GENERAL INFORMATION
The ZMA celebrates this region’s rich storytelling tradition with a twist. Join us for StorySLAM, a competitive event in which people from all walks of life have the opportunity to tell real stories, live and on stage. Three members of the audience will be selected to judge the stories and award the ZMA’s first StorySLAM winner with an exclusive prize.

If you are interested in sharing a funny, heartwarming, strange, or scary five-minute story related to the theme—MISINTERPRETED—the following guidelines provide additional information and helpful tips on how to shape and tell your true StorySLAM story. Also provided below are two videos from a recent West Chester, PA. StorySLAM that provide further inspiration for would-be Slammers.

Not a storyteller? No worries. Come and enjoy the event. Soda, wine and beer cash bars, light refreshments, and Putnam Coffee will be available from 6:45 to 8 pm.

GUIDELINES

• Shape your true, five-minute story based on the theme—MISINTERPRETED.
• No notes or props are allowed.
• Memorize your story and be prepared to tell it without using any prompts. Practice, practice, practice.
• Keep your story PG.
• The best stories are told purposefully and artfully.
• When you arrive at the ZMA to attend StorySLAM, follow the signs to the event area, then put your name in the glass jar provided at the registration area. The names of ten participants will be drawn at random, and announced during the event. If you are one of the lucky ten selected, you will have five minutes to win over the hearts and minds of the audience and judges with your true tale.

JUDGING CRITERIA
Participant’s stories are judged by three audience members on a scale of one to ten based on the following criteria:

• The story was related to the theme—MISINTERPRETED
• The tale was true as you remember it. Retelling a folktale, myth, fable, poem or literary work is discouraged. Telling a fictive tale will lead to disqualification from this competition and the prize. Remember, copyright laws apply. This is a competition in which you tell a true story, not share a fictitious or literary work by another.
• Your story was told within the five-minute time frame
• Your tale had a plot, was clearly told, and had a beginning, middle, and end.
• You brought your story to life and made an impact on the audience without the use of notes, props, or music.

This event is free and open to the public

Additional Information:
   Recommended for adults ages 18 and older
   Registration is not required, for more information call (740) 452-0741    

Examples from a recent West Chester StorySLAM event. The theme was LOST.