Story Slam

Deadline Monday, July 25th!

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, HOMECOMING.

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 8. Those selected to tell will receive a weekend ticket to the Festival!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Your story must connect to the theme HOMECOMING in some way. You do not need to say the words ‘HOMECOMING’ 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.

• You’ll be notified if you’ve been chosen for the Slam by August 15.

PRIZES

First place: $300  

Second place: $150 

Third place: $50

TO ENTER

You can enter by providing an excerpt of your story below. Make sure you say, or the excerpt conveys, how your story will relate to the theme “HOMECOMING.”

To mail, send recording to:

International Storytelling Center

Attn: Story Slam

116 W. Main

Jonesborough, TN 37659

Deadline to enter is Monday, July 25. You’ll be notified if you’re ‘in’ by August 15.

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 HOMECOMING in your story; it only needs to be implied. Be creative!