BEMIDJI — Story slams are competitive, communal events during which people tell personal stories in five minutes or less.
Events like these seem to be cropping up more and more in the region, and Watermark Art Center in Bemidji hosted its first in April with another scheduled Tuesday, May 2.
Ann Marie Newman, who hosts the Watermark slams, joined Area Voices on the Wednesday, April 26, KAXE/KBXE Morning Show. Newman shared her history with storytelling, the logistics of slams, and how they connect people.
The atmosphere of slams is one of support as speakers invite strangers into moments of their lives. Empathy through awareness of people’s journeys encourages a positive vibe in which individuals shine as their authentic selves, she said.
“You start to have a little compassion and understanding for people who might not live a life exactly like you do,” Newman said.
Newman said story slam performances are typically not rehearsed and differs from word processing.
“Your voice is who you are,” Newman said. “Nothing gets in the way. You’re not editing yourself like you can on paper.”
While unedited, fitting a compelling story into five minutes can be a challenge, but Newman said that’s part of the fun. The best stories are those “coming from your gut” with a beginning, middle and end, she said. A little drama, a catalyst, a resolution, and a nice last line are important ingredients in the recipe for a good story that potential slammers should consider.
“Your voice is who you are. Nothing gets in the way. You’re not editing yourself like you can on paper.”Ann Marie Newman, StorySLAM host
Newman shared an example of a story in which she described the influence of her grandmother Lillian. When Newman was unable to read at age 8, teachers gave up on her, she said. It was her grandmother who took the time to teach Newman to read, ultimately lighting the spark that would be a lifelong passion for words and communication.
“She brought that love into me … and I inherited from her the love of the fire for story and the sparking of it in other people,” she said.
Interested?
Watermark Art Center will host a storytelling workshop 2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 30. Visit watermarkartcenter.org/product/storytelling-workshop for more information.
The next StorySLAM is Tuesday, May 2 at Bemidji Brewing in Bemidji. The theme for the slam is “Into the Slipstream.” Sign in begins at 6:30 p.m. and performances begin at 7 p.m. Same-day registration at the event available based on space. Watermark suggests people call to pre-register at 218-444-7570.
StorySLAM events are free to attend and perform at and cash prizes are available.
Area Voices is made possible by the MN Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of MN.
