Storytelling Open Mic-WALK-INS WELCOME

DNS takes place the second Wednesday of every month. No Cover Charge!

Do Not Submit Lake Forest takes place in a cozy room at Gorton Center in Lake Forest. Each month, it opens the door to a welcoming storytelling open mic. From the start, the atmosphere is enthusiastic, supportive, and free from pressure, judgment, or scoring.

Because of that, no experience is required. Instead, everyone is encouraged to join in or simply listen.

To participate, arrive at 7:15 pm to sign up. Then, when your name is called, you’ll have up to seven minutes to share. You can tell, read, tap dance, or perform in any way you like. The story can be personal, fictional, essay-style, or even about proper flossing. Throughout the evening, all language and content are welcome, with the exception of hate speech.

Finally, there’s no cover charge. Plus, beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages will be available for purchase, making it easy to relax and enjoy the night.

Hosted by Jasmin Rodriguez, Suzie Garfield & Lisa Parr

About Your Hosts:

Jasmin Rodriguez is a trained actress with over a decade of experience spanning stage, commercial, film, and storytelling work. Most recently, she appeared in commercials for the Illinois Lottery and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Her film credits include several independent projects, such as Market Value and Faithful Disappointments. She also served as a stand-in and double for the dynamic Miranda Mayo—known for her role as Stella Kidd on Chicago Fire—during Seasons 5 and 6, where she gained extensive on-set training and professional production experience. Jasmin completed her acting training at Second City, Vagabond, Wheaton Drama, and Gorton Drama Studio. Known for her dedication, strong work ethic, and commitment to continual growth, she is always seeking opportunities to sharpen her craft. Currently, Jasmin works as an MC for DO NOT SUBMIT – Lake Forest Open Mic, where she shares heartfelt—and often quirky—stories that energize and engage audiences. Outside of her creative work, she enjoys power walks by the lake, bike riding, active involvement with St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Evanston, and traveling throughout Europe.

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.

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.