Do Not Submit – Lake Forest: A Monthly Night of Storytelling

Looking for a welcoming space to share your story—or just listen to others tell theirs? Join us for Do Not Submit – Lake Forest, a monthly open mic storytelling night in a cozy room at the Gorton Center.

Whether you’re a first-time speaker or a seasoned storyteller, you’ll find a supportive, no-pressure environment with no judges, no scoring, and absolutely no experience required. Come to connect. Come to listen. Come to tell your story.

How It Works

Want to participate? Arrive by 7:15 PM to sign up for a spot. When your name is called, you’ll have up to seven minutes to share a true story, read fiction or an essay, or even perform interpretive dance—yes, creativity is encouraged! The only rule is simple: no hate speech. Beyond that, anything goes.

There’s no cover charge, and drinks—beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options—are available for purchase. Whether you come to tell, listen, or simply hang out, you’ll leave feeling inspired and connected.

About Your Hosts:

Jasmin Rodriguez: A trained actress with over ten years of experience, Jasmin brings energy and storytelling flair to the event. She has worked in stage, film, and television—including commercials for BrightStar Care and Spirit Juice, and appearances in American Greed and indie films like Faithful Disappointments and Market Value. She trained at Second City, Sarantos Studios, Vagabond, and several other local institutions. As the emcee of Do Not Submit – Lake Forest, she enjoys sharing stories, singing in her church choir, biking, and traveling through Europe.

Suzie Garfield: Suzie believes that everyone has stories worth telling—many of them. Her own path has included raising two sons, working in tech and education, and diving deeply into lifelong learning. Now retired from traditional work, she stays busy exploring opera, theater, museums, and, of course, storytelling. Her passion for storytelling continues to drive her to seek new experiences and share them with others.

Lisa Parr: Lisa taught studio art and art history before launching an international business restoring historic landmark carousels. Her expertise in original paint and early design also serves legal and insurance clients in the art world. Fascinated by ancient myths and Celtic traditions, she conducts on-site research in Scotland. In recent years, Lisa has added storytelling to her list of creative pursuits, performing in Lake Forest, Highland Park, and beyond. For fun, she restores antique toys and vintage sports cars—and yes, she drives them, too.