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.

Program Dates

Participants in GeNarrations meet once a week for two hours at the Goodman, online and at partner sites across Chicago.

Our upcoming session of GeNarrations will begin the week of Monday, September 30th, with final class performances the week of Monday, November 11th. Our culminating Citywide performance will take place at Goodman Theatre on Monday, November 25th, 2024.

GeNarrations Stories

Participants in this session will craft stories inspired by themes in the Goodman’s production of Inherit the Wind.

How to Join a Class

Registration for fall 2024 session has now closed.

Fall 2024 Classes

In-PERSON ▼

VIRTUAL ▼

ADVANCED ▼

In-Person Classes

These classes take place exclusively in-person at sites around the city and are open to all participants. Unless otherwise noted, classes begin the week of September 30th and meet once a week for seven weeks. Classes run approximately two hours.

Mondays at 12:00pm with Melisha Mitchell
Location: Goodman Theatre (170 N Dearborn St)
Tuesdays at 10:00am with Liam Collier
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 Liam Collier
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)
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)
Fridays at 12:30pm with Sharon Evans
Location: Portage Park Senior Center (4100 N Long Ave)

VIRTUAL Classes

(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 Adrian Azevedo
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.
Tuesdays at 4:00pm with Adrian Azevedo
Location: This is an online class that takes place over Zoom
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
Fridays at 1:30pm with Deb Lewis
Location: This is an online class that takes place over Zoom
Saturdays at 10:00am with Laura Stempel
Location: This is an online class that takes place over Zoom