Cynthia Angst Wins Our "Panicked" Story Slam!

Cynthia Angst won our "Panicked" Story Slam with her tale of surviving a haunted house while in college. Cynthia was our 2015 Grand Slam winner, so tonight's win means she will return to the Grand Slam stage in November to defend her title as Best Storyteller in West Chester!

Our "Panicked" Story Slam was filled with stories of losing children, getting caught in foot races, and more. We heard about the complicated choice between grad school and girlfriend, we heard a story about climbing a Guatamalan volcano, and we listened to the story of how one man's panic can be another man's catch.

Our next West Chester Story Slam is Tuesday, April 12th and the theme is "Satisfaction." Order your tickets by clicking HERE.

Our one night Late Night Story Slam returns on Thursday, April 28th at 10 pm and the theme is "Fast Lane." Late Night Story Slam is your chance to tell raucous stories. No recording takes place. Late Night Story Slam tickets can be ordered HERE.

Also - scroll down to read details about Center Stage: Adventures in Nature, which takes place at ChesLen Preserve on Saturday, May 21st in the afternoon. Submit your story for this event now!

Below you can watch video of Cynthia's winning story, and all our stories from the night are on the West Chester Story Slam YouTube Channel.

Submissions for Center Stage: Adventures in Nature

Submit Your "Nature" Story!

Has the great outdoors changed your life? Have you hiked the Appalachian Trail or the Himalayas? Did you save your family farm? Have you skied the Alps? Are you on a quest to save an endangered species? Have you run an Ultramarathon? Have you been spelunking? Lost at sea? Have you bird watched on all seven continents?

We're looking for stories on the theme "Adventures in Nature," which is our next Center Stage Storytelling event being held in partnership with the Natural Lands Trust. This could be the opportunity to tell your epic story in front of a live audience, and have the story recorded and archived on the West Chester Story Slam YouTube channel.

Storytellers should be able to tell their story in 5 to 8 minutes and be comfortable telling the story in front of a crowd. If you would like to submit your story, email jimbreslinwc@gmail.com with a draft of approximately 600-800 words by the new extended deadline of April 2nd! We'll review all stories and choose 8 to 10 stories to tell at Center Stage: Adventures in Nature. You'll need to be available for the event, which is being held on Saturday afternoon, May 21st at ChesLen Preserve.

Want To Attend Center Stage: Adventures in Nature?

This special storytelling event is being held in partnership with Natural Lands Trust and will be held outside on Saturday, May 21st at ChesLen Preserve. Questions? Learn more and purchase tickets to the event by clicking HERE.

Slams, Center Stage, and Late Night!

We have several storytelling events planned over the next few months. In addition to our monthly West Chester Story Slams, we're holding a special Center Stage: Adventures in Nature event with our friends at Natural Lands Trust. Our Late Night Story Slam, which we hold once a year, also returns. Learn more about the upcoming events - 

West Chester Story Slam

Seats for our March 8th "Panicked" Story Slam have sold out. Thank you. At this time, we have a a few Standing Room Only tickets remaining. Click on the Tickets link above. Tickets for the April 12th "Satisfaction" Story Slam will go on sale on Wednesday, March 9th. 

Center Stage: Adventures in Nature

Do you love nature?

We're looking for epic stories about surviving the great outdoors. Perhaps you hiked the Himalayas or the Appalachian Trail, or maybe you've been lost at sea or were caught in an avalanche. If you have a story about your "adventure in nature," that you would like to tell in front of a live audience, submit your story for possible inclusion in Center Stage: Adventures in Nature. This special storytelling event is being held in partnership with Natural Lands Trust and will be held outside on Saturday, May 21st at ChesLen Preserve. Questions? Email jimbreslinwc@gmail.com. Purchase tickets to the event by clicking HERE.

Late Night Story Slam

Theme: The Fast Lane!

Thursday, April 28th at 10pm. Side Bar & Restaurant

For tickets to Late Night Story Slam, click HERE.

Our once a year event returns! At the Late Night Story Slam, we want to hear raucous stories – the stories you want to confess but don’t want recorded for YouTube or podcast. You know, those stories you don’t want your kids to hear. The stories you wouldn’t want your mom to hear. The winner of Late Night Story Slam does not earn a slot in the Grand Slam but will win a special prize. Tell us about your high point or your low point. We want to know about the best/worst night of partying you ever had, your sexual escapades, or the time you quit your job to follow Phish or the Grateful Dead.

NOTE: This event is 21 and over.

Aaron Mills wins our "Curiosity" Story Slam!

Aaron Mills won our February "Curiosity" Story Slam with his story of how he and his wife prepared their son for the birth of a younger sibling and how the son replied with a startling response. Aaron won the prized pint glass and earned a slot in the 2016 Grand Slam, which will be held in November. 

We heard an interesting array of stories on "Curiosity", several in which the the person regretted being curious! We heard a nurse's story of caring for an inmate and wishing she hadn't learned about his crime. We heard about a young son's bewildering career goal, being locked of one's apartment while wearing only boxers shorts, and the guilt one feels years after a bullying incident. We heard about the curiosity of a lost sibling and the curiosity of a famous author, We also heard about how a child's curiosity led to a disastrous Christmas morning, 

Thanks to all our storytellers, our judges, and the audience who came out on this snowy night to cheer on the stories! Our next Story Slam will be Tuesday, March 8th and the theme is "Panicked!" Reserve your seats HERE.

Here is Aaron's winning story. To check out all the stories told this night, check out the West Chester Story Slam YouTube channel! 

Seats for February Slam Sold Out!

Updated 2/1/16 - Our February 9th West Chester Story Slam has sold out. Thank you. The theme for the night is "Curiosity!" and we start hearing stories at 8pm.

Tickets for our March 8th West Chester Story Slam will go on sale on February 10th.

Our other nearby events include:

Lancaster Story Slam

Consider checking out our sister event Lancaster Story Slam. Our January 26th Lancaster Story Slam is themed "Resolutions" and will be held at Tellus360, located at 24 E. King Street in downtown Lancaster. Tellus360 is an Irish Pub so come early for food and a pint and then join us in the concert hall. Tickets for Lancaster Story Slam can be purchased at the Lancaster Story Slam ticketing site or you can purchase tickets at the door.

StartUp StorySlam

Storytelling for Entrepeneurs is held at Benjamin's Desk, right off Rittenhouse Square. Tell stories about starting or running your business - the joys, the pain, the sucesses and the failures. Our next events is February 4th. Learn more at StartUp StorySlam.

Center Stage Announces "Adventures in Nature!"

In May, 2016, West Chester Story Slam and Natural Lands Trust will present Center Stage: “Adventures in Nature.” This unique storytelling event will consist of approximately 8 personal stories about the power and beauty of the great outdoors. Center Stage: "Adventures in Nature will be held on Saturday, May 21, at 4pm at the ChesLen Preserve.

We’re looking for compelling stories (approximately 5-8 minutes long) where storytellers have connected with nature in unique ways. Nature can be beautiful and relaxing, but it also can be harsh and dangerous. Have you hiked the Appalachian Trail or scaled Mount Everest? Did you own a family farm that became increasingly difficult to maintain? Have you ever been lost at sea? Have you spent your life searching for a rare bird? Perhaps you have biked cross-country or survived a unique trail run. Do you have an amazing camping story?

We are looking for a range of stories - humorous, frustrating, sad, etc. - but our hope is that all the stories will be thought-provoking and will help the audience understand our connection with nature. If you have a story you would like to tell, please send a rough draft (600-1000 words) to Jim Breslin, Founder of the West Chester Story Slam at jimbreslinwc@gmail.com. Our submissions deadline is March 15th.

Tickets for Center Stage "Adventures in Nature" are available through Natural Land Trust. Click here.

Rich Eagles Wins our "Silver Lining" Slam!

Rich Eagles was having a bad day, but then he shared a story paying tribute to his uncle who recently passed away, and he ended up winning the prized pint glass and earned a slot in our November Grand Slam. 

We heard a wide array of stories on the theme "Silver Lining." We heard about remarkable life insurance payouts and about how to beat the nuns at their game. We listened to a story about how an assembly line job in the plastics field was years later seen in a different light. We heard a story about caring for a dog and a tale of dealing with a rather rude parent of a student. 

Our next Story Slam will be February 9th and the theme is "Curiosity." Tickets are available now by clicking HERE. 

You can watch Rich's winning story below. All the stories can be viewed at the West Chester Story Slam YouTube channel. 

Our January 12th Slam is "Silver Lining!"

UPDATED 12/31/15: Seats for our January Story Slam have sold out. Thank You. Some SRO tickets are available, which includes a few bar stools.

Our first Story Slam of the 2016 season will be held on Tuesday, January 12th, and the theme is SILVER LINING! Our Story Slam starts at 8pm, but most people arrive to Side Bar and Restaurant around 7pm for dinner and drinks. Seats are limited, and we offer a few standing room only tickets for the bar area also. Click HERE for tickets.

What types of stories fit the theme SILVER LINING? We're looking for stories where things went very wrong, yet somehow something uplifting emerged at the end. Perhaps you have a story about making lemonade out of the lemons you were served or maybe the positive ending came as an unexpected surprise. Did you lose your job and move back in with your parents only to learn something amazing about yourself? Did you struggle to end a bad relationship or get entwined in a disastrous road trip or make the worst holiday gift purchase ever? Maybe you made an investment that fell precipitously but you learned something in the process. We all have stories where there are unintended consequences. Tell us your SILVER LINING story!

If you want to tell a story, pick up your ticket now and then sign up upon arrival at SideBar. We draw names out of a hat and usually listen to ten stories. Check our rules page to insure you've prepped your story. Again, seats for our January 12 Story Slam are limited but we have SRO tickets available also. Click HERE.

2016 Season is Announced!

We're thrilled to announce the themes and dates for the 2016 season of West Chester Story Slam. This will be our 7th season of telling stories and we hope you will join us to either tell your story or cheer on the other storytellers.

Our Story Slams will continue to take place on the second Tuesday of the month at Side Bar & Restaurant in West Chester, PA. All events begin at 8pm. Tickets for the January 12th Story Slam are on sale now. Order your tickets by clicking HERE!

January 12th - Silver Lining

February 9th - Curiosity

March 8th - Panicked!

April 12th - Satisfaction

May 10th - Broke

June 14th - Betrayal

July 12th - Joy

August 9th - Lost

September 13th - Risk

October 11th - WTF?

November 8th - 2016 Grand Slam

Our 2015 Grand Slam Podcast is Out!

Our latest podcast features three stories from the 2015 West Chester Story Slam GRAND SLAM! You can listen to the podcast through iTunes or Podbean. 

Cynthia Angst won the 2015 GRAND SLAM with her story of contemplating a very important decision, whether or not to become a mother, and how she came to make "the best decision of my life." Cynthia won the title of "Best Storyteller in West Chester" and will have her name immortalized on the Storyteller's Cup. Here is a photo of Cynthia and her son Jordan in Burlington, Vermont. Jordan attends UVM. 

Luanne Sims told a story at the Grand Slam of celebrating her four-year-old son's birthday with a broccoli themed party, complete with a broccoli shaped piñata and an appearance by Captain Broccoli. Luanne was the 2013 Grand Slam co-champion and has told stories at Listen To Your Mother and several Story Slams in Southeastern Pennsylvania. 

Pat Wendel's story of skydiving with a friend and choosing the wrong skydiving instructor rounds out our Grand Slam podcast. Thanks to all our storytellers who competed in the Grand Slam and thanks to our 2016 podcast sponsor Chester County Book Company.  

Tickets for our January Story Slam will go on sale in early December, so check back soon.  

Cynthia Angst wins the 2015 Grand Slam!

grand slam-2

Cynthia Angst won the 2015 West Chester Story Slam GRAND SLAM, earning the title of Best Storyteller in West Chester! Cynthia told the surprising and touching story of wanting a child and waiting for a "sign from God." She will have her name "immortalized" on the Storyteller's Cup with the previous Grand Slam Champions. Tonight's storytellers provided the audience with some fascinating tales. Maureen Egan told how the arrest of her family dog sent her father off on a neighborhood tirade. Cindy Heffron detailed her time as a hospice nurse and how it moved her. Pat Wendel told the hilarious story of her skydiving escapade. Luanne Sims explained how she came to create a Broccoli Pinata for her son's birthday party. Rich Eagles talked about what he has learned from his cousin's death in Afghanistan. Diane Yannick told of an early teaching gig that she quit after a year "with no regrets." Steve Clark told of his search for a soulmate. Marty Hoban talked about a dangerous trek home after a night of bar hopping. Johnny Walker described meeting his father for the first time and subsequently learning about his father's disturbing views.

Thank you to all our storytellers, our judges, and of course, the audience who came and cheered them on.

You can watch video of Cynthia's winning story below, and all the stories will be on the West Chester Story Slam YouTube channel shortly so check back soon! Also check out photos of the event below.

2015 West Chester Grand Slam has TOTALLY Sold Out

Updated: October 30th: Tickets for the 2015 West Chester Story Slam GRAND SLAM have sold out. Thank you. The lineup is set for the 2015 West Chester Story Slam GRAND SLAM, which will take place on Tuesday, November 10th at the Chester County Historical Society. Tickets are moving fast so order yours now by clicking HERE. Also - if you order soon, you can choose to have your tickets mailed to you through regular mail at no additional charge.

The GRAND SLAM features the winning storytellers of the regular season as they go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in West Chester” and the opportunity to have their name immortalized on the legendary Storytellers Cup.

Storytellers who have earned a slot in the GRAND SLAM are: Diane Yannick, Rich Eagles, Maureen Egan, Johnny Walker, Gina Gennari and Pat Wendel, Cynthia Angst, Benjamin Levine, Steve Clark, Cathy Sikorski, Marty Hoban, Cindy Heffron and Luanne Sims.

The theme of the 2015 GRAND SLAM IS “No Regrets!"

For the GRAND SLAM, we will be strictly enforcing the 5 minute rule. Each Storyteller will be signaled at 4 minutes and 30 seconds, and then again at 5 minutes. Any story over 6 minutes will not be counted in the final scores.

We hope to see you on Tuesday, November 10th for what is sure to be a memorable night of storytelling, and join us afterwards for an after-party on the second floor of Side Bar.

Our Blood and Guts Slam Ends in Tie! Grand Slam is November 10th!

With a theme like Blood and Guts, we knew it had to get wild - and it did! In the end Cindy Heffron and Luanne Sims walked away with with a tie, both earning slots in our November 10th GRAND SLAM! Cindy told the hilarious story of delivering a baby as a nurse. Luanne described the back and forth pranks she and her brother have played on each other over the years. Both stories were jaw dropping funny and touching in their own ways. We also heard some wild stories about people spilling their blood and guts. We heard about motorcycle accidents and firecracker mishaps, about scaring the hell out of a child and how a child scared the heck out of his mother. We heard about fist fights in bars and broken bodies in the Alps. Thanks to our storytellers, our judges and all those who came out and vociferously supported these wild stories!

Our 2015 GRAND SLAM is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10th, 8pm, at Chester County Historical Society. The theme is "No Regrets!" Tickets are on sale now and if you order soon, you can get them mailed directly to your house at no extra charge. Click HERE.

Here are last night's winning stories from Cindy and Luanne! To watch other stories told at the Blood and Guts Story Slam, click on over to the West Chester Story Slam YouTube Channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwHzVIQxkok

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT1CAmRLWWo

Our "Blood and Guts" Story Slam is October 13th!

Updated October 12th: Seats have sold out but a few Standing Room Only tickets remain. These include a few seats at the bar. 

It's October, so we're getting a little creepy.

Our October 13th Story Slam is themed "Blood and Guts!" You can order your tickets by clicking HERE. What type of stories are we looking for?

We want to hear stories about surviving danger, about bodily injuries, about taking bold actions. We want to hear stories about requiring surgery or needing stitches. Your story might be about a time that required "guts" to make an important life decision. Perhaps you spilled blood, or donated blood, or witnessed a bloodletting. Remember that time you watched your first saw your twelve year old son had a hole in his thigh the size of a quarter and you could see the bone? And how you nearly passed out when the doctor started stitching it? Have you been injured while skiing or mountain biking or hiking? Tell us your "Blood and Guts" story!

Our Story Slam is being held on the second floor of SideBar and Restauraunt, which is located right in downtown West Chester. The Slam starts at 8pm, but most people arrive early for drinks and dinner. If you want to tell a story, see Jim when you arrive. Seats for our Story Slams often sell out, so please order your tickets early by clicking HERE.

Here is a "Blood and Guts" type story told by Matt at a Story Slam last year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2tyEdYUFBM

Our Center Stage: Race Event is September 26th, 8pm!

On September 26th, 8pm, we're holding a special night of storytelling. Center Stage: Race will feature ten stories from diverse voices on how Race has shaped their lives. We'll hear stories about how our views on Race are shaped by our grandmothers and our neighbors, our fathers and our friends. Our views on Race are often distilled into us as children, but sometimes a new reality sets in as we mature. Sometimes our "aha moment" is while visiting another country or driving down a popular Philly street. Other times, our insights develop when we move into a new house or move to the USA. Let's face it, Race is not often talked about in public. It has often not been talked about in people's homes. These ten stories are meant to help us understand what we all have in common despite our racial differences. We're thrilled that the night's storytellers have agreed to share their personal stories and we're hoping that you will come out for a special night.

You can check out the full lineup of storytellers by clicking here.

Please join us on Saturday, September 26th, 8pm, at the Chester County Historical Society for Center Stage: Race. Order your tickets HERE.

Our "Saved" Slam ends in a Tie!

Our "Saved" Story Slam ended in a tie! Cathy Sikorski and Marty Hoban each earned slots in the 2015 Grand Slam, which will take place in November. Ben Levine, who has already secured a spot in the Grand Slam, was also tied for the first place win. Our night kicked off with a remarkably fun story by Benjamin Levine about attending a high school party. We heard from 2011 Grand Slam Storyteller Eli Silberman, who told the hilarious story about he started a German bar brawl. Chuck Bauerlein told about dating a girlfriend who was born again. Veronica Redd told the story of being saved at a low point in her life. We also heard stories of drinking on an army base, being locked in a closet, and being trapped in the consulting project from hell.

To watch the three first place stories, scroll below. All the stories will be posted on the West Chester Story Slam YouTube channel soon, so check back.

Our next story slam is scheduled for October 13th and the theme is "Blood and Guts!" Tickets are available here.

Center Stage: Race is Saturday, September 26th!

Our 2015 Center Stage is nearly here. Center Stage is a night of curated stories. Last year, we heard stories about Faith and this year we will hear stories on Race. We’ll be hearing personal stories from diverse voices, as storytellers reveal the moments in their lives where they realized the issue of race is ever-present, both in the USA and the world. Our current list of storytellers for the night can be found by clicking here. Please come out for Center Stage: Race. Saturday, September 26 at Chester County Historical Society. The event begins at 8 pm. Reserve your seats by clicking here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1ptk6-dPFM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca3uSOqQtSM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0ItCEhBKc4

September Events - "Saved" Slam and Center Stage: Race

This September, two storytelling events are hitting West Chester. We hope you will "save" the dates and tell your friends and family. We hope to see you soon. West Chester Story Slam: Saved (SOLD OUT!)

On Tuesday, September 8, West Chester Story Slam's theme is "Saved." Tickets can be ordered here. What do we mean by "Saved?"

We are looking for stories on being saved physically, mentally, or spiritually. Were you plucked from a car crash with the jaws of life? Have you been lost in the woods and had hundreds of people searching for you? Did you ever get stuck on a cliff ledge and had to have helicopters called in? Maybe you were lost at sea or caught in an avalanche. We want to hear stories about gaining the fortitude to leave an abusive relationship or finding a new job just as you were about to lose it on your "bosshole." Perhaps you were once stuck in a well or a cave and had a profound moment of enlightening that has changed your life.

Let's listen to stories on the theme "Saved." Tuesday, September 8 at Side Bar and Restaurant. The Story Slam starts at 8pm, but come early for drinks and dinner. Seats are moving fast so reserve your spot by clicking here.

West Chester Center Stage: Race

Our 2015 Center Stage is nearly here. Center Stage is a night of curated stories on a serious theme. Last year, we heard stories about Faith and this year we will hear stories on Race. We'll be hearing personal stories from diverse voices, as storytellers reveal the moments in their lives where they realized the issue of race is ever-present, both in the USA and the world. Our current list of storytellers for the night can be found by clicking here.

Please plan on coming out for Center Stage: Race. Saturday, September 26 at Chester County Historical Society. The event begins at 8 pm. Reserve your seats by clicking here.

Steve wins the "Hunger" Story Slam

Congratulations to Steve, the winner of our August "Hunger" Story Slam. Steve told a story of coaching a girls' basketball team to glory, winning the prized pint glass and and a spot in our upcoming Grand Slam. We heard stories of being sent to one's room without dinner, experiencing hunger in the Canadian wilderness, and trying to eat one's way through a vending machine. We heard stories about food not sitting right in one's system - of needing to puke and needing to defecate - both in unusual situations. We heard about the hunger to win a high school pageant and the hunger caused by a very specific diet. Thanks to all our storytellers, the judges and the rousing audience who came out on this beautiful summer night.

Check out Steve's winning story below. To see other stories from the "Hunger" Story Slam, check out the West Chester Story Slam YouTube channel.  A reminder - we have two events scheduled in September so save the dates!

West Chester Story Slam

Our September West Chester Story Slam is themed "Saved" and will take place on Tuesday, September 8th at Side Bar and Restaurant in downtown West Chester. If you want to tell a story on the theme "Saved," sign up upon arrival. The monthly winner of the West Chester Story Slam earns a slot in the November Grand Slam, where the winners from the season compete for the title of Best Storyteller in West Chester. Click on the Rules tab at the top of the page to learn more. Tickets for West Chester Story Slam can be ordered here.

West Chester Center Stage: Race

On Saturday, September 26th, we are hosting West Chester Center Stage: Race at the Chester County Historical Society. We will be hearing personal stories from people of diverse races. This event is curated - stories are submitted ahead of time and laid out like an anthology of creative non-fiction. This event is not a competition. You can read more about the producers and storytellers by clicking here. If you have questions about this event, please email wcstoryslam@aol.com. Tickets for Center Stage can be ordered here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d47S0tCq4oQ

Our August 11th Story Slam is "Hunger!"

Our August 11th Story Slam is themed "Hunger." Tickets are on sale now. Order yours by clicking here. What kind of stories are we hungry for? We want stories about the lack of food, the craving for food, the satisfaction of food. We want stories about the absence of substinence. How long have you gone without eating? Have you visited another country and gotten sick or experienced food poisoning? Perhaps you've visited a country and seen the devastation of true hunger. Have you dealt with anorexia or bulimia? Have you had to help a loved one through food issues? Perhaps you were lost in the woods and had to eat something extreme to stay alive. We also know people hunger for more than food. Have you had an insatiable craving for something out of life?

Our Story Slam starts promptly at 8pm on Tuesday, August 11th on the second floor of Side Bar & Restaurant in downtown West Chester, PA. We recommend arriving early for drinks and a bite to eat. Tickets are moving swiftly, so order your soon. Click here.

Benjamin Levine wins the Freedom Story Slam!

Congratulations to Ben Levine! He won our "Freedom" Story Slam with his hilarious story of getting his first kiss. Ben won the prized pint glass and has earned a slot in the November Grand Slam. The theme of "Freedom" brought a variety of stories. We heard about having the freedom to roam, the freedom of living without keys, the freedom of getting out from under our parent's thumbs. We heard about drinking a toast to the freedom of having just been released from prison, and the freedom to say whatever the hell we want in old age. We also heard about the freedom that comes with wearing a thong!

Our next Story Slam is themed "Hunger," and will take place on Tuesday, August 11th at Side Bar and Restaurant in West Chester. Tickets can be ordered here.

Here is video of Benjamin's winning story, and all the stories will be posted on the West Chester Story Slam YouTube channel so check back soon.

https://youtu.be/VXfR5vlSs1M