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The Backstory Project

The Backstory Project is a series of video interviews with the people and organizations whose work  enhance the life of our communities.

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Theater, at it's heart, is storytelling. The heart of the Backstory Project interviews is two-fold:  WHY people do what they do, and WHAT was the journey that brought them to the present.

 

These interviews are free, but supporting donations will be gratefully accepted.

Dan Haley part 2, released 10-19-2021
27:41

Dan Haley part 2, released 10-19-2021

Dan Haley, editor of the Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest, focuses on the place of community journalism today; why he believes that Growing Community Media's storytelling model is broken and how he envisions fixing it.
Al's Grill, Oak Park. General Manager video. Released 10-26-2021
18:10

Al's Grill, Oak Park. General Manager video. Released 10-26-2021

What is the 'magic ingredient' in every dish served at Al's Grill? Petros Mourtokokis, General Manager of Al's Grill in Oak Park, shares how the business started and the importance of its connections to the community.
Dan Haley part 1 released 10-12-2021
28:52

Dan Haley part 1 released 10-12-2021

Dan Haley is the editor/ publisher of the Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest, and publisher of Growing Community Media. He will share stories of his rise in the newspaper business, and why local newspapers are directly connected to the communities they serve.
Connie's Restaurant in Berwyn, Illinois. Released 11-9-2021
21:39

Connie's Restaurant in Berwyn, Illinois. Released 11-9-2021

For the past 77 years anyone dinning at Connie's Restaurant in Berwyn would know they were part of a busy, bustling enterprise. What they may not know is that they and their fellow diners are only a part of what happens at Connie's.
Bob Uphues, Editor of Riverside Brookfield Landmark. Released 11-2-2021
25:58

Bob Uphues, Editor of Riverside Brookfield Landmark. Released 11-2-2021

Bob Uphues, the Editor of the Riverside Brookfield Landmark newspaper, shares his beginnings in journalism as well as the value of a local paper to the communities it serves. What is the surprising connection between a hat, a shirt, and the FBI? Watch to find out.
Michael Romain, Editor of Austin Weekly News. Released 11-16-2021
30:31

Michael Romain, Editor of Austin Weekly News. Released 11-16-2021

Michael Romain, editor of the Austin Weekly News shares why he believes it is so important to cover stories presenting a comprehensive portrait of life in Austin, West Garfield Park and North Lawndale.
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