BEMIDJI — “It's just so natural and organic. I'm going to call it organic story sharing,” said Ann Marie Newman, host of the Bemidji Story Slam.
The Watermark Art Center presents the Story Slam at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at the basement of Keg n’ Cork in Bemidji. This slam’s theme is “Spooked,” just in time for the spookiest month.
"It was wonderful to get out of my own way and let the story tell itself without overthinking it."Ann Marie Newman
What to expect from Bemidji Story Slam
Participants have five minutes to tell a personal story, then three judges chosen at random decide which three stories were told the best.
The competition is scored in thirds; one-third performance, one-third story, and one-third on quality in how it is delivered and expressed. The judges score each category on a scale of 1 through 10. A perfect score is 30, but that rarely ever happens.
With the theme “Spooked,” each story must be a personal tale about a frightening time. It could be a haunting experience, pre-date jitters, alien encounter, ghost stories, or even your childhood bogeyman, but the story must have happened to you.
Those interested are strongly encouraged to call the Watermark Art Center to book their spot. Participants can register on the day of the event, but there is no guarantee of a slot. Usually, 10 participants are involved in the Story Slam.
Local guitarist Caleb Erickson will perform spooky tunes throughout the event.
Storyteller tries a story slam
Newman got involved with Story Slams a little unwillingly. With over 30 years of experience in storytelling, even officially at the Dallas Museum of Art for eight years, she had not participated in a slam before.
When she attended the Texas Storytelling Festival, she found herself dragged into telling a true story in five minutes. Newman described the impromptu slam as being like no other, and she unexpectedly won second place.
“It was like flying. It was like being free,” Newman said. “It was wonderful to get out of my own way and let the story tell itself without overthinking it.”
She believes it has also made her a better writer. “It's happening. And if you're seeing somebody respond to something, you might elaborate more on it. It's much more of an honest communication.”
Newman said while the spotlight is on an individual performer, story slams are a more collaborative experience than people realize.
"They're laughing, and that's inspiring you when you're telling more," she said.
What to expect at a story slam
"Expect to actually make friends. It's amazing how people start to communicate and talk. Expect there to be both laughter and some emotional moments and some drama. You go through this emotional scope with each story,” Newman said.
She also wants people to feel inspired, and not think of this event as being competitive. “It's just fun.”
If you would like to participate in “Spooked,” call the Watermark Art Center at 218-444-7570 to book your spot.
Tell us about upcoming arts events where you live in Northern Minnesota by emailing psa@kaxe.org.
Area Voices is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.