SEQUIM — Whether you have a story itching to be told or you like to simply listen to others’ tales, the Out Loud Story Slam people want to see you this Friday night.
“We always want to get more storytellers on stage,” said Nessa Goldman, cohost of the slam to take place at Olympic Theatre Arts Center, 414 N. Sequim Ave.
This will be the first in-person Out Loud Story Slam since February 2020, she added. From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, participants will share five-minute true personal stories on the theme: “Almost.” That means close calls, near misses and other moments of suspense from the teller’s real life.
Admission to the story slam is $10, and all attendees must show either proof of full vaccination or a negative PCR test done at a laboratory within the past 72 hours.
During the event, face masks are required except when participants are actively performing, eating or drinking.
Six storytellers have already expressed their desire to take the stage, Goldman said. Jesse Charles, Joan Enoch, Heidi Hansen, Carlos Osorio, Star Pittman and Jan Unruh all have performing experience — but newcomers are encouraged.
“Everyone is invited to drop their name in the bag,” said co-organizer Jeanné Sparks.
“If your name gets pulled, you get on the stage to share. Of course, the event needs an audience, and everyone is welcome to come to listen; there is no pressure to be a teller.”
More information on how story slams work can be found at www.clallamstorypeople.org, while Sparks and Goldman can be reached at OlyPenstoryslam@gmail.com. The Out Loud Story Slam also has a Facebook page.
Friday’s slam might include some “bite-sized” stories, Goldman said: one-minute anecdotes mixed in with the rest of the fare.
Another in-person slam is planned for Dec. 10 at Studio Bob in downtown Port Angeles, as “we want to get back to every month again,” she said, adding she’s delighted to bring listeners and tellers together in the same room after some 84 weeks.
“It’s totally a labor of love. We get nothing for it — except the adrenaline rush of being on stage.”
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Jefferson County senior reporter Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-417-3509 or durbanidelapaz@peninsuladailynews.com.
