Public School

While working as a union organizer, Natasha Vargas-Cooper discovered the power of personal stories and their ability to bond people. In 2010, with that in mind, she and fellow producers Joey Slamon, Stephen Falk and Dave Holmes launched this storytelling show. Each event features a different theme, but all performers are asked to share a tale about something that helped make them who they are. Stories run the gamut from serious to hilarious—the producers don't put a lot of restrictions on the kind of stories told but rather on booking intelligent, big-hearted and open storytellers who can be vulnerable and present onstage. Public School happens the second Tuesday of every month at M Bar; previous guests include Judith Shelton, Lorraine Newman, and writers from Conan, The Office, This American Life, and Weeds.