Save the dates….
Disabilities don’t limit us—they bring out our creativity
Tellin’ Tales Theatre Presents
Divercity
Our Lives are Works of Art
Solo performances by artists, writers and advocates with disabilities
Featuring:
Katie Arnold
Jon Haven
Bob Ness
Amy O’Brien
Ben Saylor
Amanda Scheff
May 15, 16, 17
One Weekend Only
Friday and Saturday 7:30 pm
Sunday 2 pm
Sign language interpretation, audio description and talk back 5/17.
Goodman Theatre/Alice Center for Education and Engagement
170 N. Dearborn, Chicago
See Information on Discounted Parking
https://www.goodmantheatre.org/visit/getting-here/
Tellin’ Tales Theatre Presents What’s Yours Like?
Get ready for a high-wire act where the safety net is made of laughter and there’s absolutely no script in sight.
For the past three years, this powerhouse crew from Tellin’ Tales Theatre has been tearing up stages across Chicago, proving that the best stories aren’t written—they’re lived in real-time. They’re on a mission to smash every barrier between the disabled and non-disabled worlds, and they’re doing it one hilarious, unpredictable scene at a time.
So, how does it work? Think of it as a comedy tightrope walk. You (yes, you!) shout out a theme at the start of the show. From there, a cast of improvisers with and without disabilities leaps into the unknown, building wild characters and funny narratives on the spot based on your suggestions. It’s spontaneous, it’s chaotic, and—much like a Chicago commute—you never quite know where it’s going until you get there.
Every show is a “had to be there” moment that celebrates the beautiful, messy unpredictability of life.
Openers
Rebecca Jaffe
Rebecca is a Chicago-based comedian who expresses her whimsical point of view through standup and wacky songs, accompanied by her ukulele. When she isn’t singing, she can be found performing in the sketch duo “Jaffe and Magy” or roast-battling.
Rebecca has performed at Zanies, Laugh Factory, The Den, The Comedy Store, The Second City, and The Annoyance, and has headlined at Comedy Plex, Schuba’s, Cole’s, and various other venues throughout the Midwest.
Brian Park
Brian is a Second City Victor Wong fellow and member of Asian comedy duo The Dim Sons and comedy institution, Stir Friday Night. He’s very excited to be with us!
Improv Team Members
Coach: Catrina Hughes
Tyra Bergstrom
Dee Durfee
Julia Ralenkotter
Jordan Brown
Adam Quinn
Ben Saylor
Nate Woogen
Friday, May 1, 2026 @ 7:00 pm
Mrs. Murphy and Sons
3905 N. Lincoln Ave.|
Chicago, IL 60613
ASL and Audio Description will be provided for this performance
To request dedicated curb-to-seat assistance email steve@tellintales.org or text 773-704-5536 24 hours before the performance
Ticket Price
General Admissions $15.00 (including fees)
Students/People with Disabilities $12.00 (including fees)
Our Tales Told Podcast is Here!
Tales Told, the new monthly podcast from Tellin’ Tales Theatre, hosted by Robert Teverbaugh and Shui Sherard, celebrates the art of storytelling from our past performances. Each episode shines a light on the diverse voices and talents of people with and without disabilities within our community, echoing the Tellin’ Tales mission to amplify stories that connect, inspire and empower.
Available on your favorite podcast destinations!
First Episode
In our first episode, meet hosts Shui and Rob, and hear powerful true stories by founder and solo performer, Tekki Lomnicki and storyteller Josh Friedberg—exploring body image, disability, vulnerability and self-acceptance. Real stories, real voices.
“I feel that Six Stories Up has had a huge impact on Tiernan’s childhood. He tried one or two programs before but never went back after the first week because he felt like he didn’t fit in. He now calls himself an actor and feels that the program has shown him there’s nothing he can’t do.” —Daphne Tajalli
As you can see with Tiernan, and so many others, Tellin’ Tales Theatre’s programs helps mold the futures of our participants. You can support our mission with your time as a volunteer or ambassador, with a financial gift or through in-kind contributions. Please consider making a gift to Tellin’ Tales now. 85% of all donations go directly to the mission.
