Curated or open mic; expository or scripted; theme-based or free-for-all — a live lit show in Chicago is a sure bet for your brain, soul, and (usually) your desire for a beer. Here’s a roundup of live lit shows happening as of now. Did we miss your favorite? Is there a new show in town we’re not cool enough to know about, yet? Email us.
| A Month Of
Themed storytelling show and potluck.
“Hybrid performance event combining storytelling, wine, and music since 2002.” There are classes and coaching, too.
Stand-ups and “regular people” tell true drinking stories. Comedy-focused.
Storytelling open mic series with multiple locations across Chicagoland.
First-person, non-fiction essays; proceeds donated to charity.
Writers read original (short) fiction and musicians perform original music and creative covers all based on a theme.
Humor-focused curated reading series.
Monthly open mic (five-minute limit) storytelling series.
Storytelling show. Five featured performers, five slots
Reading series organized by Curbside Splendor Publishing.
“Lady live lit.” Two host + four curated “non-dude” pieces each a month.
Lottery-drawn competition. Extemporaneous storytelling. National profile show with podcast and workshop offerings.
Weekly curated “live magazine.” |
Tuesday Funk
Fiction, poetry, and essays.
Non-competitive live lit for “all stripes.” Featured guest. Free, BYOB.
The First Time
Curated storytelling. Always free, since 2009.
Storytellers and comedians perform about their experiences being a slut.
Six featured storytellers.
Featured readers with three open mic slots (eight minutes each).
Six storytellers get 10 scripted minutes. Themed and curated.
Sunday Salon
“Community and survival storytelling.” Featured readers on a theme; five open mic slots.
“Intergenre reading series.”
“Two writers. Two opposing ideas. Literature as bloodsport.” Since 2012.
Stories on a theme read by curated lineup. Since 2012. |
*All info is subject to change because, life.
