About Your Hosts
As a pathologist, Elizabeth Brown spent hundreds of hours hunched over either a microscope or a dead body. She then worked as a consultant to the medical device industry writing technical reports, all dry as dust and utterly humerous. Original thoughts were few, as all statements had to be referenced. Spreading her wings to creative non-fiction has been a liberating joy. Elizabeth has performed at story telling events in Highwood, Arlington Heights, Evanston and Chicago, but is delighted to be hosting an open mic in her home town of Lake Forest.
Mary Lou Gilliam is retired from two careers: English teaching and educational publishing. She has been on the stage since she was 10 doing dramatic readings, singing, or some combination thereof. An English major with a theater minor, she found that teaching extended the performance world when she began writing first person narratives to model both writing and speaking for her students. Because she was born and raised in a small Swedish farm town in western Illinois, think Garrison Keillor for thematic content. About ten years ago, while considering retirement, she took her stories on the road, so to speak, by joining Short Story Theatre in the Northshore suburbs. She has also performed at Story Lab Chicago, Truth Be Told, and Backyard Stories. Having lived quite a few decades by now, her narratives include both the travails and thrills of a long (and possibly over-examined) life. She keeps busy with volunteer work, private tutoring, international travel, and as much time with her four grandchildren as she can.
Sarita Miller is a retired English/language arts teacher and the mother of two fine adults, a lovely daughter-in-law, and one adorable pup. Presently, Sarita tutors reading, writing, and grammar, something she greatly enjoys. During her days as a middle school teacher, Sarita was known for telling stories during lessons. Although her students thought they were pulling one over on her and getting her “off task” when they asked for a story, she explains that doing so was her plan from the beginning. To Sarita, life is simply stories. She has shared several of hers with audiences at Short Story Theater in Highland Park and Story Lab in Chicago.
Jasmin Rodriguez is a trained actress with over 9 years of stage, commercial, film, storytelling experience. Most recently she completed commercial’s for Malman Law and Spirit Juice. She has worked in several independent films, such as “Faithful Disappointment’s”, Market Value” and the TV true crime series “American Greed”. She completed her training at Second City, Vagabond, Sarantos Studios, Wheaton Drama, and Gorton Drama Studio. Jasmin is a dedicated actress and hard worker who is constantly looking to improve her talents. She is currently in development for producing and acting in an independent short film about human connection. She enjoys nature walks by the lake, bike riding, yoga and travels to Europe.
