Storytelling Open Mic at Whitcomb’s
2nd Wednesday of every month, 7-9:00pm
Sign Up list opens at 6:45 (if you want to tell a story). $5 suggested donation.
Hosted by storytellers Mac MacDevitt, Isabelle Smith and Chris Locke.
The Storytelling Open Mic invites community members and visitors from all walks of life, backgrounds and orientations to come together and connect through the sharing of personal stories. This is a safe, supportive environment free from pressure and judgment. No experience is necessary to participate. It is OK to read from a paper if you choose. All are welcome to speak or come and listen.
Everyone has a story to tell, and we want to hear yours. Or come to listen to support your friends and neighbors who are sharing their stories with you.
How Does it Work - if I want to tell my story?
1) Simply show up at Whitcomb’s fifteen minutes before the open mic starts and sign up to tell. (Slots will be available throughout the night if space allows, so if you cannot arrive early, you may still have a chance to share).
2) Write your name on the list. Names will be called in order.
3) When your name is called, you get seven minutes on stage to tell or read any personal story you'd like.
FAQ
Q: Can anyone participate?
A: Absolutely. No experience is necessary to take part in the storytelling open mic.
Q: How does it all work?
A: The list is opened 15 minutes before the event starts. We will proceed in the order in which people sign up until we reach the end of the list. When your name is called, the stage is yours for seven minutes. We estimate that we have room for about 12 storytellers each night.
Q: What kind of stories can I tell?
A: Anything goes, from your life story to what you saw on the bus last week. Family stories, funny stories, heartbreaking stories - anything you want to share.Participants are welcome to tell from the head and heart, or to bring paper up with them if they need it.
Q: Is language/content a concern?
A: Generally, adult themes and language are OK if they are a part of you authentically expressing something you'd like to share. However, racism, misogyny, homophobia, or hate speech in any form will not be tolerated.
Q: Is the time limit strict?
A: Yes. You have 7 minutes. You will get a courtesy warning at 6 minutes. At 7 minutes, you will get another warning, meaning you should wrap it up. At 7:30-8:00, we will gently cut you off. We want to give all those who’ve signed up a chance to tell, and need to keep things tight in order to do so.
Q: Do I have to be there for the whole night?
A: Ideally, that would be really great, but it is not required. Your best chance of guaranteeing a spot in the lineup would be to get there close to when the list starts, but we can usually fit latecomers in as well. You are welcome to leave before the end of the night, but we remind you that the people after you on the list supported and listened to you, and it would be kind to return the favor.
Q: Is it OK to show up just to listen to the stories?
A: Definitely. We love having you in the audience. But we hope you will be inspired to share, whether on that particular night or sometime in the future.
Whitcomb’s Open Mic reflects the spirit and format of Producer Scott Whitehair’s “Do Not Submit” open mics and their volunteer hosts in venues throughout Chicagoland. Thank you, Scott.