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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 Fresh 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.
Over the last 15+ years, we have provided the space for 950+ 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. Hosted by Scott Whitehair.
September 17th Cast
Yara Artis
Yara Artis is in an everlasting covenant with Jesus Christ and is a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. She desires to be a lighthouse for resilience. A therapist, speaker, doctoral student, and researcher from the Chicago area, she enjoys meaningful conversations and laughing with her beloved Aussie. She is grateful for the opportunity to share a part of her journey with the Story Lab family.
Heather Baker
Originally a Jersey girl, she traded the shore for Lake Michigan after college. Chicago is home now, in all its three-seasons glory. Her career has been less of a straight line and more of a scenic route: marketing, veterinary medicine, and now HR. Proof that "what do you want to do when you grow up" doesn't need to have one answer. What ties it all together is a genuine love of people and a constant desire to learn new things. Outside of work, she's happiest with a camera in hand, ideally somewhere wild and far from a WiFi signal. She lives with her partner and senior Border Collie/Corgi Mix who has seen a few things and has opinions about it!
Rich Gongaware
Rich was born in northeast Indiana and knew he would end up in Chicago ever since his first field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry in the fourth grade. He moved to Chicago 27 years ago and has been working primarily in the service industry. Two time cancer survivor, he was inspired to give storytelling a try by his dear friend, Jennifer, and her storytelling gig at a previous Story Lab.
Susan Pachikara
Susan's parents immigrated to the United States from South India, and she grew up immersed in the art of storytelling. Her father, the second of 14 children, shared vivid stories of people and places back home. Susan saw firsthand how stories brought family and friends together, preserving memories and strengthening connections. Today, she's committed to carrying that tradition forward, celebrating storytelling as the gift it truly is.
Jason Klingler
I once traveled to 6 countries in 20 days, played in the World Series of Poker twice and run a food blog on Instagram without ever actually cooking a meal. I’m obsessed with live music, wait patiently for the next karaoke night and am still trying to figure out how all of this adds up to a normal adult life.
Revital Peremen
Dr. Revital Peremen spends most days sticking people with tiny needles in the name of better health and somehow they keep coming back. She is an enthusiastic acupuncturist, educator, reluctant gardener, and a cat mom. When she's not in the clinic, you'll probably find her solving the NYT puzzles, swing dancing, weeding, experimenting in the kitchen, or saying yes to activities that make for good stories later.
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 950+ 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, and the historic Green Mill. He is a frequent guest instructor at the city's top universities, and his personal narrative class has been selling out almost 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. He is honored to be a 2024 Meier Foundation Award winner.
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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. |