First and foremost, our guarantee: You will be valued, respected, included, and treated as an equal your entire time with us. Whether you have told stories on stage for decades, or even if this retreat will be your first experience dipping a toe into any sort of formal storytelling, we consider you a kindred spirit and colleague. You are a human being, which makes you a storyteller and one of us.

We don't care what kind of storyteller you are or hope to become. Personal narrative teller? Video game designer? Folktale aficionado? Graphic novelist? Corporate presenter? Journalist? Juggler? Grandma telling bedtime tales?
It's all storytelling to us.  

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QUICK SUMMARY
(See below for detailed descriptions of the entire weekend)

The Get-Together will take place from 7:00 PM on Friday, April 17th through 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 19th.
The four venues (Mrs. Murphy & Sons, Martyrs', Bughouse Theater, Dance Center Chicago) are in North Center, Chicago. 
The longest walk between venues is 4-5 minutes on side streets. Free and metered parking are plentiful nearby. 
Registration for this event will be limited to 120 attendees.

Your $217 registration fee covers all performances, activities, and presentations, as well as six meals, snacks, and coffee/water. There are no upcharges for anything. Meals will be available for those with dietary restrictions.

​THE SCHEDULE

OPTIONAL PRE-RETREAT SESSION
​Tuesday, April 14th
​(7-8:30 PM)

Retreat coordinator Scott Whitehair will host a fun, free 90-minute Zoom session on the Tuesday evening before we gather to answer any questions, facilitate some icebreakers and conversation, and share some basics on storytelling. If you are new to formal storytelling, just want to meet some new friends before the retreat, or simply would like a little extra bang for your buck, this is the bonus session for you!

A GRAND OPENING
Friday, April 17th
​(7 - 9 PM)

At 7:00 PM, we will gather at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro to welcome everyone in style, with a brief storytelling performance from some of Saturday's presenters and special guests, group icebreakers, giant platters of appetizers, live music, and the opportunity to socialize with friends old and new. Bar open for purchases all evening.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
​Saturday, April 18th
​(9 AM - 9 PM)

From 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, participants will be welcome to craft their own perfect day out of the following available experiences:

- At Martyrs', a full day (9-4:30) of presentations, workshops, and conversations from a thoughtfully curated lineup of acclaimed artists, teachers, and storytellers.  Seating is available for all to attend every session, but you are welcome to come and go as you please. 
 
- At Bughouse Theater, a daylong (9:30-5:45) storytelling open mic. Stop by, put your name on the list, and get called up on stage to share any story you'd like, without judgment or pressure. 

- At Murphy's, enjoy all-day access (9-9) to an expansive suite of quiet writing spaces, social lounges, reading rooms, facilitated small group activities, inspiration stations, and more. We have tons of space to spread out, so you'll have ample room to get what you need. Every nook and cranny will be filled with inspiration, prompts, and surprises.

- At Dance Center Chicago, Liz Allen will be running a drop-in Improv Gym Saturday morning and afternoon.

- We'll have a break for both lunch and dinner at Murphy's.

- Immediately after dinner, participants can hang out and do their own thing in the many lounges at Murphy's, or participate in early evening activities such as an open mic, story swaps, or games. 

A GRAND FINALE
Sunday, April 19th
(9 AM - 2 PM)

We'll gather together as a full group at Martyrs', kicking off the day at 9:00 AM with a special session. At 9:30, we'll begin the Un-Slam, a final storytelling performance featuring attendees who have put their names in the hat. No experience necessary. We'll draw names and get as many tellers on stage as possible. There is no scoring at the Un-Slam, just attentive listeners and endless support. However, we will hold another raffle at the end, and one of the Un-Slam participants will receive the full weekend registration fee refunded in cash right there on the stage, as a thank you for sharing a story with us. We'll close the weekend out with a pizza party, wrapping up by 2:00 PM.  Afterwards, you are welcome to join us next door at Murphy's for celebratory drinks!

DELICIOUS FOOD: All Weekend
​(and included in your registration fee!)

On Friday evening, we'll have three big platters:
​Seasonal crudités served with Ranch, a selection of four Irish & domestic cheeses served with crackers & oat cakes, and an array of thin sliced corned beef, house smoked bangers, & smoked meats from Nueskes in Wisconsin, served with stout mustard

For breakfast on both Saturday and Sunday, we'll have lots of coffee and some light options, such as fruit, yogurt, and muffins, at both Martyrs' and Murphy's.
​
For lunch on Saturday, Murphy's will serve your choice of boxed lunches: A turkey sandwich with Irish potato chips, or a seasonal harvest salad (Vegan, Gluten & Dairy Free).

For dinner on Saturday, Murphy's will serve your choice of their 7-Time Ribfest Champion pork ribs accompanied by Guinness mac n' cheese, OR classic pub-style fish & chips OR vegetable curry with rice (Vegan, Gluten, & Dairy Free). 

At the conclusion of the Un-Slam on Sunday, we'll enjoy some classic tavern-cut pies from a local pizzeria. (Gluten and dairy free options will be available upon request.)

All weekend long, Martyr's and Murphy's will have stations for water, coffee, and snacks.

​*The only thing not included? You'll be on your own for alcohol or soft drinks, but they are readily available for you to purchase from our venue partners if you'd like.