Doc Yoder is the winner of our 'Overdue' Story Slam!

Congratulations to Doc Yoder! He was the winner of our “Overdue” Story Slam. Doc shared a story about having a crush on his 4th-grade teacher and an overdue acknowledgment of how much he adored her. 

Doc was a great kick-off to our 2021 season by welcoming a new storyteller to our stage and hearing from several returning storytellers. John Teske told of his overdue acceptance into his wife’s family, PK Hill shared about an overdue traffic ticket, Karen Foerstel shared about her father who was a librarian, and Sarah Steinhauer shared her story of an overdue retirement from teaching.

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

Our next Story Slam is themed "Oil & Water" and will be held on Tuesday, February 23rd starting at 7 PM. Make sure to save the date watch the Facebook page for updates! 

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

Our Seventh Season Launches on January 26th with the Theme 'Overdue'

We are excited to launch the *seventh* season of Lancaster Story Slam! Our first Story Slam of 2021 will be held on Tuesday, January 26th at 7pm via Zoom. The theme of the evening will be OVERDUE. Our emcee will be Luanne Sims.

You must register in order to attend. Once you register, we'll send you a confirmation email that includes your unique link to tune in on January 26th. 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; 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. All storytellers will need to attend a tech rehearsal on Monday, January 25th.

Steve McLean is the winner of our 2020 Grand Slam!

The 6th annual Lancaster Story Slam Grand Slam theme was “Silver Linings.” 

Steve McLean was the winner of our “Silver Linings” Story Slam. Steve shared the story of how he found the silver lining in losing his husband of almost 40 years.

If you missed watching our livestreamed event, you can watch here.

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 2021!

The Grand Slam concludes our sixth season. We’ll be taking a break for the holidays, but we’ll be back in 2021. Watch the Lancaster Story Slam Facebook page for 2021’s dates and themes.

Grand Slam will be livestreamed on November 24th!

On November 24th at 7pm we will livestream our 6th annual Lancaster Story Slam Grand Slam. The theme of this year’s Grand Slam will be ‘SILVER LININGS.’

The livestream will happen via a YouTube premiere on our YouTube channel. You will not need to register in advance to see the Grand Slam!

We will be livestreaming our storytellers telling their stories from the stage at Zoetropolis! We’re sad that you won’t be able to join us in person, but you can pretend you’re in the theatre with us. Order some curbside pick-up or take out from Zoetropolis and enjoy watching the Grand Slam in style from your living room!

Our finalists will compete for the title of 2020 Lancaster Story Slam Best Storyteller in Lancaster and will win a trophy, bragging rights and have their name added to our Storytellers Cup!

This year’s finalists include Swapna Deshpande (January / Blank Canvas), Steve McLean (February / #adulting), Tony Crocamo (March / Luck), Beth Horenkamp (April / Ink), Tom Bottiger (May / Not What I Intended), Paul Armstrong (June / Identity Crisis), Jamie Beth Cohen (July / Gifts), Randy Schulz (August / Firsts), Mark Lentz (September / All Grown Up), and Doc Yoder (October / Unmasked).

Here is a link to the playlist of all the winning stories from this year!

Doc Yoder wins the 'Unmasked' Story Slam and earns a spot in Grand Slam!

Doc Yoder was the winner of our “Unmasked” Story Slam. Doc shared the story of a charity event where he performed as a clown.

Pictured above is Doc Yoder, winner of our ‘Unmasked’ Story Slam, accepting his virtual prized pint glass from Carla!

Our “Unmasked” Story Slam included stories about hidden identities, being discovered, and attempts at concealing true identities.

Thanks to all our talented storytellers and everyone who took time away from their quarantine to cheer on our storytellers and be a part of our storytelling community. 

Our next Story Slam will be our November Grand Slam. This year’s theme for the Lancaster Story Slam Grand Slam will be “Silver Linings” and will be held on Tuesday, November 24th starting at 7 PM. Make sure to save the date and watch our Facebook page for more information! 

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

Our Grand Slam theme to be 'Unmasked' at our October Story Slam!

Click here to REGISTER for our October Story Slam!

Luanne Sims will emcee our ‘Unmasked’ Story Slam and unveil our Grand Slam theme at the end of the evening!

From the Lancaster Story Slam team:

Just a year ago we gathered in a sold-out auditorium at the Ware Center and laughed and cried and clapped like nobody’s business! You remember the hush of the crowd during a poignant moment, the “you got this” called out in support of a nervous storyteller, and the standing ovation when the winner was announced. That is Lancaster Story Slam Grand Slam! 

In our 6th season of LSS, we’ve been hosting our slams virtually, every 4th Tuesday of the month even during the COVID-19 shutdown because, well, stories must be told.  Our time together during our virtual slams has been different, no doubt, but the stories are just as real, just as powerful, and just as necessary. We feel the community we build together over shared experiences is too important to give up on and we hope you feel the same. 

Be sure to join us at our final slam, Tuesday, October 27th to learn who will earn the final spot at the Grand Slam, AND the announcement of this year’s Grand Slam theme!  We have an amazing group of winning storytellers lined up in the virtual wings ready to wow you at this year’s Grand Slam on November 24th, and we can’t wait to feel the love from our story loving audience again! More details to follow!

'Unmasked' is the theme of our October Story Slam!

Our October Story Slam, “Unmasked”  will be held on Tuesday, October 27th.

Click here to REGISTER for our October Story Slam!

This will be the last regular Story Slam of this season, as our Grand Slam will be held in November. Luanne Sims will emcee the evening. We will unveil our theme and announce some exciting plans for a special Grand Slam. You won’t want to miss this one.

You must register in order to attend. Once you register, we'll send you a confirmation email that includes your unique link to tune in on October 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 "Unmasked?"

We’re looking for your stories of superheroes and mysterious identities. Do you have a story about someone hiding behind a mask? Maybe you have a story about someone showing who they really are. Perhaps you have a revealing story you’d like to tell? So come out of the shadows and unmask yourselves (figuratively, of course)!

We’d love for you to join us!

Mark Lentz wins our 'All Grown Up' Story Slam!

Mark Lentz was the winner of our “All Grown Up” Story Slam. Mark shared the story of how he finally grew up enough to pass organic chemistry.

Our “All Grown Up” Story Slam included stories about learning to hold one’s tongue to prevent arguments, learning to speak up for yourself and others, and earning the respect of others.

Thanks to all our talented storytellers and everyone who took time away from their quarantine to cheer on our storytellers and be a part of our storytelling community. 

Our next Story Slam is themed "Unmasked" and will be held on Tuesday, October 27th starting at 7 PM. Make sure to save the date and watch our Facebook page for more information!

'All Grown Up' will be the theme of our September 22nd Story Slam!

Our September Story Slam, “All Grown Up”  will be held on Tuesday, September 22nd. We start telling stories at 7 pm. Luanne Sims will host the evening. Grab your tickets HERE!

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

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. If you aren't in a position to give, no problem - please join us anyway.

What type of stories fit the theme "All Grown Up?"

We’re looking for your stories about being All Grown Up. Maybe you have a story about moving out of your parents’ house and feeling all grown up. Or perhaps you’re a parent or empty nester with a story about your child growing up. Or maybe you have a story about a time when you thought you were all grown up, only to realize that maybe you weren’t as grown up as you thought. However you’d like to spin the theme all grown up, we’d love to hear your stories!

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 18: Storyteller sign ups have closed. We have a full slate of storytellers for the evening.

If you would like to sign up to be storyteller for our ‘All Grown Up’ Slam, please COMPLETE THIS STANDARD RELEASE FORM.

Randy Schulz is the winner of our 'Firsts' Story Slam!

Randy Shultz was the winner of our “Firsts” Story Slam! Randy shared the story of how his sheepish grin caused him problems in the military.

Our “Firsts” Story Slam included stories of travel, significant life lessons, and unfortunate circumstances.

Thanks to all our talented storytellers and everyone who took time away from their quarantine to cheer on our storytellers and be a part of our storytelling community.  Randy’s winning

Our next Story Slam is themed "All Grown Up" and will be held on Tuesday, September 22nd starting at 7 PM. Make sure to save the date and watch our Facebook page for more information!

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

'Firsts' is the theme of our August Story Slam!

Our virtual slams continue! Our August Story Slam will be held on Tuesday, August 25th via Zoom. The theme of the evening will be FIRSTS, and Luanne Sims will be our emcee.

You must register in order to attend.

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

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.

What type of stories fit the theme "Firsts?"

There’s a first time for everything! We’re looking for your stories about your firsts. Your first kiss, your first cavity, your first day of school - whatever first you have to share. Do you have a story about a first date gone wrong? Or perhaps a first place ribbon you’ve won? Who knows, maybe we’ll even have some first time storytellers! Whatever your story of firsts, we’d love for you to join us!

UPDATE: WE HAVE A FULL SLATE OF EIGHT AWESOME STORYTELLERS AND SIGN-UPS ARE CLOSED.
If you would like to sign up to be a storyteller for the evening, please COMPLETE THIS STANDARD TALENT RELEASE FORM. You will be required to join us for a ‘tech rehearsal’ on Monday, August 26th (7pm) to test equipment.

Jamie Beth Cohen is the winner of our 'Gifts' Story Slam!

Jamie Beth Cohen was the winner of our “Gifts” Story Slam. Jamie Beth shared her story about the gift of knowing exactly what her father wanted when he passed. 

Jamie Beth Cohen - whose picture is highlighted above - was the winner of the ‘Gifts’ Story Slam.

Our “Gifts” Story Slam included stories about love, empathy, loss, and the idea that anticipation is often better than reality. 

Thanks to all our talented storytellers and everyone who took time away from their quarantine to cheer on our storytellers and be a part of our storytelling community. 

Our next Story Slam is themed "Firsts" and will be held on Tuesday, August 25th starting at 7 PM. Click here to register for our August Slam! 

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.

'Gifts' will the theme of our July Story Slam!

Our July Story Slam will be held on Tuesday, July 28th via Zoom. The theme of the evening will be GIFTS.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE JULY STORY SLAM.

You must register in order to attend. Once you register, we'll send you a confirmation email that includes your unique link to tune in on July 28. We will begin promptly at 7 pm that evening. You'll click the link at the scheduled time from your laptop, tablet, or phone to join the call. You may wish to download the Zoom app if you don’t already have it, but it is not necessary to participate – if you don’t have it, the call will launch in your web browser. The app does give you access to more features. You'll be able to see the storytellers as they share their stories; we will not be able to see the audience members (so - shower and pants are optional! :-) ).

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.

What type of stories fit the theme "Gifts?"

We’re looking for your story about the gifts you’ve received and the gifts you’ve given. What’s the best gift you’ve ever gotten? What about the worst? Are you a good gifter? Does your grandmother always give you a chia pet for your birthday? Has Great Aunt Mildred really wrapped up the cat as a Christmas present? Or, taking it in a completely different direction, are you gifted in some way? Whatever your gifting story, we’d love to receive the gift of your story, so come out and join us!

If you would like to sign up to be a storyteller for the evening, please COMPLETE THIS STANDARD TALENT RELEASE FORM. You will be required to join us for a ‘tech rehearsal’ on Monday, July 27th (7pm) to test equipment.

Paul Armstrong is the winner of our 'Identity Crisis' Story Slam!

Paul  Armstrong was the winner of our “Identity Crisis” Story Slam. Paul shared his story of misjudging weeds.. 

Our “Identity Crisis” Story Slam included stories about a spontaneous hair cut, the natural instinct of fight versus flight, and the idea that who others think you are doesn’t determine your identity. 

Thanks to all our talented storytellers and everyone who took time away from their quarantine to cheer on our storytellers and be a part of our storytelling community. 

Our next Story Slam is themed "Gifts" and will be held on Tuesday, July 28th starting at 7 PM. Make sure to save the date and watch our Facebook page for more information!

Watch Paul’s video here, and check out videos of all our stories at our YouTube channel.

Hello, World!

"Identity Crisis" will be our theme on June 23rd!

Lancaster Story Slam continues to come to you live in your living room. We'll host our June 23rd story slam via Zoom. The theme is IDENTITY CRISIS and our MC will be David Smith.

Click here to register for our June Story Slam.

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.

You must register in order to attend.

Once you register, we'll send you a confirmation email that includes your unique link to tune in on June 23. We will begin promptly at 7 pm that evening. You'll click the link at the scheduled time from your laptop, tablet, or phone to join the call. You may wish to download the Zoom app if you don’t already have it, but it is not necessary to participate – if you don’t have it, the call will launch in your web browser. The app does give you access to more features. You'll be able to see the storytellers as they share their stories; we will not be able to see the audience members (so - shower and pants are optional! :-) ).

What type of stories fit the theme "Identity Crisis?"

We’re looking for your stories of times your identity has come into question. Maybe it was an experience of mistaken identity, or losing your passport. Perhaps you have a story about finding out who you really are, or aren’t. No matter who you are, come out and share your identity story with us.

If you would like to sign up to be a storyteller for the evening, please COMPLETE THIS STANDARD TALENT RELEASE FORM. You will be sent a special STORYTELLER link to use for the rehearsal and the Slam. You will be required to join us for a ‘tech rehearsal’ on Monday, June 22nd to test equipment.

Tom Bottiger wins our "Not What I Intended" Story Slam!

Tom Bottiger was the winner of our “Not What I Intended” Story Slam! Tom shared his story of working for a television station and through a series of unfortunate events ended up accidentally violating broadcast standards. 

Tom Bottiger won the prized pint glass!

Our “Not What I Intended” Story Slam included stories of a sentimental nature as well as some hilarious tales. This was our third virtual story slam event and we had a total of eight storytellers share their stories.

Thanks to all our talented storytellers and everyone who took time away from their quarantine to cheer on our storytellers and be a part of our storytelling community. 

Our next Story Slam is themed "Identity Crisis" and will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd starting at 7 PM. Make sure to save the date and watch our Facebook page for more information!

Our May Story Slam is themed "Not What I Intended"

Our May Story Slam themed “Not What I Intended” will be held on Tuesday, May 26th at 7pm.

Since we are unable to host an in-person event, we have pivoted to present Lancaster Story Slam to you via an online tool called Zoom.

Please CLICK HERE to register.

You will receive a confirmation email with a link to use to watch the event on May 26th!

As you know, our typical ticket price is $8-10 depending on when you register. Our event is now pay-what-you-want. We will use any contributions sent via Venmo (to @cwilsonwilson) or via 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!)

What type of stories fit the theme "Not What I Intended?"

We’re looking for your stories about times when things, for better or worse, turned out not quite the way you had planned. Maybe you have a story about a decision you made that led to unintended consequences. Perhaps you have a story about the interconnectedness we all share living on this big blue marble. Or perhaps you have a story of a time when someone misinterpreted something you said. No matter the outcome, we’d love to hear your story!

If you would like to sign up to be a storyteller for the evening, please send an email to carla@lancasterstoryslam.com. Otherwise, please plan to listen to some awesome stories and help us pick the winning storyteller of the evening!

Beth Horenkamp wins our 'Ink' Story Slam!

Beth Horenkamp accepts the virtual prized pint glass for telling the winning story tonight!

Beth Horenkamp was the winner of our “Ink” Story Slam. Beth shared her story of corresponding with her Grandpa Jack. 

Our “Ink” Story Slam was our second virtual story slam event. We had a total of eight moving stories expounding on the theme of ink in the form of letters written, tattoos indelibly inked on bodies, and memories of those we’ve loved.

Thanks to all our talented storytellers and everyone who took time away from their quarantine to cheer on our storytellers and be a part of our storytelling community. 

Our next Story Slam is themed "Not What I Intended" and will be held on Tuesday, May 26th starting at 7 PM. Make sure to save the date and watch our Facebook page for more information!

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

Our April 28th Story Slam is themed "Ink"!

Our April Story Slam, “Ink” will be held on Tuesday, April 28th at 7pm.

Since we are unable to host an in-person event, we have pivoted to present Lancaster Story Slam to you via Zoom.

Please CLICK HERE to register.

You will receive a confirmation email with a link to use to watch the event! We are also going to try to live stream to our YouTube channel this month.

As you know, our typical ticket price is $8-10 depending on when you register. Our event is now pay-what-you-want. We will use any contributions sent via Venmo (to @cwilsonwilson) 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!)

What type of stories fit the theme "Ink?"

We’re looking for your stories about ink in all forms. Maybe you’ve had a copier mishap, or had a pen explode in your pocket. Maybe you have a tattoo experience that left a mark. Pun intended. Whatever your ink story, good or bad, we’d love to hear it, so come on out and join us!

If you would like to sign up to be a storyteller for the evening, please COMPLETE THIS STANDARD TALENT RELEASE FORM. You will be required to join us for a ‘dress rehearsal’ on Monday, April 27th to test equipment.

We can’t wait to “see” you there!

Tony Crocamo wins our 'Luck' Story Slam!

Tony Crocamo was the winner of our “Luck” Story Slam. Tony shared his story of preparing for his first communion. 

March’s winner, Tony Crocamo, shows off his prized pint glass.

Our “Luck” Story Slam was a bit different for all involved. It was our first online production of a story slam. We were LUCKY to have pulled it off with only a few slight bumps in the road. We had a total of eight stories running the gamut from Rebecca Thatcher Murcia’s winning a Columbian lottery to Steve Kernaghan’s story about breaking up a girl fight.

Thanks to all our talented storytellers and everyone who took time away from their quarantine to cheer on our storytellers and be a part of our storytelling community. 

Our next Story Slam is themed "Ink" and will be held on Tuesday, April 28th starting at 7 PM. Make sure to save the date and watch our Facebook page for more information!