UNREAL

a fiction-focused,
experimental open mic

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, where it has largely remained due to ongoing pandemic-related public health concerns. In August 2022, UNREAL finally celebrated its six-year anniversary outdoors and in person at its new home, Golden Dagger in Lincoln Park. 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, along with the RSVP to the show. You can also follow us via Twitter and Facebook, or skip the social media hassle altogether by signing up for our monthly newsletter at the bottom of the page.