GeNarrations
A storytelling performance workshop for adults 55+.
GeNarrations is a FREE storytelling program that engages adults aged 55+ in writing and performance workshops that nurture the creative spirit. Over a seven-week session, across multiple in-person and virtual locations, participants create and share five to eight-minute personal narrative stories inspired by productions on the Goodman stage. With the support of Goodman Teaching Artists, the GeNarrations program empowers participants to share, connect, and support each other while envisioning and building a resilient community beyond the confines of theater.
We are currently in the midst of our fall 2025 session! Join us on Monday, November 24th and Tuesday, November 25th at Goodman Theatre for our Citywide storytelling showcase!
Our winter 2026 session will begin the week of February 2nd. Registration for the winter session will open on Monday, January 12th at 10:00am CST.
To find out more about our upcoming winter session, please email genarrations@goodmantheatre.org.
In fall 2025, participants will craft personal narratives based themes in the Goodman’s production of Revolution(s) written by Zayd Ayers Dohrn and directed by Steve H. Broadnax III.
Instructions for joining our winter 2026 classes will be shared soon!
REGISTRATION FOR Fall 2025 SESSION HAS CLOSED.
These classes take place exclusively in-person at sites around the city and are open to all participants.
Mondays at 12:00pm with Melisha Mitchell
Location: Goodman Theatre (170 N Dearborn St.)
Tuesdays at 10:00am with Zahra Baker
Location: Willye B. White Park (1610 W Howard St.)
Tuesdays at 3:00pm with Geneva Norman
Location: Goodman Theatre (170 N Dearborn St.)
Wednesdays at 10:00am with Zahra Baker
Location: Willye B. White Park (1610 W Howard St.)
Wednesdays at 10:00am with Julie Ganey
Location: Goodman Theatre (170 N Dearborn St.)
Wednesdays at 11:00am with Geneva Norman
Location: Englewood Senior Satellite Center (653 W 63rd St.)
Wednesdays at 1:00pm with Julie Ganey
Location: Goodman Theatre (170 N Dearborn St.)
Wednesdays at 9:00am with Sharon Evans
Location: Portage Park Senior Center (4100 N Long Ave)
Thursdays at 11:00am with Sharon Evans
Location: Homan Square Community Center (3517 W Arthington St.)
Thursdays at 1:00pm with Melisha Mitchell
Location: Norwood Park Senior Center (5801 N Natoma Ave)
(These classes take place exclusively online and are open to newcomers and returning participants.)
Mondays at 11:30am with Cynthia Cornelius
Location: This is an online class that takes place over Zoom
Mondays at 12:00pm with Willa Taylor
Location: This is an online class that takes place over Zoom
Mondays at 5:30pm with Deb Lewis
Location: This is an online class that takes place over Zoom
Tuesdays at 1:00pm with Barbara McBee
Location: This is an online class that takes place over Zoom
Tuesdays at 3:30pm with Deb Lewis
Location: This is an online class that takes place over Zoom
NOTE: This class centers Queer and gender non-conforming storytellers and is intended for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.
Wednesdays at 11:30am with Cynthia Cornelius
Location: This is an online class that takes place over Zoom
Wednesdays at 2:00pm with Barbara McBee
Location: This is an online class that takes place over Zoom
Thursdays at 3:00pm with Julie Ganey
Location: This is an online class that takes place over Zoom
Fridays at 1:30pm with Deb Lewis
Location: This is an online class that takes place over Zoom
Fridays at 10:00am with Laura Stempel
Location: This is an online class that takes place over Zoom
Saturdays at 10:00am with Paul Michael Thomson
Location: This is an online class that takes place over Zoom
