Story-telling has ditched social media and the internet in favor of a new venue and a little human connection.
Inspired by Story Slams in Lancaster and York, the first Shippensburg Story Slam was held at Appalachian Brewing Company (ABC).
Ten participants were randomly selected and had to tell a story under five minutes that followed a pre-selected theme. This week’s theme was “Coming Home.” No props or notes were allowed while story-tellers are at the microphone.
Participants were judged on two factors: Presentation and content.
The winner took home a $25 gift certificate to ABC. This week’s winner was Andrew Burdge, who told a story about his childhood home, eating his favorite cereal and what Ireland smells like.
Other stories varied on topic, but all revolved around home and coming home.
Dale Crowley told an emotional story about the many homes he has lived in, and how his childhood home was the only real one.
Courtney Putnam talked about how she found her home in Shippensburg and academia, and how she changed her major countless times before finding her place in the English department.
Luke Lyman had a different take on the topic, and told the story of a time where he couldn’t wait to get home from a Boy Scout camping trip in the rain.
Amanda Brozana Rios talked about seeing Yuengling across the United States and how it reminded her of home despite never drinking it herself.
Patricia Bowser told a story about her family’s adventures in Ecuador, and how she was heartbroken when she had to leave.
The next Shippensburg story slam will be held on Oct. 10, with the theme of “Horror stories in dating.” Tickets can be purchased at www.shipstoryslam.org/tickets/. Information on future Story Slams and how this project came to be can be found at www.shipstoryslam.org.
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