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.

Our January Story Slam is "Small World!"

Our 2017 Lancaster Story Slam season starts on January 24th with the theme of "Small World!" Our Story Slam season will be held at Tellus360 in downtown Lancaster. We start telling stories at 8pm, but arrive early to get a pint and secure the best seats!

What type of stories fit the "Small World" theme?

Have you been in dire straits only to find out the person you were dealing with has an unlikely connection? Have you been trapped inside the Disney's "Small World" ride? Have you been lost only to run into a neighbor on the other side of the world? Steven Wright joked "It's a Small World but I wouldn't want to paint it." Technology increasingly makes the world a smaller place, such as that moment when you realize your new friend has a Facebook connection to your ex. Tell us your story about living in a Small World!

If you would like to tell a story, sign up with Carla when you arrive. She'll be at the foot of the stage with release forms. The winner will go home with one of our prized pint glasses and earns a slot in the 2017 Lancaster Story Slam GRAND SLAM, which will take place in November.

We hope to see you on Tuesday, January 24th, 8pm, at Tellus360! Order your tickets by clicking HERE!

Audrey Lopez wins our 2016 Grand Slam!

On a night of stunning stories from first to last, Audrey Lopez won our 2016 Lancaster Story Slam GRAND SLAM with her story about finding her voice as an undocumented immigrant in America. Audrey's story moved the judges - and the entire audience! Audrey won the Storyteller's Trophy, along with gift certificates to Tellus360 and Buzz Cafe, and an autographed copy of the Historic Downtown Lancaster Coloring Book. Congratulations Audrey!

All eleven storytellers told insightful personal stories to the packed audience at Tellus360. We heard about training to be a doctor, learning a family secret, overcoming a phobia of treadmills, teaching English and soccer in Colombia, accepting one's Jewish ancestry, fighting for one's cause, and celebrating the epic Irish movie, The Quiet Man.

Watch Audrey's winning story below or click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube channel to watch all the stories told at the Grand Slam. Mark your calendars because the 2017 Story Slam season begins on Tuesday, January 24th. 

Congratulations to Audrey and thanks to everyone who came out to cheer the storytellers on this epic night!

Our 2016 Grand Slam is November 22nd!

The 2nd annual Lancaster Story Slam GRAND SLAM is being held on Tuesday, November 22nd, 8pm,  at Tellus360! Join us and cheer on the winning storytellers from the 2016 season as they compete toe-to-toe for the title of Best Storyteller in Lancaster! The theme of the night is "Rise Above!" 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: Matthew Kabik, Liz Yocom, Beth Horenkamp, Aaron Spangler, Tony Crocamo, Audrey Lopez, Jamie Beth Schindler, Bryan R. Caine, Rebecca Thatcher Murcia, David Smith and Aaron Lewis. 

The ever-funny Luanne Sims will host. We hope to see you on November 22nd! Help us crown the 2016 Best Storyteller in Lancaster!

Aaron Lewis wins October Slam! Grand Slam Tickets on Sale Now!

October Champion Aaron Lewis poses with emcee Carter Grimm

Aaron Lewis told about the seeds of anarchy were planted within him after one Halloween night he experienced as a child. The theme of the night was Trick or Treat! Aaron won the prized pint glass and earned the final slot in our November 22nd GRAND SLAM!

Thanks to all our storytellers, the volunteer judges, and all the audience who cheered on those who took to the mic.

Tickets for our 2016 Lancaster Story Slam GRAND SLAM are available now by clicking HERE. The GRAND SLAM will be held on Tuesday, November 22nd, 8pm, at Tellus360. The theme is RISE ABOVE! Please order your tickets ahead of time for the GRAND SLAM. This event did sell out last year.

Check out Aaron's winning story below. You can watch other stories told on the night on the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube Channel.

Our October Story Slam is "Trick or Treat!"

Join us on Tuesday, October 25th, 8pm, for the final regular season Story Slam of the year! Our Story Slam will be held at Tellus360 in downtown Lancaster and the theme is "Trick or Treat!"

What type of stories fit the "Trick or Treat" theme?

We want to hear your stories about tricks and/or treats! Tell us about the greatest trick, prank, or mischief you have pulled off in your life. Perhaps someone has pulled a humorous prank on you or maybe the trick was something more sinister like having your identity stolen. We also want to hear stories about amazing treats - what was the greatest day of your life? What was the most surprising treat you have ever had? Did someone trick you into accepting a treat? Wikipedia states - The "trick" is a (usually idle) threat to perform mischief on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given to them. We'd love to hear your stories about creating mischief! Of course, we would love to hear a few Halloween or Mischief night related stories but they don't need to be related to the holidays!

This will be the last chance for a storyteller to earn a slot in our 2016 GRAND SLAM, so don't miss out! We hope to see you on Tuesday, October 25th, 8pm, at Tellus360! Order your tickets below!

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David Smith wins our "Chaos" Story Slam!

David Smith won our "Chaos" Story Slam with his tale of taking a turbulent airline flight to Baton Rouge. David won a prized pint glass and earned a slot in our November Grand Slam. We heard about chaos in many forms and locations - including schools, amusement parks, and biker bars. A fun night! Thanks to all our storytellers, our judges, and those who came out to listen. 

Our next Story Slam is scheduled for Tuesday, October 25th and the theme is "Trick or Treat." Save the date and secure your tickets now by clicking HERE!

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

Our September Slam is "Chaos!"

Our September Story Slam is themed "CHAOS!"

Join us on MONDAY, September 26th for what is sure to be a fun night of stories about chaotic times. Our Story Slam is being held at Tellus360 at 8pm. Click here to order your tickets.

What's been the most chaotic time of your life? What's been the most chaotic day of your life? Chaos is often caused by miscommunication. Growing up in a large family was chaotic. Not having the necessary information at the correct time breeds chaos. Being lied to causes chaos. Saying yes to everything causes chaos. Have you learned to prioritize after living in chaos? Disorganization and disarray causes turmoil and disruption.

If you want to tell your story, sign up upon arrival and we'll put your name in the hat. Don't worry if you don't have a story, storytellers need listeners. Come check out our "Chaos" Story Slam on a special night, MONDAY, September 26th. We hope to see you then!

Rebecca Thatcher Murcia Wins our "Panic Switch" Slam!

Rebecca Thatcher Murcia won our "Panic Switch" Story Slam with her vivid story of giving birth to her sons. Rebecca won the prized pint glass and earned a slot in our November Grand Slam!

Thanks to everyone who told a story about their panic attacks! Fun stories all around. Thanks to our judges and emcee Michael Sirianni and the staff at Tellus360!

A reminder that our next Story Slam will be held on MONDAY, September 26th. The theme is CHAOS! Tickets are available now. Click the TICKETS link at the top of the page.

You can watch Rebecca's winning story below. To watch other stories told this night, check out the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube channel!

Our August 23rd Story Slam is "Panic Switch!"

Don't Panic!

August 23rd is your next opportunity to win a slot in our Grand Slam! The theme for August is "Panic Switch!" Our Story Slam is held at Tellus360 and we start telling stories promptly at 8pm. Grab your ticket now for quick entry.

What are some ideas around the theme Panic Switch?

Tell us a story about a time you panicked - whether your reactions were warranted or turned out to be a panic for no reason at all. Perhaps you were in a situation where a friend or stranger panicked and you had to be the voice of reason and talk them down from the ledge. Stories could be about worldwide panic - war, 9/11, a plague, or other tragedies - or your panic could be of a more personal variety - dealing with a personal or family issues. When we reflect on life, some of our greatest accomplishments were preceded by anxious moments of self doubt. It's often said, "all conflict is internal." Maybe you or a loved one suffers from panic attacks, which has led to an insightful story about human nature.

Take a few moments and think of some of your moments of panic, how they came to pass, and how you resolved them. And then, overcome your fear and hop on stage Tuesday night, August 23rd at 8pm and tell your story! Order your tickets today!

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Our "Career Opportunities" Story Slam ends in a tie!

Jamie Beth and Bryan Caine pose with emcee Donna Talarico

Congratulations to Jamie Beth and Bryan Caine, co-winners of our "Career Opportunities" Story Slam! Jamie Beth told about her tough time adjusting to first-time motherhood while teaching high school. Bryan Caine told the story of being the only white person in his workplace and the bond he and his co-workers shared. Both Jamie and Bryan won prized pint glasses and earned slots in our Grand Slam, which will take place in November.

We heard a wide variety of stories about workplace situations that were both inspiring and traumatic at times. Tony told about his unsuccessful attempt to unionize a newsroom. Joe talked about the inspiration he garnered from a West Chester University professor. Burton told how he came to be a successful painter. Meg talked about her passion for marketing and her current job search. We heard about being a radio deejay, a television producer, and a designer. Interesting stories all around.

Thanks to all our storytellers, the judges and the audience for coming out and telling stories. Thanks to our emcee Donna Talarico. If you want to learn more about Donna's 2016 HippoCamp Writing Conference, which takes place right in Lancaster August 12-14th, click HERE.

Our next Lancaster Story Slam will be August 23rd and the theme is "Panic Switch!" Order your tickets off our Tickets page!

You can watch the two winning stories below. To watch more stories, click over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube page.