Story Slam is where you can hear people's amazing true stories told live on stage. All stories are told by volunteers from the audience. Our show has been running since March 19th 2014 when we hosted our first event in the basement of a café, organised for, and attended by friends. Since then we have grown hugely, moved to our incredible venue The Wardrobe Theatre, and have been lucky to welcome over 1,200 storytellers and counting. We were initially Inspired by the New York storytelling event The Moth, but have since established our own format and, unlike The Moth, our shows are not competitive and we have a more personal twist.
Our live shows are normally held on the third Sunday of the month at the Wardrobe Theatre in Bristol, UK. Podcast episodes are normally released on the first Sunday of every month. See our Events page for upcoming events and our Venue page for the address, and details of how to get there.
How to Take Part
Come along in person. The first way you can take part is simply coming along to a show. You can find directions and tickets here on our website. If you would like to tell a story there is no need to inform us. Simple turn up on the day and put your name in the hat for a chance to tell your story. Or simply come along and enjoy everyone else.
Join us online. If you are not able to make it along to the theatre for one of our shows for any reason, you can listen to our show for free via our Podcast. You can also Submit your own anonymous short story for possible inclusion in an episode. Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts to have live stories delivered to your phone everyone month.
Themes
Each of our monthly shows welcomes stories on a theme. In the past we’ve had themes such as Animals, Passion, Curiosity, Late, Superheroes, Forbidden Fruit, Risks, Milestones and many many more.
We use themes as an aid to memory rather than to be restrictive. If you are having trouble thinking of a story we suggest using the theme, but if you’ve got a story you’re ready and rearing to tell? Then come tell it! Nobody will get told off for telling a story that is off-theme, it happens all the time.
Story Rules
Live stories must follow a few simple rules. Our rules are in place to ensure the smooth running of the show, the integrity of the event, and that everyone get’s a chance to tell a story if they wish.
Stories must be true.
Stories must be about you, or at least involve you heavily as a major part in the story.
No rants, stand-up routines or monologues. We are interested in stories only. A story has a beginning, middle and end, and some change and/or conflict occurs.
Stories must be told without notes or props.
Stories must be told in 5 minutes or less
Content Warnings
In the interest of making out show a safe and comfortable place to be, storytellers are able to attach content warnings to their stories, to warn of any sensitive or distressing topics. Content warnings are read out before each story to give people a chance to leave the room/skip the podcast ahead, if they so wish. Details of how to add content warnings to your story will be explained on the day.
Age Limit
Story Slam has no age limit. However the live and spontaneous nature of the show means that profanity and adult themes are to be expected. Children are welcome at our live shows if accompanied by an adult, but parental discretion is advised.