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Do Not Submit is a series of free open mics around Chicagoland where people from all walks of life and backgrounds can come together each month to connect through the sharing of personal stories in a safe, supportive environment free from pressure, judgment, or a cover charge. 

No experience is necessary to participate.
All are welcome to speak or simply listen. 

Everyone has a story to tell, and we want to hear yours.
Do Not Submit is produced by Scott Whitehair and only made possible by an extraordinary team of enthusiastic, passionate hosts.

How Does it Work?

1) Simply show up at the neighborhood venue a half hour before the open mic starts. (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 story you'd like. 


You are also welcome to attend just to listen.  See below for details on each open mic, and visit our FAQ if you need answers.  

WE ARE BACK IN 2021!!!​

For the next several months, we will be holding our storytelling open mics virtually in order to stay safe and help protect our community.

Here's how it will work:

1) Click on the links below to fill out a simple Google form and register for the event.  (None of your contact info will be shared.) You are welcome to join us as a teller or simply as a listener).

2) You will receive a Zoom link a few days before the event. Zoom is free and easy to install on your devices if you haven't yet. All you need is a smartphone or computer with webcam. (The event will not be live streamed to any public platform.)

3) Same rules as in the old world: Tellers have up to seven minutes to share any story they'd like, in any way they'd like - read, from memory, improvised, etc. No restrictions on content or language except for zero tolerance for hateful speech. No experience necessary and no pressure, judgment, or critique.

ONLINE OPEN MICS 


APRIL
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1) Thursday, April 1st @ 7:00 PM Central Time
(Click here to sign up to tell or listen)


2) Thursday, April 8th @ 7:00 PM Central Time
(Click here to sign up to tell or listen)


3) Thursday, April 15th @ 7:00 PM Central Time
(Click here to sign up to tell or listen)


4) Thursday, April 22nd @ 7:00 PM Central Time
(Click here to sign up to tell or listen)


4) Thursday, April 29th @ 7:00 PM Central Time
(Click here to sign up to tell or listen)


Please click on the logos below for information on each 
of the neighborhood open mics. 

Meet Sydney,
our mobile stage!

In July 2016, we decided that asking you to come to an open mic wasn't enough. Starting this month, we'll be bringing an open mic to you.

Built by mad genius Peter LeGrand, Sydney folds up neatly to be towed around the city by bicycle. You'll see her in parks, on street corners, at farmers markets, inside of festivals, and anywhere else people gather together and have stories to share.

Sydney comes out of hibernation in Chicago this spring!

The stage is named in honor of the late Syd Lieberman, a legendary Chicago storyteller whose considerable talent was only dwarfed by his heart, warmth, and generosity.​
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Is your neighborhood missing from this list? Contact us to bring an open mic to your community.​