JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Survival. Who doesn’t have a story about survival at this juncture in history?
Teton County Library invites everyone back out into the world of in-person storytelling competitions with a survival-themed Cabin Fever Story Slam, Tuesday, November 9 at 7pm at the Pink Garter Theater.
Storytellers who wish to participate throw their names into a bucket upon arrival at the theater, and if their names are chosen they’re asked to tell a true, personal, five-minute story relating the theme. A panel of judges awards prizes to their top three storytellers at the end of the evening.
“We’re excited to move back to our pre-pandemic digs for our 41st story slam,” says Leah Shlachter, library adult program coordinator. “When we started these events in 2015, we had no idea they’d become institutions in the community. It continues to floor us how the themes get incorporated into stories told—by all ages of people—and how respectfully the audience listens.”
Shlachter credits emcee Jeff Moran for the supportive atmosphere of the programs; he warms up the audience each time with a story of his own that relates to the theme of the night.
“Jeff understands the art of storytelling,” Shlachter says. “He shares great details and weaves in humor that often makes fun of himself, establishing a safe environment in which the storytellers who follow him can also be vulnerable.”
No story to tell? Audience members can participate by contributing themed mad libs that Moran reads aloud between stories.
Additional story slams are planned for upcoming Tuesdays—December 14, January 18, February 22, and March 22. Themes will be announced prior. Masks will be required and theater capacity will be reduced for the safety of those in attendance.
Library programs are free and open to the community with support from community donations, large and small, to Teton County Library Foundation and Friends.
