The Clam is our version of NPR's The Moth. People like you get up and tell a story (with no notes) based on a theme.
Theme of the night: Chemistry
Please know your story “by heart” but not by rote memorization. No notes, paper or cheat sheets allowed on stage.
You’ll have five minutes to woo the audience with tales of your on-theme escapades.
Your story should be told, not read. The storyteller better connects with the audience when there is no PAGE between them!
Have some stakes Stakes are essential in live storytelling. What do you stand to gain or lose? Why is what happens in the story important to you? If you can’t answer this, then think of a different story. A story without stakes is an essay and is best experienced on the page, not the stage. Start in the action.
Have a great first line that sets up the stakes and grabs attention
Know your story well enough so you can have fun! Enjoy yourself. Imagine you are at a dinner party, not a deposition.
What not to do: Steer clear of meandering endings No standup routines please No rants No essays No fake accents
