So...You Want to Tell a Story?
Here’s some information to make it easier...
Time constraints force us to limit stories to just 10 minutes (no more!). While you're on stage, we’ll keep track of the time, and give you two-minute and one-minute warnings.
Once you’re on the schedule, we’ll need a short biography and a photograph of your wonderful self. Please send these to us as noted above, or by U.S. mail to Storytime for Grownups, Post Office Box 2954, Alameda, CA 94501.
We’ll be happy to help you work on your piece — just let us know. We also ask that you reserve some time for a short rehearsal with us a few days prior to the event. We’ll be in touch with you to coordinate.
Please: once you're on-stage, no notes! You want your story to be a casual telling, not a formal reading.
If possible, bring some music...a CD with a song that ties to your piece.
We think the best stories have a conflict and a resolution, maybe even an arc! Here are some tips that may help bring out the best of your story:
Know your story well enough so you can have fun:
Make an outline, memorize your main points, then you
can play with it onstage. Imagine you’re telling your
story to friends at a dinner party.
But try not to make your story into a memorized monologue -
it should be natural and real! It’s no fun watching someone
sweat it out to remember the next line.
Start strong: Come up with a first line that grabs the listeners’ attention,
maybe one that puts us right in the middle or on the cusp of the action.
End strong: Know your last line before you start.
A weak ending can ruin a good story.
No stand-up routines: We love funny, but please, just tell a story!
Take a chance! Stories that are confessional or risky in some way are a real treat.
