Shetland Story Slam returns in June

That’s the Shetland Story Slam in six words, but give us a few more – because we think Story Slam can possibly change your life. Really.

“There is something about telling your story in public, about being vulnerable in front of that many people, that makes you feel kind of expanded and fearless.” – Andrea Sanchez Quiroz, workshop participant and Shetland Story Slam storyteller

“I was sitting on the edge of my seat and felt everything from sadness, amazement, surprise, suspense, wonder and so much more…. When I pass people in Tesco’s I am looking at them like they are treasure chests full of precious and amazing stories….!” – Jane Cockayne, Shetland Story Slam audience member

The next Shetland Story Slam is on Friday 19th of June at Mareel.

How the first Shetland Story Slam went 

If you weren’t able to make it to the first Story Shetland Slam, here’s how the evening went. Table candles lit the faces of the 80-plus audience in Mareel. The host and co-organiser Ruth approached the standing microphone and explained the rules: 

• The story has to relate to the theme of the night 
• The story must be personal – the storyteller is the main character 
• The story must be true 
• And told without notes or props 
• The time limit is 5 minutes 

When the storyteller’s five minutes are up, musician Zdenka will play a few piano notes, signalling a one-minute grace period to finish the story. 

Co-organiser Liz sat comfortably in a dimly lit corner of the stage, as the designated time keeper. Ruth kicked it off as our first storyteller. 

Ruth was followed by 12 more brave storytellers. We say brave because it takes guts to take the stage and spotlight, to be vulnerable. None of us knows how the storyteller will do or how the audience will react. It’s emotionally scary for everyone. One by one each person told their story and we were all moved. We collectively laughed, sighed and cheered. We’d venture to say that the audience’s support and response were equally moving for the storytellers. 

At one point, one of our storytellers paused mid-story, overcome by emotion or a mental blank. The room went silent. The clock stopped. We waited, then someone started to clap, others joined, encouraging the storyteller. They finished. The auditorium burst into applause. 

The event closed. Lights came up, but the auditorium didn’t empty right away. Instead, folk lingered and told stories of their own. We had experienced something unique together. 

“Still reeling after a truly wonderful night, a very special event and so glad I was one of the lucky ones that was there!” 

“Heart warming and inspiring!“ 

 “A really lovely event, with wonderfully varied stories and a supportive and appreciative audience. Felt like a very special evening.“ 

Do you have a story about family?

We hope that you can join us on Friday 19th June for Shetland Story Slam. Put yourself forward ahead of time for your best chance to get a Story Slam storyteller slot. Half of the night’s storytellers took our Storytelling Workshop. You don’t have to take the workshop to participate in the Slam event, nor do you have to participate in the event to take the workshop.

We’ll leave you with a comment from a workshop participant and Story Slam storyteller:

“What a great night! Thank you so much for a great evening & the workshops…I feel pretty mighty today!” – Louise Scollay, workshop participant and Shetland Story Slam storyteller