THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON
2nd Story is real stories by real people for real change.
Our deeply held belief that personal stories can build a bolder and kinder world is seen in every story we tell, every show we produce, every class we teach, and every workshop we facilitate. We are celebrating 25 years of heart-changing stories and we invite you to join us for our 25th Anniversary Season
(Un)Familiar Path
Sunday, September 17, 2023
DOORS @ 5:30PM CT, STORIES @ 6:00PM CT
Haymarket pub & Brewery (737 W Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60661)
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Curated by Amanda Delheimer*
Directed by Alyssa Vera Ramos
Music by Nick Ward*
Produced by Kasey Trouba
Zoom Tech Support by Ema Kester
Featuring Stories by:
Eric May*, Megan Stielstra* & Aimy Tien*, and Scott Woldman*
*denotes 2nd Story company member.
BITTER/SWEET
Sunday, October 15, 2023
DOORS @ 5:30PM CT, STORIES @ 6:00PM CT
Haymarket pub & Brewery (737 W Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60661)
According to Aristotle, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” For all of us - students, teachers, parents - becoming learned is tough. This month, we offer three sharp and inspiring stories from tellers who find themselves charged with that most important task: teaching.
A Message from Show Curator Julie Ganey
”I've built my working life around the idea that artists and teachers are world-changers. During the pandemic I feel like the world woke up for a moment for a moment and paid attention to the incomparable work that educators do, and I believe that should be reflected in the way we pay and treat folks in the profession. You'll see—the stories in this show are going to be funny and profound and important, just like the teachers you know.”
About 2nd Story’s "Point of View'' Programming
Given the nature of 2nd Story's work and the diversity of artists we collaborate with, we have the unique opportunity to build community among and share the stories of marginalized groups by building teams for our shows that share a particular point of view. It is our honor to be a conduit for these collaborations.
From music rooms to lecture halls, and everything in between, the entire creation and production of this show will be spearheaded by a team of educators, and is produced as part of 2nd Story’s “Point of View” programming.
Download the program - text only.
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Curated by Julie Ganey*
Directed by Liz Rice*
Music by Yongwoo
Produced by Christine Thoren
Zoom Tech Support by Ema Kester
Featuring Stories by:
Jared Bellot, Lauren Kullman, Earliana “Earl” McLaurin*, Lexi Saunders
*denotes 2nd Story company member.
Changing the subject
Sunday, November 12, 2023
DOORS @ 5:30PM CT, STORIES @ 6:00PM CT
Haymarket pub & Brewery (737 W Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60661)
We turn our lives into the stories we tell to the world, but what do we do with the things we can't even tell ourselves? Disappointment, illness, loss: this month, our tellers explore how fast and how far they've found themselves running from an all-too-real existence, and just how much they did not want to talk about it.
A Message from Show Curator Andrew Reilly
"As these three stories took shape, it was a fun revelation that, despite each teller's story being so specific, so personal, and so heavily rooted in their unique lived experience, their stories' common threads were impossible to miss. These are three very different pieces by three very different humans living three very different lives, by turns moving and intense (and just as often hilarious), and yet at their cores these are also all stories about fear, and about denial, and about how exactly we deal with the things with which we would rather not deal. I can't wait for you to hear them."
Download the program - text only.
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Curated by Andrew Reilly
Directed by Aliza Feder
Music by Justin Cavazos
Sound Engineering by Michael Benedict
Produced by Jenna Meyers
Zoom Tech Support by Ema Kester
Emceed by Andrew Reilly*
Featuring Stories by:
Courtney Kotloski, Max Spitz, Aaron Talley
*denotes 2nd Story company member.
TRUST: YOUR WISDOM, the process, the universe
Sunday, December 3, 2023
DOORS @ 5:30PM CT, STORIES @ 6:00PM CT
Haymarket pub & Brewery (737 W Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60661)
In times of doubt and turmoil, where do you put your trust? In your community, in powers greater than you, or maybe just in your own wisdom? Join us this month to hear three tellers who are wrestling with these very questions, when neighbors become less than neighborly, when the cosmic balance sheet feels too heavy, and when the uncertain future feels too fraught to leave unplanned. We won’t promise answers, but we promise you an entertaining, joyful, and thoughtful evening.
A Message from Show Curator CP Chang
“I was thrilled to work with these storytellers on this theme because this show enables us to really breathe life into one of our missions : to spark conversations in our audiences about meaningful and personal things. Faith - or however we understand the world beyond our eyes - doesn’t come up easily in casual talk, but by letting these tellers share their vulnerabilities, their leaps of faith, and their personal viewpoints, we can crack open space for others to have the same kinds of conversations. My wish is that whatever your view of the world, these stories of struggle and hope - and laughter! - will give you an evening to talk about with friends and family.”
Download the program - text only.
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Curated by CP Chang*
Directed by Brandi Lee
Music by Nathan Kistler
Produced by Jenna Meyers
Zoom Tech Support by Ema Kester
Featuring Stories by:
LaTanya Lane*, Deb Lewis*, and Reshmi Hazra Rustebakke* with bonus story from CP Chang*
*denotes 2nd Story company member.
SEA CHANGE
Sunday, January 28, 2024
DOORS @ 5:30PM CT, STORIES @ 6:00PM CT
Haymarket pub & Brewery (737 W Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60661)
What happens when life as you know it ceases to exist? And how exactly do you emerge from the rubble when your life has been blown to bits? In this show, three storytellers bring us along for moments of profound transformation, from becoming a parent to losing one to striking out on your own. Full of courage and unimaginable strength, these stories remind us that there is a sliver of hope to be found in even the direst of new beginnings.
Download the program - text only.
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Curated by Lizzie Duszynski*
Directed by RJ Silva
Sound Design by Michael Benedict
Produced by Ema Kester
FEATURING STORIES BY:
Carolyn S. Aguila, Sadaf Ferdowsi, & Jennifer Schroeder
*denotes 2nd Story company member.
BONDED
Sunday, February 25, 2024
DOORS @ 5:30PM CT, STORIES @ 6:00PM CT
Haymarket pub & Brewery (737 W Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60661)
Whether we like it or not, the bonds between humans have the power to make us--or break us. Especially for women of color who may struggle to secure peace of mind, safety, and love. In these eye opening stories for our POV show, four storytellers delve into the bonds that they've accepted, rejected, nurtured, and transcended as they continually strive to create the lives they want for themselves.
A Message from Show Curator Earliana McLaurin
“One thing that is exciting me about that particular show is that I'm going to be playing a small but active part in continuing the fight to not only humanize women but humanize women who have been devalued and dehumanized most of their lives because of the color of their skin. This point of view is incredibly important right now because our society is slowly starting to see the power of representation.”
”It truly was a pleasure to work on this show as each meeting with these tellers felt less like "work" and more like a homecoming of sorts. I didn't realize how quickly safety and sisterhood could be established among strangers. Then again when those strangers are all women of color who want to lift each other up, it becomes quite easy to create a space where true connection and story can be nurtured. Though some say they “don't see color”, ethnicity and our identities as women are what uniquely made these women and their experiences demand to be “seen”. As a woman of color myself, it has been an honor to help lift up these women's voices and create that same connection between the tellers and the audience as we did during the story creation process”
About 2nd Story’s "Point of View'' Programming
Given the nature of 2nd Story's work and the diversity of artists we collaborate with, we have the unique opportunity to build community among and share the stories of folks who share a particular identity or circumstance by building teams for our shows that share a particular point of view. It is our honor to be a conduit for these collaborations.
Bonded will be entirely created and produced by Women of Color. In 2017, we produced our first "Point of View'' show with an entire artistic team featuring Women of Color. It is our honor to celebrate the sixth anniversary with these artists.
Download the program - text only.
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Curated by Earliana “Earl” McLaurin*
Directed by Reshmi Hazra Rustebakke*
Produced by Stacey Saunders
Music by Dionne Addai and Tracie Kunzika
FEATURING STORIES BY:
Jenan Mohajir*, Bobbie Rice and Liz Rice*, and Shepsara Satimu*
*denotes 2nd Story company member.
YEAR 25: VII
Sunday, March 24, 2024
DOORS @ 5:30PM CT, STORIES @ 6:00PM CT
Haymarket pub & Brewery (737 W Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60661)
Still, in the 21st century, dominant social cues insist that men can only be properly identified through rigorous occupations, that men are only men if they sweat and toil in work. The persistence of these cultural tropes harm all men across lines of race, gender, and sexuality, along with their loved ones. But the only way to change culture is to challenge it directly. All of these stories feature men actively working on themselves, in relationship to their families, to their grief, on their own internal understanding of self. These stories offer a rebuke to the norms of masculinity that suggest men must be fully formed, tackling the world with confidence and the occasional stoicism but never fundamentally admitting their flaws.
A Message from Show Curator Nicholas Ward
“I'm thrilled to put my curator hat back on to dig into questions of masculinity: toxic, positive, and everywhere in between. I don't yet know where this work will take us, myself and the other artists working on the show. But that's the beauty of 2nd Story. We'll get in a room together, start sharing our stories, and find some places where we'll travel together.”
About 2nd Story’s "Point of View'' Programming
Given the nature of 2nd Story's work and the diversity of artists we collaborate with, we have the unique opportunity to build community among and share the stories of folks who share a particular identity or circumstance by building teams for our shows that share a particular point of view. It is our honor to be a conduit for these collaborations.
The team behind Year 25: VII are men and masculine folks who engage with and will explore the intricate, complex, and varied aspects of masculinity. This show is produced as part of 2nd Story’s “Point of View” programming.
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Curated by Nicholas Ward*
Directed by Devin Christor
Music by Justin Cavazos
Produced by RJ Silva
FEATURING STORIES BY:
Jim Lupo, Dr. S. Simmons, and Yongwoo
*denotes 2nd Story company member.
YEAR 25: VIII
Sunday, May 19, 2024
DOORS @ 5:30PM CT, STORIES @ 6:00PM CT
Haymarket pub & Brewery (737 W Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60661)
Year 25: VIII will be entirely created and produced by Latine artists and is produced as part of 2nd Story’s “Point of View” programming.
About 2nd Story’s "Point of View'' Programming
Given the nature of 2nd Story's work and the diversity of artists we collaborate with, we have the unique opportunity to build community among and share the stories of marginalized groups by building teams for our shows that share a particular point of view. It is our honor to be a conduit for these collaborations.
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Curated by Vince Pagán-Hill*
Directed by Jorge Silva
Produced by Anastar Alvarez
Music by Justin Cavazos
FEATURING STORIES BY:
Jasmin Cardenas, Nestor Gomez, and Karla Estela Rivera*
*denotes 2nd Story company member.
YEAR 25: IX
Sunday, June 9, 2024
DOORS @ 5:30PM CT, STORIES @ 6:00PM CT
Haymarket pub & Brewery (737 W Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60661)
Created and produced entirely by a team of LGBTQIA+ artists, Year 25: IX is our annual celebration of unbridled queer joy and is produced as part of 2nd Story’s “Point of View” programming.
A Message from show Curator Aimy Tien
“I am obsessed with celebrating and sharing queer joy. It's why this is an annual show. Queer people and queerness can be found everywhere and in everything, and yet giving life to our queer selves and finding (or building) a queer community can still be incredibly difficult. We’ve been curating queer and queer joy shows for years now because queer joy is important and essential to celebrate.”
About 2nd Story’s "Point of View'' Programming
Given the nature of 2nd Story's work and the diversity of artists we collaborate with, we have the unique opportunity to build community among and share the stories of marginalized groups by building teams for our shows that share a particular point of view. It is our honor to be a conduit for these collaborations.
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Curated by Aimy Tien* and Madeline Bourdenko*
Directed by Lexi Saunders
Music by Lynnette Li
Produced by Stacey Saunders
FEATURING STORIES BY:
Ali Drumm* and Christine Thoren, Vince Pagán-Hill* and Gregory Pagán-Hill, Ozzie Totten*
*denotes 2nd Story company member.
A FEW FAQ’s
HOW MUCH DO TICKETS COST?
We invite you to choose your ticket price based on which ticket price feels most appropriate for you and your circumstances. Keep in mind, when you buy a Leader or Standard ticket, it allows us to offer a discounted ticket to 2nd Story events and performances.
When do ticket sales end?
Online sales for in-person tickets will end 24 hours in advance of the performance. Additional tickets for the in-person show may be purchased at the door starting at 30 minutes before the show, subject to availability.
Online sales for the “Stream Later” option will also close 24 hours in advance of the performance. The link to watch the recording will be sent out via email around noon on the following Monday.
Audience members can register for virtual tickets (i.e. the livestream of the show) up until the start of the show.
WHAT STEPS ARE YOU TAKING TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY FOR THIS EVENT?
2nd Story events are for everyone. 2nd Story is committed to making our programming inclusive to everyone. We believe there is no endpoint to inclusion, and we take our responsibility for accessible programming seriously. We are actively engaged in the process of expanding the services below, and we look forward to building upon them in the next season and beyond.
Please refer to this page for additional information about our venues.
If you require another access service to fully participate or have any questions about accessibility, please contact Manager of Operations Ali Drumm at ali@2ndstory.com. To ensure the best experience, please try to contact us at your soonest convenience.
WHAT IS YOUR COVID-19 POLICY AND WHAT COVID MITIGATION STRATEGIES ARE CURRENTLY IN PLACE?
We are so glad you asked! The health, safety, and well-being of 2nd Story’s staff, board, collaborators, partners, and audience are of the utmost importance. Please visit our COVID-19 Policy page to learn about the steps we are taking to keep artists and audiences safe.
NOW THAT YOU HAVE RESUMED IN-PERSON PROGRAMMING, IS THERE STILL A VIRTUAL OPTION FOR ME TO WATCH THE PERFORMANCE?
YES! Although we are producing in-person, we will continue to offer an option for folks to tune into live performances virtually as well as purchase a one-week pass to watch the recorded performance.
HOW DO THE VIRTUAL PERFORMANCES & EXPERIENCES HAPPEN?
2nd Story uses the conferencing system Zoom. After you sign up you'll get an email the day of the event with the Zoom access code to join the event. Don’t have Zoom? Download it for FREE here