Tellin' Tales Theatre

To further our mission of shattering barriers between the disabled and non- disabled worlds, TTT conducts a FREE 6 week workshop (offering transportation and performance stipends) for adult solo performers with disabilities. They are taught how to write and perform their original stories, and given the option of performing in a live theatre. Connections are made when audiences see that the experiences of people with disabilities are similar to their own. The show is a lively mix of touching and hilarious performances often followed by talk-backs with the audience. To help develop these stories, Tellin’ Tales holds a six-week training workshop.

Telling or writing a story about one’s life experiences improves physical and mental health. Research has demonstrated that writing about emotionally traumatic experiences has beneficial effects on lessening illness symptom reports and improving physical and mental health; it can help patients cope and thus improve their overall well-being. Storytelling can be regarded as one of the oldest healing arts.

The Tellin’ Tales Theatre storytelling workshops are designed to give chronically ill and hospitalized children a voice in a world where they lack control over what is happening to them; to help them gain back positive self-esteem no matter what their circumstances; and to provide a constructive outlet for their dreams. The workshops naturally help restore confidence and also help children to see how they can be included and accepting in the community.

Each summer Tellin’ Tales invites up to 12 young adults with and without disabilities to develop stories on the same theme as our adult solo performance show. Many of the participants are former Six Stories Up apprentices that wish to further develop their own writing and performance skills. In fact, the workshop is co-produced each year by a former apprentice. The three-week workshop culminates in a reader’s theater performance for friends and family.

Tellin’ Tales actors and speakers with disabilities are available for disability awareness performances for conferences, churches, corporations, schools, universities and community groups.

Every year, Tellin’ Tales puts out a call to well-known solo performers with and without disabilities for original 20-minute performances that revolve around a designated theme. We add set, music, lighting and sound design to bring the performances to life. Since 2015, Tellin’ Tales has invited a different writer from the Live Lit world to share the stage for each of our six performances. Themes have ranged from weddings, baseball and insomnia to Facebook and phobias.

The first of its kind, the Disability Pride Parade kicks off at Disability Pride Way (401 S Plymouth Court) and moves through Chicago’s Loop, north to Jackson Street and west to Dearborn Street. There at Daley Plaza, a festival of participants and guests can visit booths, mingle and enjoy diverse live entertainment. Tellin’ Tales cast, crew and board members march on the parade route and greet the crowd at our own informational booth.