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The People Tree check-in sign at Empire Burgers & Brew

At the show

Guests of The People Tree will have exclusive use of the 1st floor at Empire (48 West Chicago, Naperville) at 6:00 pm and the show will begin promptly at 7:00 pm.

Food & Beverage service will be open throughout the evening except when a story is being told.

To check-in, simply provide the name on the reservation or a digital/printed copy of the ticket reservation. If you are the purchaser of the ticket, you may forward your ticket to others in your party.

Seating is on a first-come basis. We are unable to reserve tables.

This show is appropriate for guests 18+. All sales are final unless canceled by The People Tree.

Tickets are no longer sold through this website. For availability at the next show, contact The People Tree on Facebook or at hello@thepeopletree.org.

What to expect

Stories: Every show has a different story theme that will be interpreted in many different ways by our storytellers. Our goal is to ensure a rich variety of story content and emotions at each and every show, so no two shows are ever the same. All stories are pre-selected by TPT.

Storytellers: Our storytellers live in the Naperville/Greater Chicagoland community. These individuals are driven by the desire to share a part of themselves/a learning experience, as they tell a true story from their lives. The storyteller line-up is different at each show and usually includes first-time and repeat storytellers. Most have come through our Workshop Program, but some will join us from another, local storytelling show. If you want to tell a story at a future show please check out our Storyteller page.

Audience: Before the show there’s always a buzz in the room as our guests find tables, catch up with friends/family and neighbors and order food/drinks. But when the show starts, you can hear a pin drop. The room falls silent in awe and respect for each storyteller and in anticipation of the story about to unfold.

Need to know

Show format: After a few words from a TPT Producer, the host will open the show and introduce each of the six or seven pre-selected storytellers. Stories are true life experiences, as remembered by each storyteller. There will be a 20–25 minute intermission.

Seating: The doors open at 6 pm to our guests. Tables are taken on a first come, first served basis and reservations cannot be made. If you are a large party we recommend someone from your group arrives early to secure one of the few large tables. Where attendance is close to the capacity of the venue, we may ask you to welcome any latecomers to your table if you have empty seats.

Food & Drink: Food and drink are not included. Order at your table from the friendly wait-staff.

Early departure/bathroom breaks: Please be respectful to our storytellers and move around between stories.

Warnings: Due to the adult content of some of the stories, TPT recommends the audience is ages 18+. The views expressed by the storytellers do not necessarily represent those of TPT and TPT is not liable/responsible for any emotional harm/offense caused by the stories.

Policies
  • TPT greeters are volunteers and at times may need to refer to a TPT Producer. Please be respectful while they assist you and other audience members.
  • Group entry: We reserve the right to ask individuals entering the show as a plus one of a friend or as part of a group, to wait and enter with the person listed as the ticket purchaser.
  • Admission entitles access to the first floor, but does not automatically guarantee a seat with a certain group.
  • If we need to cancel a show, we will try to give as much advance notice as possible by email or Facebook.
  • TPT is not liable for any injury/non-performance by the venue.
  • When friends/family tell a story, we know you will want to record the moment, and we are delighted for you to do so. Please be sensitive to other guests and ensure you are not adversely impacting their experience. And cheer loudly for everyone.
Five stars

“To me, telling a story is all about connection. Without someone to listen you are just talking to yourself.”

Sayard Bass — Storyteller