What Is Next to Normal?
Next to Normal Story Slam began in May 2018 as the brainchild of Devon Lovell. Living in central Illinois and commuting to Chicago for work at the world's best little non-profit, Family Matters, Devon listens to a lot of NPR's story-based radio. This inspired her to launch Next to Normal.
Devon wanted to bring people together through stories, providing a window into the richness and complexity of others' lives.
Every couple of month or so, central Illinoisans share their stories at the McLean County Arts Center in downtown Bloomington, Illinois. (map)
Next to Normal stories are true, first-person accounts told from the heart. Our storytellers have shared the full range of human emotions: joy, sadness, fear, exultation – you name it.
Because … Next to Normal, lies the extraordinary.
To add your name to our list of potential storytellers, just email us!
We want stories from many storytellers, with a range of experiences. You don’t need experience in public speaking, storytelling, or acting. You just need to be willing to share a slice of your own life.
Story Guidelines:
- True, first-person accounts
- Told with no notes (or minimal notes)
- 5-10 minutes long
Mission Statement: We encourage and promote the appreciation, study, cultivation, development, and practice of art for the benefit of all the people, cultures and communities of McLean County.
 | "This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts" |