Synergy Story Slam
The Synergy Story Slam happens twice monthly at The Magnetic Theatre (in The Magnetic Field) in the heart of Asheville's River Arts District at 372 Depot St., Suite 50.
Slams happen every 1st and 3rd Monday night, now through December 5th. Doors open at 7 pm, and you can sign up to tell stories then. Stories begin around 7:30 pm. Come early to grab dinner or a drink at the Magnetic Field, then get a good seat for the show. Come to tell a story, or come just to listen.
Upcoming Fall 2011 Slam nights: Sept 19, Oct 3, Oct 17, Nov 7, Nov 21, and Dec 5
Why we do it:
The slam is an opportunity to share stories, to laugh, to learn, and to help out local organizations, all in an effort to build a stronger Asheville community. It's good for you to tell your stories, and it's good for us to hear them. And, of course, it's good for community organizations because part of the proceeds from door donations collected at the slam will be donated to a different local organization each week. Another big fat chunk of the door cash goes to the story slam winner--that's right friend, tell a story and it might be money in your pocket!
It's a win win, so come share your story!
How it works:
Each week, host S. Fynn Crooks will announce the theme for the next upcoming Story Slam. On the night of the slam, Fynn will open the mic up to anybody - poets, storytellers, comedians, teachers, bus drivers, artists, parents, coffee-drinkers, women, men, people, anybody, anybody - to tell a story that connects in some way to the topic at hand. We'll appoint at least 2 audience judges (who are not telling stories) to pick the best story of the night. The winner will get part of the cash we collect at the door, and the satisfaction of knowing he or she told an entertaining story.
Additionally, each week Fynn will choose one local Asheville organization, cause, not-for-profit, or charity to receive a portion of the money donated at the door.
See - it's Synergy!
The details:
Audience:
- Entrance to the show is a suggested donation of $5 - $10, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Keep in mind that your donation will go both to the story slam winner (for entertaining you so well), and to a local community organization (for making Asheville so great). Your donation will also help the slam continue to happen, and it will help The Magnetic Theatre (a not-for-profit organization) continue to provide a home for Asheville artists.
- You don't have to tell a story to enjoy the slam. In fact, we only have time for so many stories, but the more people who listen, the better!
- Come early, grab dinner and/or a drink at the Magnetic Field, and get a good seat. Doors open at 7, stories start around 7:30.
Storytellers:
- You can interpret the theme any way you like, but make sure there is some sort of connection in there.
- Stories should be true (mostly) and they should be personal stories that you can tell without using any notes.
- Stories should be 5-10 minutes long. Please don't go over 10 minutes, or we might have to yank you off the stage with a cane...and nobody wants that.
- To share a story, show up at 7 and fill out a tiny piece of paper with your name and e-mail address, then throw it in the hat and wait.
- At 7:30pm, Fynn will draw 7 names out of the hat and those lucky folks will tell their stories. You might get to tell, you might not. It just adds to the suspense for everyone, and it keeps the evening shorter, since it's on a school night and all.
- At the end of the slam, our judges will discuss in an incredibly official manner and then announce a winner. Sweet!
Tickets only available at the event, $5-10 donation, cash or check only, please.
The Synergy Story Slam is Asheville's only open mic, community-based storytelling event!