Salem Story Series

Nurturing the roots of connection.

Welcome To

Salem Story Series

Tell a story
1790722800

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

“Stranded”
at
Gulu-Gulu Cafe

Salem Story Series is a monthly storytelling event that invites the community of Salem, MA, to gather together to hear—and tell—true life stories. All are welcome, especially the “amateurs”; some of the best stories shared on stage come from people who’ve never spoken into a microphone.

Whether you become a regular teller or attend only one event, thank you. Your presence ensures our programming will continue well into the future.

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

Maya Angelou

How does it work?

Themed Months

Every month has a theme, which we’ll announce here and on social. Your story will connect to that theme in some way.

5-Minute True Stories

Every storyteller gets 5 minutes on stage to share their true story. Authenticity is important! The story you share should be wholly and completely your own real life experience.

Community Storytellers

Although professional storytellers do exist, for this format, audience members are the storytellers. All of the stories you’ll hear are from members of the broader Salem community (and, of course, the occasional out-of-towners).

What happens at one of these events?

  1. Audience members are the storytellers. When you arrive, you’ll be encouraged to put your name in the “hat” (note: the hat will probably be a basket, but it’s more fun to say that you’re putting your name in a hat). It’s not required! You can be a member of the audience who’s only there to listen.
  2. The MC sets up the show by drawing names. After the introduction and the opening preamble, the first few names will be drawn, and that will become the first half of the show.
  3. A brief intermission marks the halfway point. At this time, people are usually so impressed by the bravery of their peers that they, too, put their names in the hat. We hope you do, too!
  4. The MC draws names for the second half of the night. After that, it should look and feel just like the first half!

What should a storyteller know?

Each storyteller gets 5 minutes to share their stories.

The MC will help keep time for you, so don’t worry about that part.

Every story must be a TRUE experience from YOUR life.

We’ll be able to tell if it isn’t! And so will you. Keep it real and keep it honest.

Themes are always shared in advance. Check the news section (below) and on social media.

Prospective tellers will have an opportunity to prepare in advance. Every event will also have a few featured tellers. To be considered for one of these slots, email your pitch to hello@salemstoryseries.org.

Have questions?
We may have the answers!

FAQs

Upcoming Themes and Other News

One Week to Go(!) and Prep for the First Show

It feels crazy, in a very good way, that in just one week, we’ll be gathering together at Gulu-Gulu Cafe for our first Salem Story Series show! (!!!!) I’ve had dreams — many, in fact — where my sleepy brain is running through all of the possible outcomes. In most of them, I’m standing in…

Keep reading

Adventures in Defining “Storytelling,” Part 1

The word “storyteller” means something different to everyone. When I started talking about this part of my life with new friends at work, many jobs ago, I remember them being hung up on the particulars: “So, like, you write novels? Essays?” “Ahh, ok, kind of like drag queen story hour? You read books to people?”…

Keep reading

Event Countdown

1790722800

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

“Stranded” at Gulu-Gulu Cafe

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