Storytellers
The essence of a story endures long beyond a list of facts, however articulately delivered. Some people are naturally gifted at storytelling, but most of us need support and direction for our story to resonate and meet our goals and ambitions. That’s where we can help you!
Our process
Submit your story outline
If you have a 6–8 minute true story, from your life on one of our upcoming show themes, please submit an outline. We will review it alongside the other submissions to ensure diversity of content on show night and may connect with you to discuss your story in more detail. If you are a first time storyteller we recommend allowing a minimum of 3 months to prepare for your first show.
2026 Themes
- January 15 – Firsts
- February 19 – Living your best life
- March 19 – Risks
- April 16 – Surprises
- May 21 – Anything Goes
- September 17 – Oops
- October 15 – Thriller
- November 19 – Feast
Work with your Story Mentor
If selected for an upcoming show, you will be assigned a Story Mentor to work with you one on one, until show night. Your Story Mentor will also send you the Signup Genius link for our Workshop program.
Sign up for a workshop
The purpose of the workshops is to help you craft your best story and enable you to deliver it with confidence and poise at the show. ALL our storytellers are invited to attend 1–3 monthly workshops. The connection with other storytellers is so fun and the feedback from the Producers and fellow storytellers is valuable, insightful and supportive. Please show up with an open mind and a kind heart.
Submit your headshot, teaser & bio
Your headshot and teaser will be posted on Social Media in the run up to the show. Please be sure to share these posts and links with friends, colleagues, and family so they can come along and support you. You receive 2 complimentary tickets; 1 for you and 1 for a guest.
- A headshot. This can be formal or fun but should only feature you. If you have a photo that complements your story, please send that along too!
- A teaser (1–2 sentences/an excerpt from your story that makes people want to hear more)
- Your Bio – at the show, the host will use this to introduce you, so it’s a great opportunity to showcase what a fun and interesting person you are. It should not read like a resume.
Send them to us
Email your headshot, teaser and bio to thepeopletree@outlook.com, and include:
- Your full name
- Your email address
- Your phone number
- The show you are appearing at
Show night information
Arrive by 6:30 pm (the show starts at 7:00 pm) and we will connect you with our host. They will confirm: your placement in the storyteller line-up, how to correctly pronounce your name, and go over any questions you may have.
Venue: Empire Burgers & Brew, 48 West Chicago, Naperville, 60540 (the entire first floor)
Expectations: Your story will be:
- 6–8 minutes long
- You will not use notes or props
- Your story will be respectful and non-discriminatory
FYI: The doors open at 6 pm to our guests. We set aside one table for storytellers, but all other tables are on a first come, first serve basis. We recommend asking someone in your party to arrive early and hold a table to ensure your group can sit together.
“To me, telling a story is all about connection. Without someone to listen you are just talking to yourself.”
Sayard Bass — Storyteller
“The People Tree is a gathering place that nourishes authentic community…we all have lives worthy of recounting, and nothing brings people together more powerfully than shared narrative. Also beer.”
Mike Rossi — Storyteller
“When I share an emotional or heartfelt story, I find a connection with people we never knew we had. Simply by opening myself and sharing my experiences, audience members recognize that they have felt the same way, they have shared the same sadness or hope, they are going through a similar journey.”
Clare Clayton — Storyteller
“The workshops help you practice your storytelling with the group and great constructive critique from all the producers.”
Mini Dalawari — Storyteller
“My mentor helped me realize that I have stories within my story that are all beautiful and worthy to be told. The workshops helped immensely with fine tuning and positive feedback. It’s also wonderful to be a part of the process for other speakers.”
Meg Dagnino — Storyteller