Jeremy Ashley Owens found the reading series You’re Being Ridiculous in 2010 and has produced and hosted ever since. Each show is led by a theme and people get together to share stories about their lives. Their motto, “Good stories are better than good times.”
From a previous interview for Windy City Times, Owens explained YBR came from wanting, “to be onstage talking about what I wanted to talk about.” He also desired a “safe, happy place” where he could be in charge of what he wanted to say and have other people with him.
Originally from Stuttgart, Arkansas, “the rice and duck capital OF THE WORLD,” Owens resides in Rogers Park. He’s a co-editor for Heauxs Chicago, and his work has appeared in Oy!Chicago, Role Reboot, Thread, The Daily Dot, and Story Club Magazine. He’s also been featured in live-lit shows Essay Fiesta, Fillet of Solo Theatre Festival, Guts & Glory, Story Club Chicago, Story Sessions, The Paper Machete, This Much Is True, and That’s All She Wrote.
I reached out to Owens to ask about his writing process, advice for nonfiction/performing newcomers, what he looks for when reading YBR submissions and more!
Continue reading “Jeremy Ashley Owens: Being “Your Youest You” and Eliminating the Judgement in Writing and Performance”
Arely Anaya 