Our 2017 Grand Slam is November 28th! Tickets on Sale Now!

Photo by Michelle Johnsen Photography

The 3rd annual Lancaster Story Slam GRAND SLAM is being held on Tuesday, November 28th, 8pm, at Tellus360! Join us and cheer on the winning storytellers from the 2017 season as they compete toe-to-toe for the title of Best Storyteller in Lancaster! The theme of the night is "Promises!" Last year's Grand Slam sold out so please order your tickets ahead of time this year. To order your tickets click HERE.

Storytellers who have earned a spot in the Grand Slam are: Eileen Joyce, Beth Horenkamp, Matt McDunnell, David Smith, Brian Layng, Tony Crocamo, Linda Silberman, Jim Pollak, Aaron Lewis, Brian william Gish and Cynthia Angst.

We hope to see you on November 28th! Help us crown the 2017 Best Storyteller in Lancaster!

Cynthia Angst wins our "Nightmares" Story Slam!

Emcee Luanne Sims with Cynthia Angst

Cynthia Angst won our October Story Slam with her tale of how one nightmare as a child came to haunt her years later. Cynthia won the prized pint glass and earned a slot in the 2017 Lancaster Story Slam GRAND SLAM, which will take place on Tuesday, November 28th. The theme for the GRAND SLAM is Promises! GRAND SLAM tickets are on sale now, click HERE.

Cynthia's tale edged out several excellent stories about nightmares of the real variety, as well as true dreamlike nightmares. We heard about strange doors and killer lobsters, losing a friend and finding a butcher knife, unsettling dreams about horror movies and recalling a father's pranks. Thanks to all our storytellers, our judges and to everyone who came out to catch our Nightmares Story Slam.

Check out Cynthia's winning story below. To watch the other stories told at the Nightmares Story Slam, click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube Channel.

Our October 24th Story Slam is "Nightmares!"

Photo by Michelle Johnsen Photography

Our next Story Slam takes place on Tuesday, October 24th and our theme is "Nightmares!" Join us for stories at Tellus360 starting at 8pm. This is our final regular season Story Slam of 2017, and we will discover who wins the final slot in the season's GRAND SLAM!

What type of stories fit into the theme of "Nightmares?"

We want to hear stories about the nightmares you dreamed and the nightmares you lived! Did someone scare you and give you frightening dreams? Did you live through a nightmare - perhaps a terrible job, a crazy boss, an abusive spouse or parent? What's a nightmare you endured and survived? Do you have a frightening Halloween story? Perhaps you worked in a morgue or at a funeral home. Prepare your Nightmares story!

Tickets for our October 24th Story Slam are available now by clicking HERE. If you want to tell a story, sign up at the foot of the stage once you arrive.

This is your last chance to win a spot in the 2017 GRAND SLAM! See you soon!

Brian William Gish Wins our "Old School" Story Slam!

Emcee Meg Martin with winning storyteller Brian William Gish

Congratulations to Brian William Gish, the winner of our "Old School" Story Slam! Brian told about how attending third grade with two broken arms led to a culinary treat. Brian won our prized pint glass and earned a slot in our Lancaster Story Slam GRAND SLAM, which will be held in November.

The competition was fierce tonight. We heard about how an allegedly evil kid saved a school girl, and how some pills led to an uncomfortably awkward moment with a college professor. We were entertained by an attempt at "old school" backpacking and how a young man learned to enjoy those of an older generation. We heard about life with a VW Vanagon, and a tale of trying to please a wife who really needed to pee, and seeing your accumulated points diminish. We heard about rifle enthusiasts and carnies, sunglasses and toilets, along with how to excite some Chinese tourists.

Thanks to Meg Martin for emceeing and our judges for judging. We appreciate everyone who came out tonight to cheer our storytellers on. It was a fun night!

Our next Story Slam is themed "Nightmares" and will be held on Tuesday, October 24th. Grab your tickets HERE.

You can watch Brian tell his story below. To watch other stories told on the night, click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube page.

Our "Old School" Story Slam is September 26th!

Our September 26th Story Slam is themed "Old School!" We start telling stories at 8pm at Tellus360. Grab your tickets by clicking HERE!

What stories fit the theme "Old School?"

We want to hear your stories about attending school back in the day, and we also want to hear your stories about solving issues with an "old school" attitude. The Urban Dictionary defines Old School as "Anything that is from an earlier era and looked upon with high regard or respect." Perhaps your story is about solving a school issue in an old style way. Bring your "old school" story as you see it!

We hope to see you September 26th, we start telling stories at 8pm. If you want to tell a story, sign up when you arrive!

Our "Hot Mess" Story Slam Ends in a Tie!

Co-winners Jim Pollak and Aaron Lewis

Congratulations to Jim Pollak and Aaron Lewis, co-winners of our "Hot Mess" Story Slam. Both storytellers told tales about hiking - and each story ended with a harrowing experience of exhaustion. Both Jim and Aaron have earned slots in the November Grand Slam.

In addition to the trail stories, the theme "Hot Mess" included tales about steaming piles of hot mess, relationships that turn into a hot mess, runs that turn into a dangerous situation and more.

Our next Story Slam is themed "Old School" and will be held on Tuesday, September 26th at Tellus360. You can order your tickets by clicking HERE.

You can watch Jim and Aaron's winning stories below. To view all the stories told at our Hot Mess Story Slam, click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube channel.

Our August 22nd Story Slam is "Hot Mess!"

To celebrate the dog days of summer, our August 22nd Story Slam is themed "HOT MESS!" We start telling stories at 8pm at Tellus360 in downtown Lancaster. You can pick up your tickets online by clicking HERE.

What type of "Hot Mess" stories are we looking for? 

We want to hear stories where you were very warm or uncomfortable, steaming or sweating, or maybe just downright sexy. Did you attend a disastrous wedding during a heatwave? Perhaps you drunkenly "hooked up" with someone who turned out to be a bit crazy. Have you ever been caught in a riot? Being caught in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation can make one sweat. Tell us your story about encountering a "Hot Mess!" 

We hope to see you on August 22nd at the air-conditioned Tellus360! Remember, we start telling stories at 8pm. If you want to tell a story, simply sign up when you arrive. The hilarious Luanne Sims is our emcee. Grab your tickets HERE.

Linda Silberman wins our July Slam!

Emcee Donna Talarico looks on as Linda Silberman shows off her prized pint glass.

Linda Silberman won our "That One Time" Story Slam with her story of getting lost in a Mexican desert. Linda took home the prized pint glass and earned a slot in our November Grand Slam!

The night got off to a raucous start with Mitch's story of how his college pranks ended with condom representatives showing up at his school. We heard about "that one time" when college student Nick drank too much and had a run in with the cops. Tony told about his attempt to get rid of a hand grenade while in Vietnam. We heard Cynthia's tale of trying on a wedding dress with "the coven." Marc told us about "that one time" he almost drowned. We heard Doug's story of ending up in a Lancaster-based reality TV show. Erik told about how his attempt to help a co-worker didn't end up as planned. We heard Beth's story of road rage, Laura's tale of being catcalled, and Liz's story about a wild night on the dance floor.

Thanks to all our storytellers, our judges, and the whole audience for your enthusiasm. Also a big thanks to our emcee Donna Talarico! As we mentioned, Donna's HippoCamp 2017 Creative Nonfiction Writers Conference returns to Lancaster this September with an amazing lineup. Learn more by clicking HERE.

Our next Story Slam is themed "Hot Mess" and will be held on Tuesday, August 22nd at Tellus360. Pick up your tickets by clicking HERE.

You can watch Linda's winning story below. To check out all the stories told on the night, click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube channel.

Our July 25th Story Slam is "That One Time..."

"Remember that one time?"

Our July Story Slam has a theme that can fit nearly any story! "That One Time..." is our theme for the July 25th Story Slam, which begins at 8pm at Tellus360 in downtown Lancaster, PA. Arrive early for the best seats, you can grab a pint and food in the front bar before the show. Tickets are available by clicking HERE.

What do we mean by "That One Time..." We all have classic go to stories that was share around the dinner table, or when we're at a bar with friends. It may be a story about an old lover, or a tale about an epic road trip, or a remembrance about an event that changed your relationship with family or friends forever. This is basically an open call for stories - any story fits - so bring your best story to our July Story Slam!

Tony Crocamo wins our "Awkward Pause" Story Slam!

Winning Storyteller Tony Crocamo with emcee Luanne Sims.

Tony Crocamo won our June Story Slam with his tale of meeting his future wife for the first time and knowing she was the one. Tony won the prized pint glass and will return in November to compete in our Grand Slam.

The theme "Awkward Pause" brought out several embarrassing stories such as being caught eyeing up a singer, pretending news journalist Ann Curry is your wife, and being stuck in an apartment door. We also heard tales about awkward job interviews, awkward children, and an awkward moment after the death of one's father. We heard about an awkward encounter on the Appalachian Trail, an embarrassing workout wardrobe malfunction and the awkward attempt to keep one's obsession with the Twilight books under wraps.

Thanks to our storytellers, our judges and all those who came out to support live storytelling. Our next Story Slam is themed "That One Time" and will be held at Tellus360 on Tuesday, July 25th. Tickets can be ordered by clicking HERE.

You can watch Tony's winning story below. To watch other stories told at our Story Slams, click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube channel.

Our June 27th Story Slam is "Awkward Pause!"

Come on out to our Tuesday, June 27th Story Slam to hear tales about "Awkward Pause!" Our Story Slams are held at Tellus360 and we start hearing stories at 8pm, so arrive early to get a pint and some grub. Tickets can be ordered by clicking HERE.

What are "Awkward Pause" stories?

We want to hear your story about an embarrassing moment where you realized something for the first time. Perhaps you said something you shouldn't have, or gave away a secret, or unwittingly informed someone of a looming surprise. Maybe you let it slip that you believed unicorns were real, like in this episode of This American Life. Did you reveal something about your personal life to your parents by mistake, or drunkenly tell your roommate you had a crush on them, or call your boss an obscene name only to turn around and see them standing behind you? We've all had awkward pauses in our lives, what is yours?

Join us on Tuesday, June 27th at 8pm at Tellus360! If you want to tell a story, sign up with Carla once you arrive. Secure your tickets HERE.

Looking for more inspiration? Frank Melvin has told some of our favorite "awkward pause" stories through the years. Here's one!

Brian Layng Wins Our "Don't Tell Mom" Story Slam!

Winner Brian Layng poses with emcee Eileen Joyce

Congratulations to Brian Layng!

Brian won our "Don't Tell Mom" Story Slam with his story of learning that there are some things you actually can tell your mother. Don't Tell Mom proved to be a popular theme - we heard twelve stories on the night. We heard how mothers know their daughters have a crush on a boy and how sons text their fathers certain details they wouldn't dare tell their mothers. We heard about mischief and health scares that mothers never knew about. We learned how a mother unknowingly saved her daughter from school trouble and how another mom found out the truth about her son's broken clavicle.

We were also excited to have six first-time storytellers joining six returning storytellers. Thanks to everyone who came out to listen to "mom" stories and cheer our storytellers on. Also thanks to Eileen Joyce for emceeing the night. Our next Story Slam will be held on June 27th and the theme is "Awkward Pause!" Tickets are available by clicking HERE.

You can watch video of Brian's winning story below. To watch other stories told this night, click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube channel.

Our May 23rd Story Slam is "Don't Tell Mom!"

"Don't Tell Mom!"

You've said this many times, or perhaps you have overheard your kids whispering this in the next room. Well, now "Don't Tell Mom" is the theme of our May 23rd Story Slam! Join us at 8pm at Tellus360 for "Don't Tell Mom" stories. Grab your tickets by clicking HERE.

We want to hear those stories where you broke a lamp in the house, scratched the car, or snuck a boyfriend/girlfriend into your bedroom. Trying to keep a secret from mom isn't easy - they have that extra sense for knowing when something is amiss. Maybe you withheld vital information about your true identity, your whereabouts, or your most recent lover, because you were concerned about mom's reaction. Have you ever had to tell your mom you were moving away, that you wrecked her new car, or that you were arrested? Tell us about your mother's reaction when she finally put the puzzle pieces together. We want to hear the stories you successfully kept from your mom AND stories you were not able to keep hidden!

"Don't Tell Mom" is the theme! Come on our May 23rd at 8pm at Tellus360!

David Smith Wins Our "Money" Story Slam!

David Smith won our April Story Slam with his touching tale of how a battle with illness provided him with a new view of money and friends. David took home a prized pint glass and earned a slot in the November Grand Slam. Congratulations David!

The "Money" stories told tonight were funny, intense and insightful. We heard stories about arranging for free dental work to save money, and how earning money changes family dynamics. We listened to tales of working four jobs and how making money is like digesting food. We heard about having money stolen in Angola - and chasing down a thief in Honduras. We heard about selling family heirloooms and the memories they hold, and we listened to a tense story of tracking down acell phone stolen in Central Market. Thanks to all our storytellers, our judges and the audience who came out!

Our next Story Slam will be Tuesday, May 23rd and the theme is "Don't Tell Mom!" You can order your tickets by clicking HERE!

Check out David's winning story below. To view all the stories told on the night, check out the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube Channel.

Our April 25th Story Slam is themed "Money!"

Get your taxes done and come out to hear stories about "Money!" Our next Story Slam is Tuesday, April 25th at Tellus360 and "Money" is the theme. Grab your tickets HERE. What types of stories are we looking for?

We want to hear about all aspects of money; your lack of money, your pursuit of money, your unexpected windfall. What has your experience with money been? Did you grow up in poverty or grow up privileged? Did you ever find a ton of cash? Have you been homeless? Did you win the lottery and find your financial struggles were only beginning? Money is both a blessing and a curse. Families fight over money. Greedy people embezzle money. Has someone influenced your view of money in an unusual way? We live in a capitalist society, and people often obsess over money, but what is your life balance?

Grab your tickets for Tuesday, April 25th by clicking HERE. If you want to tell a story on the night, sign up and we'll drop your name in the hat. We hope to see you there. Remember - we start telling stories at 8pm, so arrive early for grub and a pint.

Matt McDunnell Wins our "Man vs. Beast" Story Slam!

Story Slam winner Matt McDunnell poses with emcee Aaron Lewis

Congratulations to Matt McDunnell, winner of our "Man vs. Beast" Story Slam! Matt told the hilarious story about his three run-ins with squirrels over the years and the fear that these encounters caused in his life. Matt took home the prized pint glass and has earned a slot in our November Grand Slam!

Our theme led to hilarious and sometimes heart wrenching stories. We heard about bear encounters and birdshit, hamster corpses and chicken dinner, duck collections and dog bites. A fascinating night for our audience. Thanks to our storytellers, our judges, and the audience for coming out and cheering the stories on.

Our next Lancaster Story Slam will be on Tuesday, April 25th and the theme is "Money!" You can reserve your tickets by clicking HERE.

STORYTELLING WORKSHOP REMINDER: Don't forget we have our once a year Storytelling Workshop on Wednesday, April 5th. Limited space remains. To learn more about our Storytelling Workshop, click HERE.

You can listen to Matt's winning story below or check out all the stories told by clicking over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube Channel. We did have some video issues so I'm sorry to say some videos consist of a slideshow.

Our March 28th Story Slam is "Man vs. Beast!"

Have you ever confronted a beast?

We want to hear your story at our "Man vs. Beast" Story Slam on Tuesday, March 28th at Tellus360 in downtown Lancaster, PA.  We start hearing stories at 8pm, but arrive early for the best seats and to grab dinner and/or a pint at the bar. Reserve your tickets by clicking HERE.

What do we mean by "Man vs. Beast?"

We're looking for stories about all types of beasts! Perhaps your beast is training an unruly pet, or encountering some type of animal in the woods while camping. Perhaps your "beast" was an a**hole boss or a competitor in the wrestling ring. Maybe you've struggled with a family secret or a hereditary issue that has cast a "beast-like" shadow over your life. Your beast could be an animal, a person, a disease, a situation, or a relationship which has burdened you down. Beasts can take many forms, but they often play tricks on one's mind, and sometimes in the end, you realize the "beast" was merely an illusion.

We hope to see you on Tuesday, March 28th for our "Man vs. Beast" Story Slam at tellus360! Order your tickets by clicking HERE.

Beth Horenkamp Wins Our February Story Slam!

Beth Horenkamp won our "Love and Hate" Story Slam with her tale of trying to shop for shoes while pregnant and caring for her young son. Beth won the prized pint glass and earned a slot in the 2017 Grand Slam, which will take place in November. See her winning story below!

We heard many takes on the theme "Love and Hate" tonight, which also just happened to be the final night of Mardi Gras. We heard about the love/hate relationships in families, the love/hate relationship with one's own name (STELLA!), the love/hate feeling of being an immigrant, and the love/hate relationships we have with celebrities such as Kirsten Dunst and Richard Simmons. We heard about trying to live without gluten and going cold turkey with porn.

Our next Lancaster Story Slam will be Tuesday, March 28th and the theme is MAN VS. BEAST! We want to hear your stories about rabid animals and loving, but out of control, pets. Let's hear stories about the time a bear was lurking outside your tent, or the time that squirrel came down your chimney. Tell us about the time you trapped a skunk, the incident with the boxing kangaroo, or the fiasco with the killer whale. Tickets for March 28th are available HERE.

Oh, we also announced we have an upcoming Storytelling Workshop! Our workshop will be April 5th from 6 to 8pm at Tellus 360. Learn more and register by clicking HERE.

Check out Beth's winning story below. To see other stories told on the night, check out the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube Channel!

Our February Story Slam is "Love and Hate!"

It's February, do you feel the love?

Our February 28th Story Slam is themed "Love and Hate!" Join us at Tellus360 for our second Story Slam of the season. We start telling stories at 8pm, but arrive early to grabe some food and a pint - and to secure the best seats! Grab your tickets by clicking HERE.

What type of stories fit "Love and Hate?"

We are open to stories about love, and stories about hate, and stories about your love/hate relationships. We love certain people but at times we may hate them also, it's okay to admit it. Perhaps your story is a about a difficult relationship with a parent, or a former lover. Maybe you found yourself in a loveless marriage and are piecing together what went wrong. Some people find love after leaving a hateful situation. We aren't just talking about romantic love, but we want to hear stories about platonic love/hate, parental love/hate. Did you hate your life and move cross-country to find yourself? Did you realize you were looking for love in all the wrong places? There are so many ways to take this theme!

If you have a story, sign up when you arrive and we'll drop your name in the hat. If you don't have a story, you should still come out just to listen! Save the date - Tuesday, February 28th at 8pm at Tellus360!

Eileen Joyce wins our "Small World" Story Slam!

Eileen Joyce, January's winning storyteller!

Eileen Joyce edged out the competition at our "Small World" Story Slam to win the prized pint glass and earn a spot in November's 2017 GRAND SLAM! Eileen told the hilarious story of receiving emails meant for other Eileen Joyce's throughout the world and learning their private details.

The "Small World" theme was a blank canvas for several memorable stories. We heard about a trip to Cape May that had the audience on the edge of their seats. We listened to a tale of being cared for in an Italian village by caring people when 9/11 happened. There were stories about making connections during rehab, in a psychiatric hospital, on the streets of New York and on the cricket pitch. We heard about elf school and a penis museum, and about reconnecting spiritually with a loved one during the Women's March in Washington DC.

Thanks to all our storytellers, the judges, and the audience who cheered them on. Save the date! Our next Lancaster Story Slam is themed "Love and Hate" and it will be held on Tuesday, February 28th at 8pm at Tellus360. You can reserve your tickets by clicking HERE.

Check out Eileen's winning story below or click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube channel and view all the stories told at our Story Slams.