Terri Shadle wins our 'Curiosity' Story Slam!

Terri Shadle  was the winner of our “Curiosity” Story Slam. Terri told us how her curiosity about loons led her to her discovery that it’s a bad idea to piss them off. Her curiosity was satisfied, but not quite the way she’d hoped.

Our “Curiosity” Story Slam started off with a new story teller to our stage, Jasiel Ayala, who told us how his curiosity led him to a love of Pearl Jam. Meghan Turk told the story of how her curiosity led to an explosion of blood. Cari Ayala told us about a time when she let her curiosity take the lead and it led her straight up a cliff. 

Thanks to all our many talented storytellers, the judges, and everyone who came out to laugh, applaud, and be a part of our storytelling community. Big thanks to J.J. Sheffer who filled in for Carla tonight and our emcee, Donna Talarico-Beerman.

Our next Story Slam is themed "Warning Signs" and will be held on Tuesday, August 27th. Make sure to save the date and order your tickets online in advance!

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

Join us for our 'Curiosity' Story Slam on July 23rd!

Donna Talarico-Beerman, founder and publisher of Hippocampus Magazine and Books by Hippocampus, also hosts Hippocamp - a conference for creative non-fiction writers. She will be our emcee in July! Photo credit: Michelle Johnsen Photography

Our July Story Slam themed, “Curiosity,” will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd. It tends to be a packed house, so it’s a good idea to purchase your tickets in advance. Join us at  Zoetropolis; you can come early for dinner or drinks now that the restaurant is open. We start telling stories at 7 pm. Grab your tickets HERE!

What type of stories fit the theme of "Curiosity"?

We’re looking for stories about things that make you curious. Maybe you have a story about a time when your curiosity got the better of you. Maybe you have a story about the repercussions of someone else’s curiosity.  Maybe you have a different way to spin our theme. We’re curious to hear whatever story you have to tell! 

 If you have a story, visit the information table when you arrive. Remember, we start telling stories at 7pm on Tuesday, July 23 at Zoetropolis (112 N Water Street). Click HERE for tickets.

Pat Carmody was the winner of our 'Wake Up Call' Story Slam!

Pat Carmody  was the winner of our “Wake Up Call” Story Slam. Pat explained that he’s not a morning person and told the story of having to get his children around for school - an activity he didn’t really enjoy until hearing one day when dropping off his son’s  they heard the song “Enjoy Every Sandwich” by Warren Zevon on the radio. Pat’s story won him the prized pint glass and earned him a spot in the 2019 Grand Slam!

Our “Wake Up Call” Story Slam started off with our emcee for the night, Melissa Snavely, who told a story about the importance of being fearless. Donna Talarico-Beerman told us about how a milestone birthday culminated in a wake up call for her. Beth Horenkamp share a story about the relationship wake up call she and her husband got early in their marriage. Patricia Cahill shared her wake up call about her obsession with writing. 

Thanks to all our many talented storytellers, the judges, and everyone who came out to laugh, applaud, and be a part of our storytelling community. Big thanks to our emcee, Melissa Snavely, as well.

Our next Story Slam is themed "Curiosity" and will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd. Make sure to save the date and order your tickets online in advance!

Check out Pat’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 is themed "Wake Up Call"!

Lancaster Story Slam Team member, Melissa Snavely, will emcee our “Wake Up Call” Slam in June!

Our June Story Slam, themed “Wake Up Call,” will be held on Tuesday, June 25th. It tends to be a packed house and we've been selling out this season, so it’s a good idea to purchase your tickets in advance. Join us at  Zoetropolis; you can come early for dinner or drinks now that the restaurant is open. We start telling stories at 7 pm. Grab your tickets HERE!

What type of stories fit the theme of "Wake Up Call"?

We’re looking for stories about wake up calls. Most of us have experienced an event or moment that brought reality into sharp focus for us; it woke us up. Maybe you didn’t realize just how much your life would change once you had a child. Maybe you have a friend who partied too much in college and had a rude awakening when they got their semester grades. Or maybe you’re wake up call was more literal. Either way, we want to hear your story!

If you have a story, visit the information table when you arrive. Remember, we start telling stories at 7pm on Tuesday, June 25th at Zoetropolis (112 N Water Street).  Click HERE for tickets.

Gina Melasecca wins our 'Fast Forward' Story Slam!

Pictured are David Smith (emcee) with our winning storyteller, Gina Melasecca, who won our prized pint glass and a spot in the Grand Slam in November!

Gina Melasecca was the winner of our “Fast Forward” Story Slam. Gina told the story growing up in Louisiana with her alcoholic mother and her older brother who is blind, autistic, and intellectually disabled. An experience that, at the time, she wished she could fast forward through; however, now she realizes this formative experience has shaped who she has become. Gina’s story won her the prized pint glass and earned her a spot in the 2019 Grand Slam!

Our “Fast Forward” Story Slam provided a menagerie of formative moments that have impacted our storytellers’ lives. Our emcee for the night, David Smith, told a story about the awkward experience of forgetting a woman who definitely remembered him. Georgine Wood told a story about an online dating experience gone wrong. Danielle Dellisola explained how things have changed for the new generation of college students. Meghan Turk told a story of mistaken identity. Randy Schultz told the story of a valuable lesson he learned from his father which he’s been able to pass on to his children.

Thanks to all our storytellers, the judges, and everyone who came out to laugh, applaud, and be part of our storytelling community. Big thanks to our emcee, David Smith, as well.

Our next Story Slam is themed "Wake Up Call" and will be held on Tuesday, June 25th. We’ve been selling out, so make sure to save the date and order your tickets online in advance!

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

'Fast Forward' is the theme for our May Story Slam!

Our May Story Slam themed, “Fast Forward,” will be held on Tuesday, May 28th. It tends to be a packed house and we've been selling out this season, so it’s a good idea to purchase your tickets in advance. Join us at  Zoetropolis; you can come early for dinner or drinks now that the restaurant is open! We start telling stories at 7 pm. Grab your tickets HERE!

What type of stories fit the theme of "Fast Forward"?

We’re looking for stories about days you may have wished you could fast forward through. We’ve all had those days that we couldn’t wait to have behind us. Or maybe you have a story about that summer romance that ended with the season, but “fast forward,” and now you’re married? Perhaps a situation where high speed was involved? Whatever it is that you’ve been fast forwarding through, we want to hear your story!

If you have a story, visit the information table when you arrive. Remember, we start telling stories at 7pm on Tuesday, May 28th at Zoetropolis (112 N Water Street).  Click HERE  for tickets.

David Smith (pictured above), no stranger to our stage, will emcee our ‘Fast Forward’ Story Slam. Photo credit: Michelle Johnsen Phototgraphy

Karen Foerstel wins our 'WTF?' Story Slam!

Shown above are emcee Jamie Beth Cohen with our April winner, Karen Foerstel, who won the prized pint glass for her ‘WTF?’ story.

Karen Foerstel was the winner of our “WTF” Story Slam. Karen told the story of growing up in the 70s and a dinner party her parents hosted with the world-renowned sexologist of the time, Dr. John Money which ended in a hilarious WTF moment. Karen’s story won her the prized pint glass and earned her a spot in the 2019 Grand Slam!

Our “WTF” Story Slam offered a wide variety of outlandish moments and truly touching and emotional stories. Some stories were of individuals saying WTF and throwing caution to the wind while others were tales of incidents that left our storytellers wondering, WTF? There were a number of first time storytellers. Danielle Del Isola told the story of a WTF experience that changed her perspective in life. Hong Van Tran-Spero told the story of a car accident and what she discovered when she went to help out. John Teske told us of his travels to Auschwitz and realizing the industrial scale of evil that humans can inflict upon one another.  Joey Tepedino told about his experiences as a pizza delivery boy and the uncertainty of what might greet him upon his arrival.

Thanks to all our storytellers, the judges, and everyone who came out to laugh, applaud, and be part of our storytelling community. Big thanks to our emcee, Jamie Beth, as well.

Our next Story Slam is themed "Fast Forward" and will be held on Tuesday, May 28th. We’ve been selling out, so make sure to save the date and order your tickets online in advance!

Check out Karen’s winning story below. To watch other stories told on the night, click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube Channel. Remember, our theme was ‘WTF?’ so our content contains profanity that is not appropriate for all audiences.

Our April Story Slam is themed, "WTF?"

Our April Story Slam themed, “WTF?,” will be held on Tuesday, April 23rd. It tends to be a packed house and we've been selling out this season, so it’s a good idea to purchase your tickets in advance. Join us at  Zoetropolis; we start telling stories at 7 pm. Grab your tickets HERE!

What type of stories fit the theme of "WTF?"?

We’re looking for stories that illustrate the ridiculous things that occur in our everyday lives that make us go WTF? We’ve all had situations that either shocked or irritated us and made us ask the question. Whatever it is that makes you think WTF, we want to hear your story!

If you have a story, stop by our information desk when you arrive. Remember, we start telling stories at 7pm on Tuesday, April 23rd at Zoetropolis (112 N Water Street).  Click HERE for tickets.

Story Slam veteran Jamie Beth Cohen/Schindler (pictured above) will emcee the evening. Photo credit: Michelle Johnsen Photography

Tony Crocamo Wins our 'Courage' Story Slam!

Emcee Luanne Sims congratulates winner Tony Crocamo for his perfect score and winning the prized pint glass!

Tony Crocamo was the winner of our “Courage” Story Slam, and was the first storyteller this season to receive perfect scores from the judges! Tony told of how he enlisted during the Vietnam War not because he believed the conflict was right, but because in his words, he “didn't have the courage not to.” Tony’s story shows that it takes courage to resist and take a stand for what you believe. Tony's story won him the prized pint glass and earned him a spot in the 2019 Grand Slam!

Our “Courage” Story Slam was a night of emotional and moving stories with everything from the courage of a young girl facing multiple heart surgeries to the courage it takes to face your fears. Some stories required great courage on the part of the storyteller while other stories recounted courage demonstrated by others. Justin Oberholtzer told a story about the lasting effects of bullying and mental health. John Teske told the story of his father’s courageous decision to attend a civil rights protest in Selma, Alabama during the height of the Civil Rights Movement and Georgine Wood told the story of how she overcome a speech impediment.

Thanks to all our storytellers, the judges, and everyone who came out to laugh, applaud, and be part of our storytelling community. Big thanks to our emcee Luanne Sims who provided some much needed comedic relief.

Our next Story Slam is themed "WTF?" and will be held on Tuesday, April 23rd. We’ve been selling out, so make sure to save the date and order your tickets online in advance!

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

Our March Story Slam is themed 'Courage'!

LInda Peacock was a first-time storyteller on our stage in February. Will you have the courage to tell your story on March 26th?

Our March Story Slam themed, “Courage,” will be held on Tuesday, March 26th. We had a packed house and sold out in January and February, so it’s a good idea to purchase your tickets in advance. Join us at  Zoetropolis; we start telling stories at 7 pm. Grab your tickets HERE!

What type of stories fit the theme of "Courage"?

We’re looking for stories that illustrate the concept of courage or maybe even the lack thereof. Maybe your great big dog, Fido, isn’t quite as brave as he seems? Tell us about that time your best friend stood up for you when the class bully made fun of you, or tell us about a time you wish you’d had more courage. Is there someone you admire because of their courage? Perhaps you have a story that will take great courage to tell?  Tell us your stories about events that have shaped your idea of courage over the years. Whatever courage means to you, we want to hear your story!

If you have a story, see Carla when you arrive. Remember, we start telling stories at 7pm on Tuesday, March 26th at Zoetropolis (112 N Water Street).  Click HERE  for tickets.

Luanne Sims will host the night.

Beth Horenkamp is the winner of our 'Pet Peeve' Story Slam!

Emcee David Smith congratulates storyteller Beth Horenkamp on winning the prized pint glass for her ‘Pet Peeve’ story.

Beth Horenkamp was the winner of our “Pet Peeve” Story Slam. Beth explained her pet peeve with her husband’s overly cautious nature. She relayed the story of a ski trip and the disappearance of her skis which she’s not likely to live down any time soon. Beth’s story won her the prized pint glass and earned her a spot in the 2019 Grand Slam!

Our “Pet Peeve” Story Slam included stories that encompassed a wide range of subjects from a guitar lesson with “The Boss” himself to questioning one’s faith. Christian Carrion shared his irritation at not being considered a “real Puerto Rican” while John Teske opined on PA drivers. Other storytellers like Justin Oberholtzer and Linda Peacock’s demonstrated that their pet peeves had more to do with their own habits than those of other people. Tony Crocamo explained that while others might consider arguing a pet peeve, he actually considers it a good thing.

Thanks to all our storytellers, the judges, and everyone who came out to laugh, applaud, and be part of our storytelling community. Big thanks to our emcee David Smith who successfully shamed reluctant storytellers into sharing their stories with promises of beef.

Our next Story Slam is themed "Courage" and will be held on Tuesday, March 26th. Save the date and don’t forget to order your tickets online in advance. This month we sold out for the second month in a row, so make sure to save the date and order your tickets online in advance!

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

'Pet Peeve' is the theme of our February Lancaster Story Slam!

Thank you all who purchased tickets for our February Story Slam themed, “Pet Peeve,” which will be held on Tuesday, February 26th. All regular tickets have sold and a few standing room only tickets remain.

What type of stories fit the theme "Pet Peeve"?

We’re looking for your stories about the little things that get under your skin. What annoys you?  Maybe it’s the way your significant other leaves their dirty socks on the floor. Or the way Aunt Martha always asks when you’ll be moving out of your parents’ house. Tell us about your “friend” who likes to show up unannounced at the most inopportune times. Here’s your chance to rat out that one guy at the gym who never wipes off the elliptical when he’s done. Maybe you even have some habits of your own that others find annoying. Whatever it is that piques your ire, we want to hear your story.

If you have a story to tell, see Carla when you arrive to sign up. Remember, we start telling stories at 7pm on Tuesday, February 26th at Zoetropolis (112 N Water Street).  Click HERE for tickets.

Barring any flu-like symptoms, Dave Winston (pictured above. Photo credit: Michelle Johnsen Photography) will be our emcee for the evening.

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.