Swapna Deshpande wins our 'Fine Line' Story Slam!

Swapna Deshpande was the final storyteller at our “Fine Line” Story Slam and her story about karma and the beauty of compassion won her the prized pint glass and earned her a spot in the 2019 Grand Slam!

Our “Fine Line” Story Slam included several hilarious stories covering a wide range of topics including traditions, bartenders who come up with the best lines, and the important difference between being cocky and being competent. Rebecca Thatcher Murcia’s story about receiving a tongue in the mail distinguished between reporting the news and making the news and we laughed as Ashley DeVoe shared a story about an awkward night of blues dancing. Tom Bottiger explained the subtle difference between successfully waterskiing and unsuccessfully waterskiing and Randy Shultz told a tale of walking the fine line between good samaritan and chicken thief.

Thanks to all our storytellers, the judges, and everyone who came out to laugh and applaud. Big thanks to our emcee Donna Talarico who filled in for David Smith.

Our next Story Slam is themed "Pet Peeve" and will be held on Tuesday, February 26th. Save the date and don’t forget to order your tickets online in advance.

Check out Swapna Deshpande's winning story below. To watch other stories told on the night, click on over to theLancaster Story Slam YouTube Channel.

Our Fifth Season Kicks Off With the Theme 'Fine Line!'

Our fifth season of Lancaster Story Slam begins on Tuesday, January 22nd with the theme of “Fine Line.” Come on out to Zoetropolis; we start telling stories at 7pm. Grab your tickets HERE!

January’s emcee will be David Smith. Photo credit: Michelle Johnsen Photography

What type of stories fit the theme "Fine Line?"

We’re looking for your stories about the fine lines in life; times when there was only a slight difference between things. Maybe it was the way you felt about your 2nd grade nemesis - it was a fine line between love and hate. Perhaps when you decided to save money by fixing the toilet yourself, it was a fine line between genius and insanity. Or maybe there was a time when you might have crossed that line between gossip and information on one of your visits to the water cooler at work. We want to hear about your fine line.

If you have a story, see Carla when you arrive. Remember, we start telling stories at 7pm on Tuesday, January 22nd at Zoetropolis (112 N Water Street).  Click HERE for tickets.

2019 Themes and Dates Announced!

We’re thrilled to announce that Lancaster Story Slam is gearing up for our fifth season! The 2019 season will again take place on the fourth Tuesday of the month, but the new season brings with it some exciting changes. This year all events will begin at 7 pm (an hour earlier), and for the first four months of the year, we will be hosting Story Slam at Zoetropolis (112 N Water Street). Tickets for each Story Slam go on sale the day after the previous month’s event and can be ordered by clicking HERE.

Mark your calendars, check out the themes, and start planning your stories! Here are the 2019 Lancaster Story Slam themes:

Jan 22 - Fine Line

Feb 26 - Pet Peeve

Mar 26 - Courage

Apr 23 - WTF?

May 28 - Fast Forward

Jun 25 - Wake Up Call

Jul 23 - Curiosity

Aug 27 - Warning Signs

Sep 24 - Teach Your Children

Oct 22 - Scars

Nov 26 - Grand Slam-TBD

We look forward to seeing you all again in the new year and hearing your amazing stories!

Chris McDougall Wins the 2018 Grand Slam!

2018 Grand Slam Champion Chris McDougall, Carla Wilson, and emcee Melissa Snavely.

Chris McDougall edged out the competition to win the 2018 Lancaster Story Slam GRAND SLAM with his story of getting jumped while living in North Philadelphia. Chris won the coveted trophy and has earned the title of “Best Storyteller in Lancaster” for 2018.

The theme for the night was “Bad Idea,” and we heard plenty of them. David Smith confessed about an epic night of drinking the night before his wedding. Kevin Reinmiller recalled the times he has seen his father cry. Marcus Grimm explained how he broke into the radio business with a spectacular ad. Christian Carrion talked about overcoming his fear of a rollercoaster. Michael Evans explored what community means to a church. Cliff Lewis recalled the greatest Christmas ever. Bret Daniels detailed the mystery of his continually disappearing mini-van. Tony Crocamo explained how, in retrospect, getting married so young and broke could have been seen as a bad idea. Cynthia Angst’s attempt to order off a French menu didn’t end well. And Mandy Mastros talked about the bad idea of online dating and how she has persisted.

Thanks to all our storytellers, our judges, and everyone who came out to the sold out Grand Slam!

You can watch Chris McDougall’s story below. To watch all the stories told at the GRAND SLAM, click over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube Channel. Or use this link for a playlist of all the Grand Slam stories!

The 2018 Lancaster Story Slam GRAND SLAM theme is Announced!

2017 Grand Slam Champion Tony Crocamo will be competing in the 2018 Grand Slam.

Tickets for the 2018 Lancaster Story Slam GRAND SLAM are on sale now!

The theme for the GRAND SLAM is Bad Idea! This GRAND SLAM will take place at Tellus360 on Tuesday, November 27th at 8pm.

The winning storytellers from throughout the 2018 season will compete for the title of Best Storyteller in Lancaster. This year’s storytellers scheduled to compete are: Michael Evans, Christian Carrion, Marcus Grimm, Tony Crocamo, Bret Daniels, Kevin Reinmiller, David Smith, Chris McDougall, Cliff Lewis, Mandy Mastros, and Cynthia Angst.

Please note the GRAND SLAM has sold out in years past so please purchase your tickets soon by clicking HERE.

Cynthia Angst wins the final slot in our 2018 Grand Slam!

Emcee Melissa Snavely with Cynthia Angst

Cynthia Angst edged out the competition at our “Skeletons in the Closet” Grand Slam with her story of battling a mouse. Cynthia won the prized pint glass and earned the final slot in our 2018 GRAND SLAM, which will be held on Tuesday, November 27th. For GRAND SLAM tickets, click HERE.

Our “Skeletons” Story Slam included some heart wrenching stories of family illness and depression, a few coming of age stories, meandering through a real life body exhibit, and securing the starring role in a horror movie, only to find out nudity is required.

Thanks to all our storytellers this season, our judges, and everyone who has come out to cheer on the stories. Grab your tickets for the 2018 GRAND SLAM before they sell out. We’ll see you on November 27th!

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

Our Theme for our October 23rd Story Slam is "Skeletons in the Closet!"

Celebrate Halloween on October 23rd with our “Skeletons in the Closet” Story Slam! We start telling stories at 8pm, but most people arrive early to get food and drink and secure the best seats. Come on out! Grab your tickets by clicking HERE.

What do we mean by “Skeletons in the Closet?”

We want to hear your personal secret or your family foibles. Tell us something about your family’s embarrassing tradition or your ancestor’s arrest record. Perhaps you have a fetish or once were caught in a disreputable situation. Maybe you had to divulge your “skeleton” during a job interview or during a date or when you were bringing your significant other home to meet the family for the first time.

Join us on Tuesday, October 23rd for our “Skeletons in the Closet” Story Slam! This is your last chance to tell a story before our 2018 Grand Slam! Grab your tickets by clicking HERE!

Mandy Mastros wins our "Homecoming" Story Slam!

Story Slam winner Mandy Mastros with emcee Luanne Sims.

Mandy Mastros won our “Homecoming” Story Slam with her tale of growing up in Lancaster and leaving on a spiritual journey before returning to serve her community. Mandy edged out the competition to earn a slot in our 2018 Lancaster Story Slam Grand Slam.

The stories this night touched all of our emotions. We laughed about an attempt to regain that high school glory and we pondered a tale of accidentally running into “Mr. Heartthrob” from college. We were wowed with a story about coming home to find parents had moved, and we were saddened by a story about a mother’s death. We leaned into to listen to a story about the potential loss of a love, and we laughed at an embarrassing faux pas during a homecoming trip to campus.

We had so many first time storytellers, which we love! Thanks to all those who told stories, those who were our judges, and all who listened.

Our October 23rd Story Slam is themed “Skeletons in the Closet.” Tickets are available HERE. Save the date and prepare your story.

Check out Mandy’s winning story below. To see other stories told on the night, click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube Channel.

Our September Story Slam is "Homecoming!"

Our September 25th Story Slam celebrates the age old tradition of "Homecoming." Join us at Tellus360 for a night of homecoming stories, and maybe even tell your own. Grab your tickets by clicking HERE.

What are we looking for with "Homecoming" stories?

Yes, we could be talking about returning to your college stomping grounds, but we also want to hear stories about returning to family and loved ones, or the hope of seeing a prodigal son return. Perhaps you moved away from your home town decades ago but returned recently to where it all started. Maybe this homecoming was rather inconvenient, such as having to care for an aging parent or attend a funeral. Maybe that trip home rekindled a relationship with an old flame or made you feel nostalgic in some way. Tell us your homecoming story!

We start telling stories at 8pm on Tuesday, September 25th at Tellus360. Grab your tickets HERE or pay at the door. If you want to tell a story, see Carla at the foot of the stage!

Cliff Lewis wins our "Beach Bum" Story Slam!

Cliff Lewis and emcee Marcus Grimm

Cliff Lewis won our "Beach Bum" Story Slam with his story of going to visit his grandparents in Florida and ending up leading the local St. Patrick's Day Parade. Cliff won the prized pint glass and earned a slot in the 2018 Grand Slam, which will take place in November.

Our "Beach Bum" stories were diverse and, shall we say, revealing! We heard about nude beach experiences in Spain and France. Tales included boardwalk fights, drinking with a younger generation, and chumming while deep sea fishing. We also enjoyed stories about dangerous situations such as being stranded on a desert island, being stranded on a sand bar, and running out of air while scuba diving.

Thanks to all our storytellers, our judges, and everyone who came out tonight.

Our next Story Slam is themed "Homecoming" and will be held on Tuesday, Septmeber 25th at 8pm. To order tickets, click HERE.

Check out Cliff's winning story below. To watch all the stories told this night, click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube Channel. If you want to see stories told at the HippoCamp Story Slam we held on Saturday, click here.

Our August 28th Story Slam is themed "Beach Bum!"

To commemorate the end of summer, our August 28th Story Slam is themed "Beach Bum!" Grab your tickets by clicking HERE.

What stories do we want for "Beach Bum?"

We hope to hear stories about road trips to the "shore," memories of family vacations to the beach, or failed attempts to get to the sea. Perhaps you spent a summer scooping ice cream or serving dinner at a famous crab house, maybe your first fling was under the boardwalk or you had nightmares after getting hit by the tram car. Perhaps you have found a remote spit of sand that has become your personal space, or once had an altercation on a crowded holiday beach. Your beach story might be about the Jersey shore, the Maryland or Delaware beaches, or someplace more exotic such as Maui, Grand Cayman, or the Gold Coast. Certain shore towns instill fierce family memories - some good and some horrible - what's yours?

We hope to see you tanned and relaxed from your summer vacation when you come out for our "Beach Bum" Story Slam on August 28th at Tellus360. We start telling stories at 8pm, but most people arrive early for dinner and/or drinks. Grab your tickets HERE.

Chris McDougall Wins the "Fast Lane" Story Slam!

Chris McDougall was the final storyteller at our "Fast Lane" Story Slam, and his story about an epic rowing meet won him the prized pint glass and earned him a slot in November's Grand Slam!

We heard several excellent storytellers on the night from returning storytellers and a few first-timers also. Grand Slam Champion Cliff Lewis returned with an excellent story about attending a fireworks show where everyone was on edge. We heard Marcus Grimm tell a story about a classic high school prank. First-timer Rachel Prensner talked about her first foray into online dating. Eileen Joyce told us about living life in the fast lane with her cat. Phil Broder talked about the miracle cash he found when he was most in need. Laura Heller told us about her summer road trip. Diane Yannick explained how she hopped on the fast lane when her first marriage fell apart.

Thanks to all our storytellers, the judges, and everyone who came out to laugh and applaud. Big thanks to our emcee Donna Talarico, who is busy putting the finishing touches on the 2018 HippoCamp Creative Writers Conference taking place in Lancaster in August. Learn more by clicking HERE.

Our next Story Slam is themed "Beach Bum" and will be held on Tuesday, August 28th. Save the date!

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

Our "Fast Lane" Story Slam Is July 24th!

Step on that gas pedal! Our July 24th Story Slam is themed "Fast Lane!" Tell us your story or just come out to listen as people share their tales. Grab your tickets HERE.

What do we mean by "Fast Lane?"

We want to hear stories about the fast life in all aspects. Did you once own a bitchin' Camaro? Were you fast-tracked in your career? Were you living a fast life that ended in a crash at rehab? We want to hear about that vacation where you received multiple speeding tickets, or the time you ran with the bulls in Pamplona, or the time you won your local 5K by mistake. Perhaps you made a decision to get out of a certain situation and then put your efforts into the fast lane to get off at the next exit. Have you ever been in a dangerous car or boating accident or lost a friend who lived fast and died young. Tell us about your life and times in the fast lane.

We'll see you on Tuesday, July 24th at Tellus360 at 8pm. Grab your tickets HERE.

Dave Smith Wins Our "Father Knows Best" Story Slam!

Dave smith poses with emcee Melissa Snavely.

Dave Smith's story of scaling a rock wall while his son watched on was the winning story at our "Father Knows Best" Story Slam. Dave won the prized pint glass and has earned his slot in the 2018 Lancaster Story Slam Grand Slam, which will take place in November.

We heard several touching stories recalling the love and idiosyncrasies of dads. Whether bonding with dad while building a pinewood derby car or nervously waiting for dad to reply to the news of a pregnant daughter or watching dad rummage through cushions for spare change, we learned about the dedication and wordless love of fathers. 

Join us for our next Story Slam, themed "Fast Lane," which will be held on Tuesday, July 24th at 8pm. You can order your tickets by clicking HERE.

You can watch Dave's winning story below. To watch other stories told on the night, click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube Channel.

Our June Story Slam: Father Knows Best!

Our Story Slam on June 26th is "Father Knows Best!" Tell your favorite Dad story or come out and listen to other people tell their remembrances of fathers, substitute fathers, and other mentors. Perhaps you want to get your dad tickets to the Story Slam and then surprise him by taking the stage and telling your story! For tickets, click HERE.

What type of stories do we want to hear?

Let's hear about your early memories of dad or your lack of memories of dad. How did your dad influence you either through genetics or through their passions in life or their mistakes in life. Did you get your love of reading, or sports, or fishing, or sense of ethics and responsibility from your own dad? Perhaps you had a surrogate father or were adopted and have a special relationship with a father figure. Maybe your grandfather was the dominant figure in your life or maybe you just became a father yourself and have first-hand thoughts on the trials and tribulations of raising your own children. We want to hear about rich dads, poor dads, good dads and struggling dads.

Come on out to Tellus360 on Tuesday, June 26th for our "Father Knows Best" Story Slam. for tickets, click HERE. We start telling stories at 8pm, but arrive early for the best seats, some food and drink.

Kevin Reinmiller wins our "Do Over" Story Slam!

May Story Slam winner Kevin Reinmiller and emcee Melissa Snavely

Kevin Reinmiller won our "Do Over" Story Slam with his tale of drinking too much with some co-workers and waking up to find himself in a very awkward and gross situation. Kevin took home the prized pint glass and has earned a slot in our Grand Slam, which will take place in November.

Our "Do Over" Story Slam features stories about sneaking out to meet up with the boy next door, excelling at a job at the gun range, having a first dance, the perils of attempting to jump into the ocean off a cliff, being over fed in South Korea, saving a brother from choking, and more.

Our June 26th Story Slam is themed "Father Knows Best!" Grab your tickets HERE.

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

Our May 22d Story Slam is "Do Over!"

Did you ever wish for a second chance? Have you ever taken a mulligan?

Our May 22nd Story Slam is themed "Do Over!" We start telling stories at 8pm at Tellus360, but most people arrive early to grab food and a pint, and to secure the best seats! You can order your tickets by clicking HERE.

What do we mean by "Do Over?"

We want to hear stories about second chances or lack of a second chance. Did you initially screw up your relationship with a lover, only to beg for another try? Did your first attempt at a work project fail spectacularly but you redeemed yourself on your second, third, or fourth attempt? Maybe your lack of a "Do Over" has filled you with regret. Have you been in trouble with the law and prayed that if exonerated you would clean up your life? Perhaps you have overcome an addiction or alcoholism? Beaten cancer? We all know the saying, If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Let's hear your story about "Do Over!"

Grab your tickets and we'll see you on May 22nd!

Bret Daniels wins our Best Day Ever Story Slam

Story Slam Winner Bret Daniels with Emcee Luanne Sims

Bret Daniels won our April Story Slam with his courageous story of meeting and offering forgiveness to the man who had raped him years ago. Bret's story left the audience breathless and he was given a standing ovation.

The theme for the night was "Best. Day. Ever." In addition to Bret's story, we heard stories about such exciting moments such as electronics day at school, being a scuba hero at the pool, losing a championship basketball game, holding a memorial service for mom, hearing your kids waking your husband instead of you for the first time, and achieving a childhood goal at Wrigley Field.

Thanks to all our storytellers, our judges, and everyone who came out tonight for our April Story Slam. Our next Story Slam will be held on Tuesday, May 22nd and the theme is "Do Over!" Grab your tickets by clicking HERE.

You can view Bret's winning story below or click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube page to watch several stories told on the night.

Our April 24th Story Slam is "Best. Day. Ever."

Come out to our April 24th Story Slam to celebrate the greatest days ever! The theme for our April event is "Best. Day. Ever." We start telling stories at 8pm, but most people arrive at Tellus360 early for drinks and food. Grab your tickets by clicking HERE.

What stories are we looking for?

We want to hear the twists and turns of a remarkable day in your life. Tell us about how you thought something was going to go wrong but instead it turned out to be awesome. We want to hear about the amazing road trip you took, or the moment when a surprise meeting changed your life. Perhaps your best day ever was meeting a celebrity, or getting married, or winning the lottery, or giving birth to your child, or telling your boss off and quitting your job! Maybe the day was memorable despite everything that went wrong! Reflect on the days that still make you grin and tell us your story.

Also - if you've wanted to tell a story but would like some guidance, check out our one night storytelling workshop on April 18th in the An Sibin Room at Tellus360. You need to sign up ahead of time to get the homework and we only have a few spots remaining. For details on the Storytelling Workshop, click HERE.

We'll see you on April 24th at 8pm for "Best. Day. Ever."

Tony Crocamo Wins our "Forgiven" Story Slam!

Our winner Tony Crocamo poses with emcee Luanne Sims.

Tony Crocamo won our "Forgiven" Story Slam with his tale of throwing snowballs at cars as a kid. Tony won the prized pint glass and has earned a slot in the 2018 Grand Slam, which takes place in November. Tony will be defending the title, as he won the Best Storyteller in Lancaster for 2017.

For some unknown reason, many of our "Forgiven" stories centered around our love of dogs. We also heard a story about leaving the Amish community and being shunned, and leaving a boyfriend in a rather sudden fashion. We listened to a beautiful story of working at a march while fasting, and having an out of body experience. We heard about a daughter's April Fool's prank that stunned a mother, and we listened to a story about an improper disposal of a deceased cat.

Our Storytelling Workshop will be held on April 18th at Tellus360. Click HERE to learn more and register so we can send you the videos to watch before class.

Our April 24th Story Slam is themed "Best. Day. Ever." Grab your tickets HERE.

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