StorySlam Oakland - Oakland's Longest-Running Storytelling Show, since 2012
Tips for telling a true story over Zoom:
- Light yourself well. Aim a light up towards a white ceiling to bounce light softly all around. Also put one lamp facing you to light your eyes and face. Turn off lights in the background, close doors and curtains behind you.
- Look into the camera on your laptop or phone. This will give the audience the feeling that you are making eye contact with them. DO NOT look at the screen.
- Place your laptop or phone up on something eye-level. Don't look down at your screen. We don't want to look up your nose. Try to be eye-level with the laptop or phone camera.
- Stand up! You'll be more energetic than sitting.
- Make sure you are in a quiet environment, or else use a headset with microphone. Make sure there's nothing noisy going on around you.
- Pro tip: set a timer near you so you can see when you're coming close to 5 minutes and end your story before the bell goes off
About the live in-person shows (pre-Pandemic)
StorySlam Oakland is our main show and competition Slam. Featuring selected storytellers plus open-mic stories from the audience. The audience votes for the winning story.
Guidelines for Storytellers:
To tell a story of your own, prepare a 5-minute true tale on the theme of the month.
Put your name in the hat for a chance to tell. You can put your name in anytime you feel inspired. If you get called to tell your story, you win a free drink!
Stories must be 5 minutes or less, true, and about you. No notes or reading allowed!
You will hear a bell at 5 minutes. You should wrap up your story if you hear the bell. Stories over 6 minutes are frowned upon.
We usually have time for 8 to 10 open-mic stories per night.
There are many great resources for how to tell a good, personal story.
Your story should involve some change, so that you are different at the end from where you were in the beginning.
Your story should have stakes: what are you fighting for, or what are you trying to achieve? What obstacles will you have to overcome to achieve it?
You are the main character of your story. Let us into your heart. Don't be afraid to be a little vulnerable. The audience will love you for it.
How the Show Works:
Put your name in the hat when you come in, if you'd like to tell a story. You can put your name in anytime.
Voting
The audience votes for their favorite two storytellers of the night. Ballots will be passed out.
One storyteller, who gets the most votes, is declared the winner.
Winning storytellers are invited to perform in our annual Grand Slam. They may also compete again at a future show, without having to be picked from the hat.
While the votes are being counted, one Featured Storyteller will entertain the audience with a longer story.
Featured storytellers are usually more professional, or award-winning storytellers. They get in free. They do not get voted on.
If you have an idea for a true story and wish to be considered as a Feature, please contact us!
StorySlam is an all-ages show, but we are not about to tell the storytellers to watch their mouths.
Younger folks are welcome, but they may come home with some new knowledge and colorful language.
Luka's is also a restaurant and bar. Food and beverages are available. Order before the show starts to get served in the lounge where the show takes place.
Sign up on the mailing list to receive notices about upcoming shows and new themes, and to get special discounts. Your email address is safe with us, we have a no-spam policy and will never share your email with any other company.
Guidelines for Storytellers:
To tell a story of your own, prepare a 5-minute true tale on the theme of the month.
Put your name in the hat for a chance to tell. You can put your name in anytime you feel inspired. If you get called to tell your story, you win a free drink!
Stories must be 5 minutes or less, true, and about you. No notes or reading allowed!
You will hear a bell at 5 minutes. You should wrap up your story if you hear the bell. Stories over 6 minutes are frowned upon.
We usually have time for 8 to 10 open-mic stories per night.
There are many great resources for how to tell a good, personal story.
Your story should involve some change, so that you are different at the end from where you were in the beginning.
Your story should have stakes: what are you fighting for, or what are you trying to achieve? What obstacles will you have to overcome to achieve it?
You are the main character of your story. Let us into your heart. Don't be afraid to be a little vulnerable. The audience will love you for it.
How the Show Works:
Put your name in the hat when you come in, if you'd like to tell a story. You can put your name in anytime.
Voting
The audience votes for their favorite two storytellers of the night. Ballots will be passed out.
One storyteller, who gets the most votes, is declared the winner.
Winning storytellers are invited to perform in our annual Grand Slam. They may also compete again at a future show, without having to be picked from the hat.
While the votes are being counted, one Featured Storyteller will entertain the audience with a longer story.
Featured storytellers are usually more professional, or award-winning storytellers. They get in free. They do not get voted on.
If you have an idea for a true story and wish to be considered as a Feature, please contact us!
StorySlam is an all-ages show, but we are not about to tell the storytellers to watch their mouths.
Younger folks are welcome, but they may come home with some new knowledge and colorful language.
Luka's is also a restaurant and bar. Food and beverages are available. Order before the show starts to get served in the lounge where the show takes place.
Sign up on the mailing list to receive notices about upcoming shows and new themes, and to get special discounts. Your email address is safe with us, we have a no-spam policy and will never share your email with any other company.