Submit your story
All stories matter.
Do you have an experience, insight, or a message to share? A time in your life that was challenging, but on reflection, has made you stronger/better/wiser? An experience that was so ridiculous it seems implausible? A transformative experience, or a daily ritual that makes you who you are? We want to hear about it and others do too!
We want to hear your story!
Workshops
We offer free workshops for people to practice their stories before the show. Please send us your story idea by email. Once we have considered how/if your story fits with our current themes and lineups, we will invite you to attend a workshop based in Naperville, IL.
Please prepare a story theme from the list below. Stories, when told, should be no more than 8 minutes long. We will invite you to attend either a virtual workshop on Zoom or in-person at a location in Naperville, IL.
“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
Story themes
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
Tell us
Please submit your stories to the email address provided below.
Email: thepeopletree@outlook.com
When submitting, kindly include the following information:
- Full Name
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Theme / Month of Submission