What is UNREAL?
We're a reading/performance event devoted exclusively to fictional narratives and innovation in form. What does that mean, exactly? Well, we encourage the sharing of all kinds of work, so long as it's entirely untrue: microfiction, a selection from a novel, character monologues, comics, as-yet-unnamed experimental and hybrid forms, whatever you can dream up. If you've got a mode of performing a part of your narrative in 7 minutes or less, we want to experience it.
UNREAL has been produced and hosted solely by Chelsea Fiddyment since it began in June 2016. Until March 2020, the show was held in the upstairs lounge at Schubas Tavern in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the event to move online. In August 2022, UNREAL celebrated its six-year anniversary outdoors and in person at the former Golden Dagger in Lincoln Park. After venue challenges and ongoing pandemic-related safety concerns, the show has resumed in person at the phenomenal Elliott Rayner Studio in Chinatown. You can read more about Chelsea and the history of the show here.
UNREAL takes place on the third Tuesday of every month from 6 to 9p Central Time. Recent and upcoming events are listed below; expanded event entries include additional information about each event. You can also follow us via Bluesky and Facebook, or skip the social media hassle altogether by signing up for our monthly newsletter at the bottom of the page.