GeNarrations

ABOUT GENARRATIONS

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.

GeNarrations Stories

In the spring 2026 session, participants will craft personal narratives based on themes in the Goodman’s production of Covenant written by York Walker and directed by Goodman Theatre’s BOLD Artistic Producer, Malkia Stampley. We’ll also offer two free performance workshops facilitated by Goodman Theatre’s Northwestern Directing Fellow, Michael Cotey.

Program Dates

Registration for the spring 2026 session has now closed.

Join us for our culminating Citywide Spring 2026 event will take place on Wednesday, June 17th and Thursday, June 18th at 2:00pm CST. 

VIRTUAL ▼

In-Person Classes

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) 

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 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 

Fridays at 1:30pm with Deb Lewis 
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