“The First Time”
July 9th 2023, Ojai California- The Ojai Storytelling Festival is hosting its very first story slam and this year’s theme is, appropriately, “THE FIRST TIME”. Storytellers must connect their story to the theme. Applicants will submit a 2 minute recording of their story, a panel of judges will select six storytellers to compete in the live event On October 26th, 6pm at The Ojai Art Center. For full rules and to enter a story, visit- https://www.ojaistoryfest.org/storyslam.
What is a Story Slam, anyway?
At its most basic, a story slam is an open mic storytelling competition. A story slam provides an opportunity for novice storytellers to hone their craft, but more importantly, to share their stories, their traditions, and in a sense, humanize the experiences of the community. Storytelling is a powerful tool that can bring communities together, help us understand our neighbors, and share experiences across cultures.
In the vein of Slam Poetry, adding a competitive aspect to the performance of storytelling, creates tension and excitement. Story slams around the country hosted by the likes of The Moth and The National Storytelling Festival, have built a road map for smaller organizations like The Ojai Storytelling Festival to continue this tradition.
About The Ojai Storytelling Festival and Performances To Grow On-
Performances To Grow On is a non-profit founded in 1996 as a way to bring arts programming to Ventura County students in the wake of declining arts funding in public schools. The Ojai Storytelling Festival (formerly Village Of Tales) debuted in 1999 as a weekend event with four storytellers and has since grown to four days with seven storytellers, several musical acts, a thriving boutique marketplace, and the beloved Story Swap, where festival attendees can tell their own stories to fellow festival goers and receive feedback from the featured storytellers.
The 22nd Annual Ojai Storytelling Festival October 26th-29th, 2023
For tickets and more information visit- https://www.ojaistoryfest.org/
Comments