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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December 21st Cast
Matt K.
Matt's family has lived around the North Side since the time of the Great Chicago Fire. He's a journalist and software developer who spends his free time cycling, camping, gardening and woodworking. He and his cattle dog, Cooper, enjoy road trips and dropping off the grid.
Eva McCann
Eva McCann is a visionary who brings artistic and performing arts resources together creating cultural experiences that educate, entertain and enrich lives. A longtime activist and community organizer, Eva has been writing stories with Goodman Theatre’s GeNarrations program since fall 2018, when she led the effort to establish a new writing and storytelling group at Willye B. White Park. She has also performed with the Goodman’s multigenerational InterGens ensemble. Along with her community work, Eva also works as a florist at Mariano’s bringing colors and shapes together with flowers to bring joy and to celebrate lives, past, present, and future. Eva is always working on new chapters and planning new adventures for her life and the lives of others around her in order to make the world a more interesting and a better place for all!
Judy Parker
Judy has been making up stories in her head her whole life. She finally started writing them down. She was a Dance major in college, with her favorite being theatre dance which led to being in musicals, which led to comedic acting roles, which led to doing stand up comedy, which led to writing. Not ever wanting to work at a desk wearing nylons, she became a tour guide telling stories. So, one thing has led to another. She is happy to be performing. She is represented by her cat Burney.
Dave Scott
Dave lives in Rogers Park and is committed to his three faith communities: Gilead Chicago, Bethany UCC and Lake Street Church of Evanston where he focuses on strengthening his faith, building community and reaching out in service. He was recently selected as the lead artist on a collaborative project with Redline Service, the Art Institute and the University of Miami to create artwork for use in national campaigns focused on ending homelessness.
Nancy Solomon
Nancy’s been a member of the Goodman Theatre’s storytelling program since 2019. This writing for performance program, GeNarrations, was invented by Willa Taylor 16 or more years ago for folks 55 and older. Nancy’s grateful to her teaching artist Adrian Abel Azevedo. In 2023, she discovered magical master storyteller Scott Whitehair and is still learning how to navigate the CTA to get to his stories and venues. A classmate dared Nancy to present her personal narratives at Fillet of Solo, Scott Whitehair’s wonderfully supportive Do Not Submit sessions at Hopleaf, Charmers in Roger Park and an extremely short list of other open mics. She’s thrilled and terrified to present at StoryLab and hopes she doesn’t screw up. If she does, be kind. She’s old.
Pete Wood
Pete has been practicing storytelling with Goodman Theatre's GeNarrations Program since 2018. He has performed twice in Lifeline Theaters "Filet of Solo" and will be featured again in January 2024. He has performed stand up comedy and played multiple roles for six years in Tony 'n Tina's Wedding at Pipers Alley. Pete is currently playing Johnny Rocco for 'Untouchable Tours' here in 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.
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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. |