Join Us!
Since January of 2011, over 350 people from all walks of life have told a story from our stage to full, enthusiastic audiences. Everyone who has taken the risk of sharing with us has had a memorable night and succeeded wildly.
We want you hear your story too. No experience of any sort is necessary, and you will be given all of the support necessary to make your experience with us overwhelmingly positive.
There is zero cost to attend or participate in Story Lab.
We want you hear your story too. No experience of any sort is necessary, and you will be given all of the support necessary to make your experience with us overwhelmingly positive.
There is zero cost to attend or participate in Story Lab.
How to get involved
It's a simple, two-step process:
1) See the show.
Come experience a Story Lab performance. If you like what you see and want to be a part of it ...
2) Sign up.
There is a sign up list at every show, or you can email us after you attend.
That's it. If you do these things, you are guaranteed a spot on stage at Story Lab.
It's a simple, two-step process:
1) See the show.
Come experience a Story Lab performance. If you like what you see and want to be a part of it ...
2) Sign up.
There is a sign up list at every show, or you can email us after you attend.
That's it. If you do these things, you are guaranteed a spot on stage at Story Lab.
What happens next?
- Once you sign up, you will get an email asking for a few details about yourself. Reply to this email, and you are on the booking list.
- Due to the number of people who have signed up, it will usually take a few months to get you a spot. You will receive an email with a proposed date for your show, and the mandatory workshop (more on this later). If you accept, we will ask for a short bio and some sort of picture to help us promote your big night at Story Lab.
- You will attend the scheduled, mandatory peer feedback workshop 1-2 weeks before your performance. This is a low pressure meeting where you will simply share your story with the rest of the cast, and get some feedback if you'd like it. It's mainly a chance to practice in a supportive space, and bond with the other people doing the show that month. Your story can be in any shape for the workshop, so there is absolutely no pressure to bring in a polished piece.
- You take the stage on the night of your performance and have the time of your life.
What about the story?
- Any story you'd like to tell is perfect for Story Lab, as long as it is a true personal tale.
- There are no themes or topics. The time limit is 7-10 minutes. We ask that you truly tell your story on stage, without any notes or reading. (Worried about memorization? Don't be. It's not necessary with stories you carry in your heart, and we'll help you prepare.)
- You do it your way. We are here to support, but will never force revisions, demand edits, or put our fingerprints all over your story.
Can I really do this?
- Story Lab Chicago was created to give absolutely anyone a chance to get on stage and share his or her stories in an intimate, encouraging environment. Everyone has a story – we want to hear yours. We have not had a single person "fail" at Story Lab over the last 6 years. You won't be the first.
- Although a few of our performers have done this before, there is absolute no experience necessary to take part in the lab. The only requirement is that you open yourself up to sharing a personal story, and that you put the work in make your story (and your experience) a memorable one.
- Our storytellers come from a diverse background. While it’s true that some come from a creative field (comedians, novelists, actors, etc.), we have had many more accountants, dog walkers, scientists, and baristas . Have never done anything creative in your life? First of all, we highly doubt that. Second of all, we are all storytellers. This is just a slightly more formal version of something you do every day.
What are you waiting for? You are the only person standing in your way.
Come see a show, and then join us for a story.