Have you got what it takes to be the National Storytelling Festival’s next Best Story Slammer? Anyone’s welcome to apply – all you need is a little bit of courage and a true, five-minute story that suits this year’s theme, Common Ground.

Applications are in the form of a recorded 2-minute story excerpt. All entries will be judged by a panel and six will be selected to tell at the National Storytelling Festival on Saturday, October 3. Those selected to tell will receive a weekend ticket to the Festival! 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 

• Your story must connect to the theme Common Ground in some way. You do not need to say the words ‘Common Ground’ in your story, but you do need to connect to the idea.  
• True, original stories only.
• Contestants must be at least 16 years old. 
• Stories must be told, not read. No notes or props.
• Content must be suitable for a general audience, ages 13 and up.
• Former featured National Storytelling Festival tellers are not eligible to enter.
• Be sure it’s a story with a beginning, middle, and end, and not a joke or anecdote.
• The deadline to submit stories is July 10th at 5 pm ET. 
• You’ll be notified if you’ve been chosen for the Slam by August 1.

PRIZES 

First place: $300   

Second place: $200  

Third place: $100 

TO ENTER 

You can enter by providing an excerpt of your story below. Make sure the excerpt conveys how your story will relate to the theme “Common Ground.”

To mail, send recording to: 

International Storytelling Center 

Attn: Story Slam 

116 W. Main 

Jonesborough, TN 37659 

REMEMBER! 

It is a competition – and if you are selected to tell at the Festival, you’ll only have five minutes at the mic to wow the judges. You will be judged on your performance, how well the story is crafted, its connection to the theme, and adherence to the 5-minute time limit. Please remember you do not have to say the theme Common Ground in your story; it only needs to be implied. Be creative!