No Place Like Home

Photo by Allison Witherow

Congratulations to Jason Plotkin, who won our 2022 Grand Slam. Jason competed with the other winners from this year's monthly open mic story slams and earned the title of Best Storyteller in York. The theme for the evening was No Place Like Home, and it was our first in-person Grand Slam since 2019.

Thank you to the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, who have hosted all seven of our annual Grand Slams in the beautiful Capitol Theatre.

Thank you to David Mayer Smith, who emceed this year’s event.

Thank you to everyone who showed up this year to listen, and everyone who bravely put their names into the hat to share stories.

2022 has been our seventh season of live storytelling events. Since 2016, we’ve welcomed more than 5,300 attendees and have had nearly 750 names in the hat. That’s 750 true, personal stories shared with neighbors – friends, acquaintances, and strangers – in the safe space York Story Slam provides. Storytelling is a wonderful way to get to know others in your community; to uncover things we have in common and to recognize and better understand our differences. We are honored to provide a platform for people to share true, personal stories.

We won’t have a story slam event in December – we will be putting the finishing touches on next year’s series. We’ll continue to host our monthly events on the third Tuesday of the month in 2023, and we’ll return to Archetype Pizza for another season.

In the meantime, click here to hear the stories from the Grand Slam.

Seventh Annual Grand Slam!

Photo by Isaac Edmondson Photography

It’s time for our Grand Slam!

The Grand Slam is our annual culminating event where all the winners from the season are invited back to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York, a big ol’ trophy, and bragging rights for an entire year.

At the end of our October event, we announced the theme for this year’s Grand Slam: NO PLACE LIKE HOME. Our MC for the evening will be David Smith.

Tickets are on sale now. They’re limited, so get yours while the gettin’s good.

In the meantime, you can look back on all the winning stories from this year with this handy playlist:

Our Grand Slam is presented with generous support from the Appell Center for Performing Arts.

Making the Most of the Last Chance

Photo by Catherine Roque

The theme for our October story slam was Last Chance. We heard stories about missing curfew, long-distance love, sex ed blunders, and stealing chickens.

We had two winners; Doc Yoder and Sarah Chain each won an exclusive York Story Slam-branded journal from our friends at Story Supply Co and earned the final two spots in our Grand Slam in November. Doc (left) and Sarah (right) are pictured here with this month’s host, Jeremy Slagle.

Watch videos of all the stories from that night here.

Tickets are on sale now for our 2022 Grand Slam, when all the winners of each of our monthly story slams return to compete for the title of York's Best Storyteller. The Grand Slam will be held on November 15 at the beautiful Capitol Theatre. We announced the theme at the end of the October event: No Place Like Home.

Last Chance!

Photo by Allison Witherow

The theme for our October 18 story slam is Last Chance. Jeremy Slagle will be our MC for the evening.

We want to hear your stories about final countdowns, ultimatums, and giving it one more try. This is the last chance to earn a spot in our 2022 Grand Slam! However you interpret this month's theme, we look forward to hearing your true stories. Those who wish to share a story will sign up upon arrival that evening.

The Grand Slam theme will be announced at the end of the October event.

Tickets are on sale now.

As always, food and beverages are available for purchase during our events from Archetype Pizza and beverages from GearHouse Brewing Company.

We Got Schooled

Photo by Allison Witherow

The theme for our September story slam was Schooled. We heard stories from teachers, parents, former students, and lifelong learners.

The evening ended in a tie. Adam McCallister and Matt McDunnell each won an exclusive York Story Slam-branded journal from our friends at Story Supply Co and earned places in our Grand Slam in November. Adam (left) and Matt (center) are pictured here with this month’s host, Ryan Roe.

Watch videos of all the stories from that night here.

Tickets are on sale now for our October 18 story slam. The theme is Last Chance, and it will indeed be the last chance to get a spot in our Grand Slam. We’ll announce the Grand Slam theme at the end of the October event.

Our events often sell out in advance, so we recommend getting your tickets now!

School's in Session

Photo by Allison Witherow

The theme for our September story slam is Schooled. Ryan Roe will be our MC for the evening.

We want to hear your stories about classrooms, dorm rooms, and learning the hard way. However you interpret this month's theme, we look forward to hearing your true stories. Those who wish to share a story will sign up upon arrival that evening.

Tickets are on sale now.

As always, food and beverages are available for purchase during our events from Archetype Pizza and beverages from GearHouse Brewing Company.

Workshop Your Story!

Virtual Story Slam Workshop

September 13, 2022
7-8:30 pm
via Zoom
Click here to register

Do you have an idea for a story that isn't quite ready for the main stage? Or maybe you're looking for an opportunity to practice your story before sharing it at an upcoming story slam event? Here's your chance! Join us on Tuesday, September 13 at 7 pm for a virtual storytelling workshop. During this free workshop, you'll have a chance to share your story and receive feedback from other storytellers. This event is open to beginners as well as seasoned storytellers.

This is a FREE workshop, hosted jointly by York and Lancaster Story Slams. If there is sufficient interest, we may host a regular gathering like this next year.

There are a few more chances to share stories onstage this year. Here are the remaining themes for 2022:

September

York Story Slam - Schooled
Lancaster Story Slam - What Was I Thinking?

October

York Story Slam - Last Chance
Lancaster Story Slam - IMHO

August 16 Event Canceled

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our August 16 event is canceled.

Tickets are on sale now for our September 20 story slam. The theme is Schooled, and our MC for the evening will be Ryan Roe, who won York Story Slam in June and Lancaster Story Slam in July.

Our events often sell out in advance, so we recommend getting your tickets now!

Ships in the Night

Photo by Allison Witherow

The theme for our August story slam is Missed Connections.

We want to hear your stories about the time things just didn’t line up, ships passing in the night, and the ones that got away. However you interpret this month's theme, we look forward to hearing your true stories. Those who wish to share a story will sign up upon arrival that evening.

Tickets are on sale now.

As always, food and beverages are available for purchase during our events from Archetype Pizza and beverages from GearHouse Brewing Company.

Waving the Checkered Flag

Photo by Allison Witherow

The theme for our July story slam was Start Your Engines. We heard stories about first cars, creative jumpstart techniques, and Cujo-esque dog attacks through open car windows.

Tony Crocamo won with his story about helping his wife when her car broke down. Tony won an exclusive York Story Slam-branded journal from our friends at Story Supply Co and earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Tony (right) is pictured here with this month’s host, David Smith.

Watch videos of all the stories from that night here.

Tickets are on sale now for our August 16 story slam. The theme is Missed Connections. Our events often sell out in advance, so we recommend getting your tickets now!

Start Your Engines!

Photo by Catherine Roque

The theme for our July story slam is Start Your Engines, and our MC this month is the hilarious David Smith.

We want to hear your stories of your first car, your breakdowns, and gearing up to launch into something new. However you interpret this month's theme, we look forward to hearing your true stories. Those who wish to share a story will sign up upon arrival that evening.

Tickets are on sale now.

As always, food and beverages are available for purchase during our events from Archetype Pizza and beverages from GearHouse Brewing Company.

Dear Old Dad

Photo by Catherine Roque

The theme for our June story slam was Father Knows Best. We heard stories about lessons learned, thoughtful kindness bestowed, and generational differences.

Ryan Roe won with his story about playing in the elementary school band with his dad. Ryan won an exclusive York Story Slam-branded journal from our friends at Story Supply Co and earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November.

Watch videos of all the stories from that night here.

Tickets are on sale now for our July 19 story slam. The theme is Start Your Engines. Our events tend to sell out in advance, so we recommend getting your tickets now!

Chaos Ensues

Photo by Allison Witherow

The theme for our May story slam was Chaos. We heard stories about dealing with children, facing wild animals, and septic troubles. The evening featured 10 storytellers and our MC was Corey Wolfe.

Randall Arthur won with his story about piquing the imaginations of a class of second graders. Randall won an exclusive York Story Slam-branded journal from our friends at Story Supply Co and earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November.

Watch videos of all the stories from that night here.

Tickets are on sale now for our June 21 story slam. The theme is Father Knows Best. Our events tend to sell out in advance, so we recommend getting your tickets now!

It Takes Courage

Photo by Jason Plotkin

The theme for our April story slam was Courage, and it was a full house for our first event since the Before Times (and our first in our new location!). We heard stories about facing and overcoming fear, learning about courage by observing others, and conscientious objection. The evening featured 10 storytellers and our MC was Meagan Given.

First-time storyteller John Joyce won with his story about a childhood skirmish. John won an exclusive York Story Slam-branded journal from our friends at Story Supply Co and earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November.

Watch videos of all the stories from that night here.

Save the date for our May 17 story slam. The theme is Chaos. Tickets are on sale now - get ‘em before they’re gone.

In Person Events! New Location! Let's Go!

We’re thrilled to get back to in-person events!

We’ll host our first in-person story slam since the Before Times on Tuesday, April 19 in our new location.

We’re moving just half a block east to Archetype Pizza, 33 West Market Street (next door to Roost Uncommon Kitchen). You can still enjoy food and beverages, we’ll have room to spread out a bit more, and since we’ll be the only ones there during our events, we won’t have the background noise of a crowded bar. We look forward to enjoying this new space with you. This first event will give us a sneak peek before their grand opening.

The theme is COURAGE and Meagan Given will be our MC for the evening. We want to hear your stories of facing your fears, overcoming adversity, and being brave. However you interpret this month's theme, we look forward to hearing your true stories. Those who wish to share a story will sign up upon arrival that evening.

Food from Archetype Pizza and beverages from Gearhouse Brewing Company will be available for purchase.

Tickets for our April story slam are on sale now. Historically, our events have sold out in advance, so we recommend getting your tickets now. Please check our tickets page before you purchase tickets and attend a show for the most up-to-date safety guidelines.

That Was a Close One!

The theme for our March story slam was Close Call, and we heard stories about missing the bus, escaping death, and a run-in with a gang. The evening featured nine storytellers and our MC was Jason Plotkin.

Helen Dempsey won with her story about getting off course during a Hash while living in France. Helen won an exclusive York Story Slam-branded journal from our friends at Story Supply Co and earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November.

Watch videos of all the stories from that night here.

Save the date for our April 19 story slam - our first in-person slam since the Before Times! The theme is Courage, and we’ll be in our new location, just a few doors down from the previous one. Tickets will go on sale March 23. Make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter so you’ll be the first to know.

Close Calls

We'll host our March 15 story slam via Zoom. The theme is Close Call, and our MC for the evening will be last month’s winner, Jason Plotkin.

There is no charge to register. The event is pay-what-you-can; we will gratefully accept contributions during the event and put them toward future events, but a donation is not required to attend and enjoy the virtual slam.

You must register in order to watch. Once you register, we'll send you a confirmation email that includes the link to watch on March 15. We will begin promptly at a 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, like voting for your favorite storyteller at the end of the evening.

And don't worry, we can't see the audience - only the storytellers are on the screen. Join us for an evening of live storytelling, from the comfort of your home. Register now, and you'll receive your own unique link to tune in that evening.

Want to tell a story?

**UPDATE, MARCH 5, 2022: STORYTELLER SIGN-UPS HAVE CLOSED! We will have eight storytellers for this event**

We're also looking for storytellers. We want to hear your stories of escaping by the skin of your teeth, crossed wires, and near hits and misses. However you interpret this month's theme, we look forward to hearing your true stories.

If you'd like to sign up to be a storyteller, you'll need to sign up in advance by completing this form. We'll also need you to check in on Zoom prior to the event to allow time to ensure sound and video is working for everyone, and give us a chance to share important details about how the event will run. (Details on the storyteller form - please read the whole thing carefully.)

Storyteller sign-ups will remain open until noon on March 14, or until we have eight storytellers (whichever happens first).

About Last Night...

The theme for our February story slam was About Last Night, and we heard stories about blind dates, international travel, lost loved ones, and imbibing to excess. The evening featured nine storytellers and our MC was Rita Whitney.

Jason Plotkin won with his story about his dad’s final days, and the impact it had on those around him. Jason won an exclusive York Story Slam-branded journal from our friends at Story Supply Co and earned the first spot in our Grand Slam in November.

Watch videos of all the stories from that night here.

Save the date for our March 15 virtual story slam. The theme is Close Call. 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.

First Slam of the Year!

Our slams will remain virtual for at least another couple months. We'll host our February 15 story slam via Zoom. The theme is About Last Night, and our MC for the evening will be Rita Whitney.

There is no charge to register. The event is pay-what-you-can; we will gratefully accept contributions during the event and put them toward future events, but a donation is not required to attend and enjoy the virtual slam.

You must register in order to watch. Once you register, we'll send you a confirmation email that includes the link to watch on February 15. We will begin promptly at a 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, like voting for your favorite storyteller at the end of the evening.

And don't worry, we can't see the audience - only the storytellers are on the screen. Join us for an evening of live storytelling, from the comfort of your home. Register now, and you'll receive your own unique link to tune in that evening.

Want to tell a story?

**UPDATE, FEBRUARY 9, 2022: STORYTELLER SIGN-UPS HAVE CLOSED! We will have nine storytellers for this event**

We're also looking for storytellers. We want to hear your stories of one-night stands, hangovers, regrets, and seeing things in a different light the morning after. However you interpret this month's theme, we look forward to hearing your true stories.

If you'd like to sign up to be a storyteller, you'll need to sign up in advance by completing this form. We'll also need you to check in on Zoom prior to the event to allow time to ensure sound and video is working for everyone, and give us a chance to share important details about how the event will run. (Details on the storyteller form.)

Storyteller sign-ups will remain open until noon on February 14, or until we have eight storytellers (whichever happens first).

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This month’s event is presented as a part of Raise the Curtain, an initiative by the Cultural Alliance of York County to encourage residents to safely return to the cultural events they love.

Womp Womp...Here We Go Again

Cue the sad trombone…

With the surge in COVID-19 cases, we have decided to postpone our return to in-person story slam events, and have canceled our January 18 event. It’s not lost on us that the theme for this event was supposed to be “The Show Must Go On.” Please keep all jokes to yourself, thankyouverymuch.

Our February and March events will be VIRTUAL. Details coming soon on how to register - for storytellers and audience.

We will reassess in March and it is our ardent hope that we can begin to once again gather in person - at our new venue! - in April.