Story Slam at The Storey in September

The Story Slam is a live storytelling competition coming to Lancaster on Friday 4th September at the aptly named The Storey Creative Industries Centre.

Based around the simple formula of hearing great stories from anybody and everybody who wants to take a crack at it, the Story Slam is a live storytelling competition that's become hugely popular in major US cities such as Chicago and New York. Now, the Story Slam is being brought to the UK by storyteller and writer Mary J. Lockwood and is kicking off in her hometown of Lancaster at The Storey on the 4th September 2009.

The Story Slam consists of up to three rounds of spoken word spout-off where 'slammers' have five minutes each to tell their story. No notes are allowed - stories must be told and not read. Story Slammers are rated on both content and performance by five judges selected randomly from the audience. No topic is off limits. Stories can be gritty, humourous, fact, or fiction, but originality is valued very highly. The winner is crowned 'Top Slammer' and receives a £20 cash prize.

There will be a couple of open mic spots available on the night at The Storey but anyone who wants to compete in the slam can sign up beforehand by emailing thestoryslam@live.co.uk.

The Story Slam is also running an open short film contest where the best films will be shown to Story Slam audiences on show nights. Films should be three minutes max. and must tell a story. How you choose to tell and present your story is entirely up to you.

• The Story Slam will be at The Storey on Friday 4th September. Doors open at 7pm. Slam starts at 7.30pm. Admission: £5. Tickets can be bought in advance from www.seetickets.com. For more information about the contest, and The Story Slam in general, visit www.thestoryslam.co.uk.