Events – National Storytelling Network

Welcome to the National Storytelling Network Events page, where you can find information about upcoming events hosted by NSN. Information on the most current events planned can be found by simply scrolling down this page. You can also find the link to the registration page here.

Looking to submit a proposal for one of NSN’s upcoming events? You’ve come to the right place! Click here to be taken to the submission area.

ANNOUNCING NSN’s Bold New Calendar of Events for 2021!

NSN announces a dynamic calendar of Virtual Events for 2021! YES! We will grow storytellers, share great tales, feature membership voices & voices from the world beyond to build a treasure chest for NSN’s secure future. NSN will produce monthly events in a variety of forms.

NSN’s 2021 CALENDAR – UPCOMING EVENTS

July 16th & 17th: NSN’s 2021 Grand Slam Semi-Finals

July 21st – 25th: NSN’s Connected Virtual Conference & Festival – Mark your calendars now! Details coming soon.
August 21st: Hot (Slam + Fringe)

Throw your name in the hat to tell at the Story Slam (don’t forget to register for the event!)
Learn more about Jean’s Fringe Performance

September 18th: Schooled (Slam + Fringe)
October 23rd- 24th: Spooked (Weekend)
November 13th: Stuffing (Slam + Fringe)
December 11th: Light (Slam + Fringe)

Ready to register to attend one or more events? You can find the registration forms for all events with open registration by clicking the button below.

Submit a proposal/Throw Your Name in the Hat

Click the section title below for more information on the event and to view the proposal submission form (if currently available).

RULES:

You will have 5 minutes to tell your story with a 30-second grace period. At six minutes, your story will be cut off. The audience will take the length of your story into account in their voting.
Your story must be a true personal story that happened to you, related to the theme: AMPLIFY.
You must also register for the Slam, either as a single ticketed event, or as part of a package deal.
You must agree to have your story recorded, and give NSN the rights to use that story in the future.
The winners, voted on by the audience will receive:
First Place: $100
Second Place: $50
Third Place: $25

IF YOU WISH TO COMPETE:

You must REGISTER FOR THE SLAM and PUT YOUR NAME IN THE HAT. These are two separate processes. Please do both if you wish to compete.

PUT YOUR NAME IN THE HAT

RULES:

You will have 5 minutes to tell your story with a 30-second grace period. At six minutes, your story will be cut off. The audience will take the length of your story into account in their voting.
Your story must be a true personal story that happened to you, related to the theme: HOT.
You must also register for the Slam, either as a single ticketed event, or as part of a package deal.
You must agree to have your story recorded, and give NSN the rights to use that story in the future.
The winners, voted on by the audience will receive:
First Place: $100
Second Place: $50
Third Place: $25

IF YOU WISH TO COMPETE:

You must REGISTER FOR THE SLAM and PUT YOUR NAME IN THE HAT. These are two separate processes. Please do both if you wish to compete.

PUT YOUR NAME IN THE HAT

RULES:

You will have 5 minutes to tell your story with a 30-second grace period. At six minutes, your story will be cut off. The audience will take the length of your story into account in their voting.
Your story must be a true personal story that happened to you, related to the theme: SCHOOLED.
You must also register for the Slam, either as a single ticketed event, or as part of a package deal.
You must agree to have your story recorded, and give NSN the rights to use that story in the future.
The winners, voted on by the audience will receive:
First Place: $100
Second Place: $50
Third Place: $25

IF YOU WISH TO COMPETE:

You must REGISTER FOR THE SLAM and PUT YOUR NAME IN THE HAT. These are two separate processes. Please do both if you wish to compete.

PUT YOUR NAME IN THE HAT

Upcoming Fringe Performances

Click the performer below for more information on the fringe performance and to register for the event (if currently available).

Only Love: A Family Journey Through Shifting Pronouns, Identities, and Perceptions

June 12th at 5pm Central

When your child comes out as transgender in a religiously conservative community, they aren’t the only ones about to go through a transition. Through personal story, Only Love explores a world where faith, family values, and the gender revolution collide.

Trigger Warning: Descriptions of cutting, suicide attempts, and other highly emotional content. Please register with your self-care in mind.

The Last To Know

August 21st at 9 pm Central

After 40 years of marriage, my husband left me to live in Arizona with another woman. Slowly, I discover that my husband had been living a double life and through out our marriage had copious affairs. This is my story of moving from victim to survivor of Narcissistic Abuse.

Registration Available July 1

King Arthur: Stories from Around the Table

September 18th at 5:30 Pm Central

Everyone’s heard the story about the boy who became king, the sword in the stone, and the most famous of Round Tables. Many came to that table, but not everyone was given a seat. Allow yourself to be captivated by familiar stories told from unfamiliar perspectives, as we examine these surprising and often problematic stories. Recommended for ages 14+

Supernatural Tales of Hawaii

October 22nd At 9pm Central | Part of NSN’s SPOOKED

Oh Yes! Hawaii has spirits. JEFF GERE (born on Halloween) will share true tales of the other side, amazing oral histories gathered across 30 years of performing. People just tell him what happened meeting Pele, the Volcano goddess; the power in stones, of strange spirits, possessions, and hauntings. Visit the dark deep well of island beliefs still active today. Come, but not alone!

Sharks Eyes and Sunken Places

October 23rd at 9pm Central | Part of NSN’s SPOOKED

Personal story of the times I had premonitions of danger that came true and my speculations as to the nature of these.

Legacy: The Story of Langston High

November 13th at 5pm Or 9 Pm Central

A solo performance about the history of all black Langston High School in Johnson City, TN.

Mirrors: Folktales and Life

December 11th at 5pm Or 9 Pm Central

We are drawn to Folktales that reflect our lives. The wisdom of the folktale intersects with the truth in our lives. In this performance, Kate pairs The Handsome Young Fishwife with her personal story My Son Mark. Both stories explore the core questions: Where do I belong? and What choices do I have?