Do Not Submit: A Storytelling Open Mic
  • Home
  • Participate
  • About Us
  • FAQ
  • Contact Us
  • Classes
  • Help Out
Picture
Picture
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 scoring. 

No experience is necessary to participate.
All are welcome to speak or simply listen.
​Never a cover charge. 


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 fifteen minutes 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 share any story you'd like. 
You will be welcome to read/recite/tell/etc. any personal story/folktale/fiction/etc. you'd like.
​All language and content welcome except for hate speech of any sort.



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.  



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

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
ON HIATUS. Check back soon!
Picture
Picture
Picture

Picture

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.​
​
​

Is your neighborhood missing from this list? Contact us to bring an open mic to your community.​