We are a group of artists, story lovers, tellers, and listeners who want nothing more than you to fall in love with storytelling as deeply as we have. We want you to connect with each other, to understand the value of the stories you possess, and to help us create more empathy in the world.
The Get-Together was born of the belief that creativity truly belongs to everyone, and that storytelling is our birthright. We believe that the arts are for all of us, not just those with a hefty disposable income.
After years of attending conferences, retreats, and intensives, we wondered if the standard model was the only way to do it. Could it be more accessible and affordable while providing even more value? What would happen if we cut out all the pretension and focused on the fun? How would it look if we channeled all of our resources into creating a remarkable experience for people instead of asking people to create a pedestal for us? The Get-Together is our attempt at an answer.
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Presenters
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We've put together an astonishing lineup of world-class teachers, artists, and storytellers for a day of carefully curated workshops, presentations, and conversations. Learn more about this dream team here. |
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Venues
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We are incredibly fortunate to be hosting our retreat at not one, but three classic Chicago establishments in North Center. This cluster of venues is not just at the heart of the neighborhood geographically, but together are a huge part of the beating heart of this community. Learn more about these hallowed halls here. |
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Staff
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Nothing is more important to an experience than the people you encounter. We have handpicked our staff from some of the warmest, friendliest, most welcoming people we have ever known. These are the types of folks who light up a room, and will be thrilled to point you in the right direction, introduce you to other attendees, facilitate an activity, or just hang out. Photos and bios coming soon! |
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Retreat Founder & Director
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Scott Whitehair is a storyteller, teacher, and producer living in Chicago, IL. He is the producer of This Much Is True, the longest running monthly storytelling series in Chicago, creator of Story Lab Chicago, which has put 750+ new storytellers on stage since 2011, and director of Do Not Submit, a grassroots network of open mics across the city bringing people together to connect with each other. He recently created the pop-up Jekot Theater to host Solo Sunday. Scott tells anywhere someone will listen, including The National Storytelling Festival Exchange Place, Steppenwolf Theater, the historic Green Mill, and on NPR, the Risk podcast, and Siruis XM. He is a frequent guest instructor at the city's top universities, and his personal narrative class sold out nearly every month since 2012, pre-pandemic. Scott is in demand as a coach and trainer, spending his days helping individuals, companies, and non-profits develop their voices as storytellers. |
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Guest Relations
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It should be stated right away that Sylvia Mavaji is not a fan of talking about herself. She is much more comfortable asking others about themselves and listening with intention. But with that said, this is her bio, so here are a few tidbits about her. Sylvia absolutely loves spending time with her fiancé, Scott. Whether it's trying new recipes, going on road trips, running errands, or giggling at funny animal videos, time zooms by when they are together. She also finds pure enjoyment working out, dancing, and listening to a wide range of music. If there is music, Sylvia will be groovin'! Professionally, after two degrees and 20+ years, Sylvia left the travel industry to pursue a career as a life coach. While it has been challenging, it has also been equally fulfilling. Mavaji Coaching is centered around helping women gain self-empowerment and find inner harmony. Additionally, Sylvia is a caretaker for her Mexican mother who is affectionately nicknamed Taquito. Sylvia is a dreamer, a realist, a jewelry lover, a Toastmaster, a bit spacey, a lot patient and a big fan of spicy cuisines. |