Cautiously Optimistic About Returning to In-Person Events

The wait is over! We’ll return to in-person events this month.

We hope to see you on April 26 at 7 pm at Zoetropolis for our return to in-person story slams. The theme is Cautious Optimism.

Tickets are on sale now. Please visit our Tickets page to get yours.

We’ve been known to sell out of tickets in advance, so it’s a good idea to purchase them ASAP. Doors will open at 6:30 pm that evening, and we start telling stories at 7 pm.

What type of stories fit the theme Cautious Optimism?

We want to hear your stories about that time you took a chance hoping for the best. Or the events surrounding your decision to take on that challenge, break with that tradition, strike off on your own. However you interpret this month's theme, we look forward to hearing your true stories.

If you have a story, sign in at the table in the back of the theater when you arrive.

Please note that we will follow the Zoetropolis COVID-19 policy: "...we have instated that all events open to the public must show proof of vaccination or a negative test result within 72 hours. While in the theater, guests are asked to use masks except while eating or drinking to reduce risk even further.”

Randall Arthur Wins Our Second Thoughts Story Slam

Congratulations to Randall Arthur for winning our March story slam - our last virtual slam before we head back to Zoetropolis in April.

Randall won with his story of failing to connect with women in bars until that one night in Michigan that seemed to be the exception.

Randall won a prized Lancaster Story Slam pint glass and earned a spot in our 2022 Grand Slam in November.

Save the date for our April 26 story slam. The theme is Cautious Optimism. Tickets will be on sale soon. Make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter so you’ll be the first to know.

In the meantime, enjoy the video of our winning story:

Second Thoughts

Lancaster Story Slam continues virtually!

Please join us at on March 22 at 7 pm for this month’s virtual story slam. The theme is Second Thoughts, and our host for the evening will be Luanne Sims.

Please visit our Tickets page to register to attend.

Once you register, we'll send you a confirmation email that includes your unique link to watch on March 22. We will begin promptly at 7 pm that evening. You'll be able to see the storytellers as they share their stories; we will not be able to see the audience members.

The event is pay-what-you-can. No ticket fee will be collected when you register; however we will gratefully accept contributions via Venmo and PayPal during the event. If you aren't in a position to give, no problem - please join us anyway.

Want to tell a story?

We're also looking for storytellers. We want to hear your stories about the ‘what ifs’ that come to mind after you’ve made a decision. Do second thoughts about what might have been haunt you or reassure you? Did second thoughts deny you an opportunity, or save you from a mistake? However you interpret the theme, we’d love for you to share those stories.

If you are interested in telling a Worst Case Scenario story, please complete this talent release form to sign up.

Beth Proffitt Wins Our Worst-Case Scenario Story Slam

Congratulations to first-time storyteller Beth Proffitt for winning our February story slam!

Melissa shared a touching story about how she developed a need to be prepared from the time she was a kid, and how she passed that compulsion on to her own children.

Beth won a prized Lancaster Story Slam pint glass and earned the first spot in our 2022 Grand Slam in November.

Save the date for our March 22 virtual story slam. The theme is Second Thoughts. Registration will open soon for audience and storytellers. Make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter so you’ll be the first to know.

In the meantime, enjoy the video of our winning story:

Worst-Case Scenario

Lancaster Story Slam continues virtually!

Please join us at on February 22 at 7 pm for this month’s virtual story slam. The theme is Worst Case Scenario, and our host for the evening will be 2017 Grand Slam champion Tony Crocamo.

Please visit our Tickets page to register to attend.

Once you register, we'll send you a confirmation email that includes your unique link to watch on February 22. We will begin promptly at 7 pm that evening. You'll be able to see the storytellers as they share their stories; we will not be able to see the audience members.

The event is pay-what-you-can. No ticket fee will be collected when you register; however we will gratefully accept contributions via Venmo and PayPal during the event. If you aren't in a position to give, no problem - please join us anyway.

Want to tell a story?

**UPDATE: STORYTELLER SIGN-UPS HAVE CLOSED! Our storyteller roster is full. Please join us in the audience to hear their true stories.**

We're also looking for storytellers. We want to hear your stories of avoiding disaster or dealing with the aftermath of things going from bad to worse and then some. Was there a time when what you thought was the worst thing that could happen was way better than what happened.? Or maybe the Worst-Case Scenario turned out to be better than you could imagine. Tell us your story - what’s the worst that could happen? However you interpret the theme, we’d love for you to share those stories.

If you are interested in telling a Worst Case Scenario story, please complete this talent release form to sign up.

Why I'm Passing the Torch on Lancaster Story Slam

Happy 2022!  There is some good change on the horizon for Lancaster Story Slam. I’ll be passing the torch and I wanted to take this opportunity to provide more detail.

In January 2015, I published a blog post titled, “Why I'm Excited to Produce Lancaster Story Slam,” explaining my journey from watching Jim Breslin’s West Chester Story Slam each month, to convincing him that we should produce the same event in Lancaster. And on January 28th of that year, launched the first Lancaster Story Slam on stage at Tellus360 with the theme “Embarrassing Moments!”

A photo from our 2016 Grand Slam. Pictured from left to right are Jim Breslin, Carla Wilson, Beth Horenkamp, Aaron Lewis, Bryan R. Caine, Audrey Lopez (winner), Aaron Spangler, Tony Crocamo, Matthew Kabik, Rebecca Thatcher Murcia, Liz Yocom, Jamie Beth Cohen and David Smith.

When we moved to Lancaster, I ran a business helping small businesses with their internet marketing.  Treating Lancaster Story Slam as one of my clients by producing the event, its newsletter, its videos, and its podcast was an easy thing to fit into my schedule. But over the course of the last seven years, my work evolved.  I began working exclusively for my favorite client, and in 2021 decided that I would no longer be a business owner, and become his employee.  It became increasingly difficult for me to find time to manage my day job and the necessary tasks of producing a monthly event.

I need to acknowledge that COVID-19 has been no friend to event producers as well. In 2020 we suddenly had to figure out how to “pivot” and “flatten the curve” by making our events virtual to bring everyone together. I am so proud that the Lancaster Story Slam team and JJ Sheffer, producer of York Story Slam, partnered up each month to produce both York’s and Lancaster’s Story Slams.  I am grateful for this partnership, because without it I probably would have just thrown in the towel. Together we not only produced monthly events, but figured out how to produce kick-ass Grand Slams, even with COVID protocols. 

In mid-2021 I realized that I needed to make a change for my well-being, and I began the task of figuring out how I was going to manage this transition away from event producer of Lancaster Story Slam. Not wanting to overshadow our winning storytellers competing in our 2021 Grand Slam, I decided to hold on this announcement until now. 

JJ Sheffer, producer of York Story Slam, is pictured here with emcee Jamie Beth Cohen at the February 2020 event in the Before Times.

That brings us to January 2022.  I am happy to announce that the Lancaster Story Slam will continue with JJ Sheffer and Tony Crocamo at the helm!  I will continue as the Lancaster Story Slam #1 cheerleader, just not its producer. I’m very proud of the community we have created.  Thank you for accepting our event with open arms and allowing it to grow over the past 7 years. Without you, our listeners and storytellers, the event would not have happened. 

Our love and gratitude to Zoetropolis for providing an intimate and safe space to host our events when we’re able to host in person.  

Tony Crocamo competing at our 2019 Grand Slam. Photo credit: Julie Miller Photography

And a special shout-out to LancLiving Realty, whose continued sponsorship is so greatly appreciated.

I look forward to seeing you all, and sitting among you as a storytelling fan in 2022! 

With love,

Carla

Jamie Beth Cohen named "Best Storyteller in Lancaster 2021"

Jamie Beth Cohen was the winner of our “Picture Perfect” Story Slam. Jamie Beth shared the story of an expected tie to an old photograph.

If you missed watching our livestreamed event, you’ll be able to watch it on our YouTube channel in a few days.

Thank you to everyone in our community who supported us this year - whether by being a storyteller, being an audience member, being a judge, or being a sponsor! Your help keeps the show running! Special thanks to LancLiving Realty for their continued support into 2022!

The Grand Slam concludes our seventh season. We’ll be taking a break for the holidays, but we’ll be back in 2022. Watch the Lancaster Story Slam Facebook page for 2022’s dates and themes.

Pictured from left to right: Swapna Deshpande, Doc Yoder, Jamie Beth Cohen, Steve McLean, Steph Holmes, Jack Horenkamp, Mark Lentz and David Smith.

Our Grand Slam judges: Donna Talarico-Beerman, Alex King, and Tony Crocamo.

Our Seventh Annual Grand Slam will be 'Picture Perfect!'

You don’t want to miss our Grand Slam this year. Our 2021 Lancaster Story Slam Grand Slam will be livestreamed via Zoom from Zoetropolis on December 7th!

The winner of the 7th Annual Lancaster Story Slam Grand will win a trophy and have their name emblazoned on the Storytellers’ Cup!

The theme of the evening will be ‘Picture Perfect’ and our emcee will be Luanne Sims!

You must register to attend. Once you register, we'll send you a confirmation email that includes your unique link to tune in.

Please visit our Tickets page to register to watch!

Our Grand Slam is the culminating event of the year where we bring back our monthly winners from this year to compete for the the title of "Best Storyteller in Lancaster." Our finalists this year include:

Doc Yoder (January/Overdue), David Smith (February/Oil and Water), Steph Holmes (March/Next Time), Swapna Deshpande (April/Lights Out), Steve McLean (May/Homerun), Jamie Beth Cohen (June/Without A Doubt), Jack Horenkamp (September/Summer Camp), Mark Lentz (September/Everything I Learned), Hunter Olstein (October/Close Encounters), Eileen Joyce (October/Close Encounters) and Beth Horenkamp (October/Close Encounters)!

Here’s a playlist of all the winning stories from this season!

Please join us at 7pm on December 7th for our ‘Picture Perfect’ Grand Slam!

'Close Encounters' is the theme for our October Lancaster Story Slam and will be held IN PERSON!

We are excited to announce that our October Lancaster Story Slam will be held in person at Zoetropolis!

Please join us at 7pm on October 26th for our ‘Close Encounters’ Story Slam! You don’t want to miss it! This will be the last regular season slam before our Grand Slam on December 7th. We need your help to choose who will be the next storyteller to earn a spot, and we will unveil the theme of the Grand Slam.

Please visit our Tickets page to register to attend.

The registration form will include links to our PayPal and Venmo accounts so that you can pay online for your tickets. You must purchase tickets in advance.

If you are interested in telling a ‘Close Encounters’ story, please complete this standard talent release form.

Please note that we will follow the Zoetropolis COVID-19 policy: "...we have instated that all events open to the public must show proof of vaccination or a negative test result within 72 hours. While in the theater, guests are asked to use masks except while eating or drinking to reduce risk even further. This decision was made for the safety of all patrons and staff and is not a politically motivated stand or statement. We are only concerned for the health of our community and are following the current recommendations by the Center for Disease Control which states:

If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protections from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission."

We had TWO winners for September! Congratulations to Jack and Mark!

Congratulations to Mark Lentz and Jack Horenkamp, our winners for September!

We were so pleased to host Lancaster Story Slam again on September 28th. Since we had to cancel our July and August events, we allowed our 5 storytellers the choice of telling a story based on themes of Everything I Learned, Summer Camp or Dog Days.

Jack told us a tale about a very eventful Summer Camp trip he took with some friends.

Mark shared his Everything I Learned story about a student who taught him several lessons.

Mark and Jack will join our other monthly winners Doc, David, Steph, Swapna, Steve and Jamie Beth at our Grand Slam. We announced that the Grand Slam this year will be held on Tuesday, December 7th! Please mark your calendars!

And we made another special announcement: Our October Slam will be held IN PERSON at Zoetropolis on Tuesday, October 26th! Stay tuned for more details.

In the meantime, enjoy the videos of our winning storytellers:

Join us for 'Everything I Learned' Story Slam on September 28th!

Unfortunately due to low storyteller signups, we made the hard decision to cancel our August 24th Story Slam. But, don’t fear! Here are the details for our next Story Slam!

Our next Story Slam will be held on Tuesday, September 28, with the theme of “Everything I Learned.” You must register to attend.

Click here to register to watch our ‘Everything I Learned’ Story Slam on September 28th!

Once you register, we'll send you a confirmation email that includes your unique link to tune in on Sept 28. We will begin promptly at 7 pm that evening. You'll be able to see the storytellers as they share their stories; we will not be able to see the audience members.

What type of stories fit the theme, "Everything I Learned?"

Maybe everything you learned started with "the golden rule"? Maybe it took you a long time to realize how much you learned. Maybe you learned everything in the "school of hard knocks." However you interpret the theme, we’d love for you to share those stories.

The event is pay-what-you-can. No ticket fee will be collected when you register; we will gratefully accept contributions via Venmo (@cwilsonwilson) and PayPal (paypal.me/lancstoryslam). If you aren't in a position to give, no problem - please join us anyway.

If you would like to sign up to be a storyteller for the evening, please COMPLETE THIS STANDARD RELEASE FORM for more details.

Dual theme "Summer Camp/Dog Days" chosen as themes for our August Story Slam!

Our August Lancaster Story Slam will be held on Tuesday, August 24, with the dual theme of “Summer Camp / Dog Days.” You must register to attend.

Click here to register to watch our “Summer Camp / Dog Days” Story Slam!

Once you register, we'll send you a confirmation email that includes your unique link to tune in on August 24th. We will begin promptly at 7 pm that evening. You'll be able to see the storytellers as they share their stories; we will not be able to see the audience members.

What type of stories fit the theme, "Summer Camp?"

“This one time…” stories about summer camp. What summer camp did you attend as a kid? As counselor? We want to hear stories about the friends you made and the events that occurred - especially those ones where you swore what happened at summer camp would stay at summer camp!

What type of stories fit the theme, "Dog Days?"

The dog days of summer are the hottest days and usually refers to the time between July and the beginning of September. Summer days can feel like they last forever and sometimes we wish they would. It’s stories about these days that we’re looking for - a little bit of nostalgia and maybe even boredom that exists in the spaces between.

The event is pay-what-you-can. No ticket fee will be collected when you register; we will gratefully accept contributions via Venmo (@cwilsonwilson) and PayPal (paypal.me/lancstoryslam) to cover the cost of our production and to help out our friends at Zoetropolis. (We miss them terribly and can’t wait to host LSS there again!) If you aren't in a position to give, no problem - please join us anyway.

If you would like to sign up to be a storyteller for the evening, please complete this STANDARD TALENT RELEASE FORM. We will send you an email with a special storyteller link to use for the the Story Slam and details about a short tech rehearsal on Monday, August 23rd.

'Summer Camp' will be the Theme of our July Story Slam!

Our July Lancaster Story Slam will be held on Tuesday, July 27th, with the theme of “Summer Camp.” You must register to attend. Once you register, we'll send you a confirmation email that includes your unique link to tune in on July 22nd. We will begin promptly at 7 pm that evening. You'll be able to see the storytellers as they share their stories; we will not be able to see the audience members.

Click here to register for our July ‘Summer Camp’ Story Slam!

What type of stories fit the theme, "Summer Camp?"

“This one time…” stories about summer camp. What summer camp did you attend as a kid? As counselor? We want to hear stories about the friends you made and the events that occurred - especially those ones where you swore what happened at summer camp would stay at summer camp!

The event is pay-what-you-can. No ticket fee will be collected when you register; we will gratefully accept contributions via Venmo (@cwilsonwilson) and PayPal (paypal.me/lancstoryslam) to cover the cost of our production and to help out our friends at Zoetropolis. (We miss them terribly and can’t wait to host LSS there again!) If you aren't in a position to give, no problem - please join us anyway.

If you would like to sign up to be a storyteller for the evening, please COMPLETE THIS STANDARD RELEASE FORM. We’ll send you an email with more details regarding our rehearsal on Monday, July 26, and participating as a storyteller on the Slam on Tuesday, July 27th.

Jamie Beth Cohen wins our 'Without A Doubt' Story Slam!

The winner of June’s “Without a Doubt” story slam was Jamie Beth Cohen with her story about how she became friends with a man convicted of murder.

Without a doubt, our stories for June’s story slam were captivating. Some were surprising and unexpected, others were funny, and some were deeply sincere, but all were great stories. Thanks to all our many talented storytellers and everyone who came out to cheer them on and be a part of our storytelling community. 

Our next Story Slam is themed "Summer Camp" and will be held on Tuesday, July 27th starting at 7 PM. Make sure to save the date and watch the Facebook page for updates! 

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

'Without A Doubt' will be the Theme of our June Story Slam!

Our June Lancaster Story Slam will be held on Tuesday, June 22nd, with the theme of “Without A Doubt.” You must register to attend.

Click HERE to register to watch ‘Without a Doubt’ Story Slam!

Once you register, we'll send you a confirmation email that includes your unique link to tune in on June 22nd. We will begin promptly at 7 pm that evening. You'll be able to see the storytellers as they share their stories; we will not be able to see the audience members.

What type of stories fit the theme, "Without A Doubt?"

Some things you just know. You’ve never doubted this knowledge and perhaps it seems quite obvious to you. We want to hear your stories of certainty. Or perhaps you question someone else’s lack of doubt? Either way, we’d love for you to share those stories. 

The event is pay-what-you-can. No ticket fee will be collected when you register; we will gratefully accept contributions via Venmo (@cwilsonwilson) and PayPal (paypal.me/lancstoryslam) to cover the cost of our production and to help out our friends at Zoetropolis. (We miss them terribly and can’t wait to host LSS there again!) If you aren't in a position to give, no problem - please join us anyway.

If you would like to sign up to be a storyteller for the evening, please COMPLETE THIS STANDARD TALENT RELEASE - SIGN UP FORM for more details. You will receive an email with a special ‘storyteller’ link and details about a short tech rehearsal on Monday, June 21st.

Steve McLean Wins our 'Home Run' Story Slam!

The winner of May’s “Home Run” story slam was Steve McLean with his story about his college music professor who taught him some very valuable lessons, and not just about music. Steve won the prized pint glass and a spot in our Grand Slam!

 To celebrate the beginning of warm weather and good old fashioned baseball, our theme for this month was “home run” and our storytellers did just that by hitting several home runs of their own with this month’s stories. 

Thanks to all our many talented storytellers and everyone who came out to cheer them on and be a part of our storytelling community. 

Our next Story Slam is themed "Without a Doubt" and will be held on Tuesday, June 22nd starting at 7 PM. Make sure to save the date and watch the Facebook page for updates! 

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

'Home Run' Will Be the Theme of our Next Story Slam!

Our May Lancaster Story Slam will be held on Tuesday, May 25th, with the theme of “Home Run.” Luanne Sims will be our emcee for the evening!

You must register to attend. Once you register, we'll send you a confirmation email that includes your unique link to tune in on May 25th. We will begin promptly at 7 pm that evening. You'll be able to see the storytellers as they share their stories; we will not be able to see the audience members.

CLICK HERE to register to watch our ‘Home Run’ Story Slam!

What type of stories fit the theme, "Home Run?"

In baseball, hitting a home run is a big deal. Outside of baseball, the phrase home run indicates success or a wise choice. Whether your story involves the game of baseball or a big win you scored in some other area of life, we want to hear your home run tales! 

The event is pay-what-you-can. No ticket fee will be collected when you register; we will gratefully accept contributions via Venmo (@cwilsonwilson) and PayPal (paypal.me/lancstoryslam) to cover the cost of our production and to help out our friends at Zoetropolis. (We miss them terribly and can’t wait to host LSS there again!) If you aren't in a position to give, no problem - please join us anyway.

If you would like to sign up to be a storyteller for the evening, please COMPLETE THIS STANDARD TALENT RELEASE FORM.

Swapna Deshpande wins our 'Lights Out' Story Slam!

The winner of April’s “Lights Out” story slam was Swapna Deshpande with her story about her family’s scooter, ice cubes, and a night of unrest.

Our storytellers this month interpreted the theme of “lights out” in a variety of ways. Mark Lentz shared the story of the time his face met a tree, PK Hill shared her tale of passing out and forgetting what country she was in, and  Jonathan Lopes shared his experience seeing Wrestlemania live in Florida. 

Thanks to all our many talented storytellers and everyone who came out to cheer them on and be a part of our storytelling community. 

Our next Story Slam is themed "Home Run" and will be held on Tuesday, May 25th starting at 7 PM. Make sure to save the date and watch the Facebook page for updates! 

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

'Lights Out' Will Be the Theme of our April Story Slam!

Our April Lancaster Story Slam will be held on Tuesday, April 27th, with the theme of “Lights Out.” You must register to attend.

Click here to register to watch “Lights Out!”

Once you register, we'll send you a confirmation email that includes your unique link to tune in on April 27th. We will begin promptly at 7 pm that evening. You'll be able to see the storytellers as they share their stories; we will not be able to see the audience members.

What type of stories fit the theme, "Lights Out?"

The phrase “lights out” can have many meanings: bedtime, getting knocked out, or literally turning out the lights. However you choose to interpret it, we want to hear your “lights out” story.

The event is pay-what-you-can. No ticket fee will be collected when you register; we will gratefully accept contributions via Venmo (@cwilsonwilson) and PayPal (paypal.me/lancstoryslam) to cover the cost of our production and to help out our friends at Zoetropolis. (We miss them terribly and can’t wait to host LSS there again!) If you aren't in a position to give, no problem - please join us anyway.

If you would like to sign up to be a storyteller for the evening, please complete this STANDARD TALENT RELEASE FORM. You will receive an email with a link to use for both a short tech rehearsal on April 26th, and the Story Slam on April 27th.

Steph Holmes is the winner of our 'Next Time' Story Slam!

The winner of March’s “Next Time” story slam was Steph Holmes with her tale of the connection she felt to an elderly dementia patient.

Steph Holmes, winner of our ‘Next Time’ Story Slam, is pictured above virtually accepting her prized pint glass!

Our storytellers this month did an outstanding job. In particular, we had two first-time storytellers, who both were awesome! We heard stories of mentors, life lessons, and confessions, as well as COVID birthdays and losing baseball teams.

Thanks to all our many talented storytellers and everyone who came out to cheer them on and be a part of our storytelling community. 

Our next Story Slam is themed "Lights Out" and will be held on Tuesday, April 27th starting at 7 PM. Make sure to save the date. Watch our Tickets page and our Facebook page for updates! 

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