GENARRATIONS FAQ
WHAT KIND OF WRITING HAPPENS IN GENARRATIONS?
Participants in GeNarrations write five-minute personal narrative stories around a unified theme. Guided by teaching artists and fellow participants, writers develop their stories over the course of seven weeks and practice critiquing the work of others.
HOW ARE THEMES CHOSEN?
Each session of GeNarrations is paired with either a Goodman production or another piece of media. The Goodman education team then selects a theme inspired by that work of art. Previous themes have included: “Stories of Summer Love” for The Music Man, “Stories of Choice” for Roe and “Stories of Fractured Friendships” for Sweat.
HOW MUCH DOES THIS PROGRAM COST?
Like all Goodman education programs, GeNarrations is FREE to all participants.
WHAT IS THE AGE RANGE FOR THIS PROGRAM?
Participants in GeNarrations must be at least fifty-five years of age. There is no maximum age for this program.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?
Participants are expected to attend class for two hours each week. Between classes, participants will also be asked to complete additional writing assignments. Outside of class time, writers are invited to participate in one two-hour performance workshop per session and a final two-hour sharing of their work.
WHAT IS THE PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP?
Once per session, participants meet as a large ensemble to hone in on storytelling and performance techniques prior to the final performance.
WHO TEACHES GENARRATIONS?
GeNarrations teaching artists are experienced storytellers who live and work in the Chicagoland area. They include Adrian Azevedo, Liam Collier, Cynthia Cornelius, Sharon Evans, Julie Ganey, Deb Lewis, Tara Mallen, Laura Stempel, and Willa Taylor.
DO I NEED TO HAVE WRITING EXPERIENCE?
No – GeNarrations participants have a wide range of experience, from beginners to published playwrights. We welcome participants at all stages of their artistic journey.
WHAT IF I DON’T LIVE IN THE CHICAGOLAND AREA? CAN I JOIN?
Our goal is to work with as many individuals as possible. That said, space in this program is currently extremely limited. As we admit people off the waitlist, we will prioritize individuals living in the Chicagoland area.
WHERE DO I TAKE CLASS?
Classes meet both virtually and in-person. Visit GoodmanTheatre.org/Registration for the most up-to-date list of class times and locations.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Applications for the fall session of GeNarrations will open to new participants on September 12, 2022.
Before applications are made public, past and current participants will have the opportunity. to join a class.
I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Email us at GeNarrations@GoodmanTheatre.org
