early retirement that lets me take art classes and dance whenever I want (See Mom). Still don’t play the piano but I am a great audience. Meanwhile, all the inevitable kinks in the road, metaphorically and literally (a major car accident in ‘95) led me to Taiji (tai chi) and its root meditation practice: Qigong (chi kung) for rehab. Turns out taiji has side effects—more grounding, better balance physically and emotionally and a lesser tendency to beat myself up for not “finishing”. This bio is in right under the wire, by the way. Change is hard.
John Knowles
John is a corporate attorney (it is nothing like it is on TV) who grew up in the west suburbs and has lived in Chicago for the last 20 years. He enjoys going to sporting events, going to cool restaurants and bars, and binge watching prestige TV shows. Pretty much all of his public speaking has taken place in court, so he is here to be judged in a bar, instead.
Yolanda Ortega
Yolanda was born and raised in Chicago from a Mexican American family. She is a mother and grandmother volunteers in the community and works as a realtor. Her hobbies include karaoke and birdwatching.
Cat Roberts
My name is Cat Roberts (I use they/them pronouns). I am a mixed media artist and activist who has worked in food service since 2007. I am a spiritual agnostic who obsesses with Buddhist philosophy. I believe storytelling and community go hand in hand, in life and elsewhere. I am a horror/anime geek who enjoys vegan dining, thrifting everything, enjoys concerts, baking and volunteer work days at animal sanctuaries. And I’ve been an Incubus fan since 1999.
Lillian Nantucket Shoji
Lillian Nantucket Shoji is a Japanese-American artist who is fascinated by the throughlines of humanity. Did you know laughter is a universal language? How incredible! She has long believed that art is what nurtures our ability to witness and deeply know the joy, beauty, and heart of the world around us. She has a degree in physical theatre and frequently makes chocolate chip pancakes. Vocal vulnerability is rather scary to her, so she's excited to embark on this journey of storytelling where she can no longer hide behind her red nose or mimed walls. Embarking on journeys is a specialty of hers (yes, a Sagittarius) but for the time being she's looking forward to getting to know Chicago and its people.
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.
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. |