So. You're tempted. You're interested or you wouldn't be here. That's a good sign! Throw caution to the wind and pitch your story here. We need three things which you can give us by clicking the link at the bottom of this page: 
  1. Your contact information
  2. A written synopsis of your true story--250 words or less. You don't have to completely flesh out your story until you're ready to tell it; however, we need to have a basic idea of your story content. When crafting your content, please take into account that this event is open to those 12-years-old and up.
  3. A recorded, 2-minute synopsis of your true story. This will help tell us if you've got the storytelling mojo, even if it's not fully-developed mojo. We suggest you write out what you're going to say before you record it. We also recommend you access the pitch page on our website using your phone and record your pitch by using your phone because the mic on your phone is usually a sure thing. If chosen, you'll eventually tell a 5-10 minute story without notes during our SpokenStorySlamKC event on October 18.

Here are some helpful tidbits:
  • Tell us the actual story. You might be tempted to entice us with a cliffhanger, but resist the temptation. Give us a sense of the arc of your story and include any parts about how it may have changed you. Please include the whole story--beginning, middle, and end, although it doesn't necessarily have to be in that order! We need to be able to ascertain the viability of your story as a spoken story and its potential to impact our audience, so please include all the elements necessary to get the full story.
  • Submit your pitch by September 18th for consideration.
  • Visit https://themoth.org/share-your-story/storytelling-tips-tricks for their great storytelling tips. The Moth is the master, and we've borrowed their template with their permission and encouragement. 
  • We encourage storytellers to avoid framing their stories with an ideological agenda, but rather to tell the story simply and honestly in the way it affected them. Our intent is not to discourage stories of faith or social/political causes (these stories are still acceptable and powerful). But telling a story with the intent to proselytize for any religion, belief system, or political agenda goes beyond SpokenStorySlamKC's story parameters.
  • Here's a mandate from The Moth that we take as our own: Please use our stage to practice civility and respect. Please don't include racism, homophobia, misogyny or any form of hate speech.
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Just a few disclaimers:
  •  If your story is chosen for our storytelling night, please understand that storytellers need to commit to any necessary changes by our storytelling creative team. Our creative team understands the sensitivity, vulnerability, and risk it takes to be one of our storytellers and in return, commits to working with you to prepare you for our stage; however if a storyteller objects to any necessary changes, we will thank you and sincerely hope you find another venue for your storytelling.
  • All storytellers chosen for our stage have two mandatory requirements. Please mark these dates on your calendars!
  1. An individual coaching session with one of our creative team, and a requisite coaching fee of $35. This session can be arranged in person or done via Zoom and must occur during the four-week period before the storytelling event. For our October 18, 2024 storytelling event, this period begins September 18 and ends October 16.
  2. An in-person dress rehearsal about 10 days before the event. Dress rehearsal for our next event is October 10, 2024. Dress rehearsal will be held at High Blue Wellness to enable you to get used to the space.

Finally, we believe every person has a story worth telling. Give us what you've got! 
© Imago Performing Arts 2020