DC IdeasFest Presents

StorySlam: Stories of Home

May 22, 2016
Reception @ 5pm
Stories @ 6pm
Busboys & Poets, 5th & K Streets, NW

• What's your favorite memory of living in DC?

• When was a time you struggled and overcame?

• Do you remember a moment you witnessed change?

• What event made you feel more connected to home?

Submit Your Story Today!

Deadline EXTENDED: May 18, 2016

General Guidelines

The theme for this StorySlam is home. Home can be a place, a memory, an idea, an aspiration or any combinations of things that means home to you, but your story must connect explicitly to this theme.

A StorySlam is a fast-paced storytelling competition. Ten storytellers and 2 alternates will be chosen from all online entries. They will be selected based on content, structure and appeal to a general audience and announced by the host at the beginning of the StorySlam on May 22, 2016. To be eligible, all storytellers must register in advance and check in no later than 4:30pm at Busboys and Poets, 1025 5th Street, NW.

Each storyteller that is chosen will have five minutes to communicate a true, personal and riveting story in front of our live audience and live local judges – one judge will be chosen randomly from the crowd that night! The judges will select 2 storytellers and the audience will select 1 to present their story live at DC IdeasFest in November. Winners will also receive a limited edition DC IdeasFest gift pack!

The judges will make their decisions based on content, performance and the ability of the storyteller to connect with the audience. The decision of the judges will be final.

When judging your stories appeal to a crowd of people who probably don’t know you, ask yourself: Will people from other backgrounds and experiences find truth, surprises or revelations in my story? Did this story change my own perceptions? (If it did and you can communicate that, it’s sure to resonate with others!) What larger themes or hot topics does my story connect to? Have I added details so that my story creates a compelling world for my listeners? Would I want to hear it if someone else were doing the telling?

Finally, please be aware that we may record this event and that you will be asked to sign a release form. Copyright laws apply. So, please do not share work for which you are not the author.

All applicants must be residents of the District of Columbia.