MANAGER'S SPECIAL
Fresh Meat is a collaboration between The Celtic Knot and Scott Whitehair, producer of This Much Is True, Story Lab Chicago, and Do Not Submit.
After completing a performance tour in June 2018, during which he was required to do several cohesive sets of 45-60 minutes, Scott realized that there were virtually no Chicago venues in the current wave of personal narrative in which to practice long form work or multiple stories in front of an audience without booking your own space, inviting people over to your living room, or grabbing a small festival spot. Most open mics or slams permit only 5-7 minutes, and requesting audience feedback is generally not an option. We clearly needed another place in which to experiment in a low pressure, workshop-style environment.
From this need, Fresh Meat was born as another resource for area storytellers developing their voices, stories, and skill sets.
After completing a performance tour in June 2018, during which he was required to do several cohesive sets of 45-60 minutes, Scott realized that there were virtually no Chicago venues in the current wave of personal narrative in which to practice long form work or multiple stories in front of an audience without booking your own space, inviting people over to your living room, or grabbing a small festival spot. Most open mics or slams permit only 5-7 minutes, and requesting audience feedback is generally not an option. We clearly needed another place in which to experiment in a low pressure, workshop-style environment.
From this need, Fresh Meat was born as another resource for area storytellers developing their voices, stories, and skill sets.
We are thrilled to welcome Associate Producer and Host of Fourth Sundays, Kevin Biolsi!
Kevin Biolsi is a statistician, a recent empty nester, and a beer brewer, although not necessarily in that order. He first told stories in front of an audience in 2016 and found it to be more exhilarating than any drugs he’s ever taken, although to be honest, those have almost exclusively been analgesics and anti-inflammatories. He has performed at First Person Live, Moth StorySLAMs, Story Lab, Story Sessions, This Much Is True, Do Not Submit, and Serving the Sentence.
Kevin Biolsi is a statistician, a recent empty nester, and a beer brewer, although not necessarily in that order. He first told stories in front of an audience in 2016 and found it to be more exhilarating than any drugs he’s ever taken, although to be honest, those have almost exclusively been analgesics and anti-inflammatories. He has performed at First Person Live, Moth StorySLAMs, Story Lab, Story Sessions, This Much Is True, Do Not Submit, and Serving the Sentence.
Question not answered below? Email us at swhitehair@gmail.com!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is this all about again?
A: Fresh Meat is an opportunity for an individual storyteller to have a an hour or so to themselves on stage in order to work out new material, solo shows, longer sets, etc. Each month, two different performer will take the stage, with his or her own unique goals and work to do. You may hear an early version of an eventual Moth Grand Slam winning story, witness the beginnings of a fringe show, experience scraps of many different new stories, or get in on a rehearsal for an upcoming festival appearance. Often, the audience will be asked for feedback or thoughts on the evening's performance.
Q: When should I arrive?
A: On the second Sundays ... Our open mic, Do Not Submit Evanston, wraps up at 8:00. We will take a 15 minute break and begin Fresh Meat at 8:15 sharp. Feel free to come early, but please be courteous when entering the room if the open mic is still going on. Better yet, come early for the open mic, which begins at 6:00. (Sign up at 5:30.) On the fourth Sundays ... The doors will open to the space around 7:00 PM, and the event will start at 7:30.
Q: How long is the program?
A: The evening will last approximately 90 minutes.
Q: Is it really free, or am I going to be caught off guard when a bucket is suddenly passed around?
A: No "suggested" donations of any sort will be requested or accepted. Feel free to buy the performer a drink if you'd like, but there are no expectations.
Q: I keep seeing the word "workshop." Is this going to be boring/bad/etc.?
A: We certainly hope not! While the stories or set may not be polished, perfected, or even finished, having a chance to see new work in progress by talented storytellers and contributing your thoughts and ideas to the development can be fun, exciting, and fulfilling. However, if you want a finely honed, endlessly rehearsed storytelling showcase, Fresh Meat doesn't pretend to be that.
Q: Is the event family friendly?
A: The Celtic Knot allows entry to those under 21, but the nature of the language and material will vary from performer to performer. Generally, teens and up would be fine, but feel free to email us for specifics for any given evening.
Q: Can I eat and drink in the performance space?
A: Drinks are easy. Food may require you holding a plate in your lap, as table space is limited, but if you are OK with that, so are we. However, the pub is open before and after the event as well. We highly recommend getting a meal at The Knot, as the food is delicious.
Q: Is there parking nearby?
A: All metered spots in the area are free on Sunday, including a lot behind the library.
Q: I loved this performer! Where can I see them again?
A: Ask them! Most of our tellers are very active in the Chicago personal narrative scene.
Q: This storyteller specifically said they didn't want feedback, but I have notes on their story. How can I give them?
A: Don't.
Q: I am a storyteller, and I'd be thrilled to have this opportunity to get some substantial stage time. How do I make it happen?
A: Please see this page for details.
Q: There's no cover charge? Wait - how are you making money off of this?
A: That's not what this is about. The performers are receiving valuable stage time and feedback. The audience hears some new stories and gets a peek at the process. The producer is excited to contribute this opportunity to the community. The venue has a few more people in the door. We're all good.
A: Fresh Meat is an opportunity for an individual storyteller to have a an hour or so to themselves on stage in order to work out new material, solo shows, longer sets, etc. Each month, two different performer will take the stage, with his or her own unique goals and work to do. You may hear an early version of an eventual Moth Grand Slam winning story, witness the beginnings of a fringe show, experience scraps of many different new stories, or get in on a rehearsal for an upcoming festival appearance. Often, the audience will be asked for feedback or thoughts on the evening's performance.
Q: When should I arrive?
A: On the second Sundays ... Our open mic, Do Not Submit Evanston, wraps up at 8:00. We will take a 15 minute break and begin Fresh Meat at 8:15 sharp. Feel free to come early, but please be courteous when entering the room if the open mic is still going on. Better yet, come early for the open mic, which begins at 6:00. (Sign up at 5:30.) On the fourth Sundays ... The doors will open to the space around 7:00 PM, and the event will start at 7:30.
Q: How long is the program?
A: The evening will last approximately 90 minutes.
Q: Is it really free, or am I going to be caught off guard when a bucket is suddenly passed around?
A: No "suggested" donations of any sort will be requested or accepted. Feel free to buy the performer a drink if you'd like, but there are no expectations.
Q: I keep seeing the word "workshop." Is this going to be boring/bad/etc.?
A: We certainly hope not! While the stories or set may not be polished, perfected, or even finished, having a chance to see new work in progress by talented storytellers and contributing your thoughts and ideas to the development can be fun, exciting, and fulfilling. However, if you want a finely honed, endlessly rehearsed storytelling showcase, Fresh Meat doesn't pretend to be that.
Q: Is the event family friendly?
A: The Celtic Knot allows entry to those under 21, but the nature of the language and material will vary from performer to performer. Generally, teens and up would be fine, but feel free to email us for specifics for any given evening.
Q: Can I eat and drink in the performance space?
A: Drinks are easy. Food may require you holding a plate in your lap, as table space is limited, but if you are OK with that, so are we. However, the pub is open before and after the event as well. We highly recommend getting a meal at The Knot, as the food is delicious.
Q: Is there parking nearby?
A: All metered spots in the area are free on Sunday, including a lot behind the library.
Q: I loved this performer! Where can I see them again?
A: Ask them! Most of our tellers are very active in the Chicago personal narrative scene.
Q: This storyteller specifically said they didn't want feedback, but I have notes on their story. How can I give them?
A: Don't.
Q: I am a storyteller, and I'd be thrilled to have this opportunity to get some substantial stage time. How do I make it happen?
A: Please see this page for details.
Q: There's no cover charge? Wait - how are you making money off of this?
A: That's not what this is about. The performers are receiving valuable stage time and feedback. The audience hears some new stories and gets a peek at the process. The producer is excited to contribute this opportunity to the community. The venue has a few more people in the door. We're all good.