01/17/2026
Story Slam!
10 DAYS until submissions close for STORY SLAM on Saturday, February 28 at Palmerston Library Theatre. With the submission deadline on January 25, we wanted to share some answers to Frequently Asked Questions about our upcoming event.
WHAT’S A STORY SLAM?
A story slam is a live storytelling event where a selected group of tellers share a story (6-7 minutes) on a specific theme. The story is shared from memory (no notes!) and a panel of judges will provide feedback and share their impressions of the story. Finally, the audience, by secret ballot, will join the judges in voting to determine a pair of lucky winners. (But after a fun evening of storytelling, everyone’s a winner!)
2026 STORY SLAM THEME: “Whoops!” Bad ideas make great stories. Do you have a story about a challenge, mistake, or something downright embarrassing? We want to hear it!
This event invites storytellers to submit their story for consideration to be part of a fun evening of storytelling where the audience will vote on two lucky winners via anonymous ballots.
WHO SHOULD SUBMIT?
At this time, we are asking storytellers to submit a story connected to this year’s theme for one of two possible categories:
Fiction Stories
Do you know a folk story or fairy tale that would be perfect for this theme? Do you have a classic or traditional story where you add your own unique spin? This is the category for you!
Non-Fiction Stories
Do you have a true personal story you’re aching to share? Do you like The Moth or have an “I Love Ira Glass” t-shirt? This is the category for you!
Each story must be no longer than 7 minutes long. Exceeding 8 minutes is grounds for disqualification.
The Story Slam committee will select a total of 10 Tellers (5 Fiction, 5 Non-Fiction)
HOW DOES IT WORK?
After each performance, a panel of 3 judges will share their feedback and impressions on the story.
Following the ten stories, there will be an intermission, at which time the audience will vote on a winner from each category. The winners will be determined based on the audience and judges' vote. The lucky winners from each category will receive a cash prize of $100 and a Festival Pass* to the Toronto International Storytelling Festival. (*Some conditions apply)
Submission Deadline: January 25
Selected Tellers will be notified: February 2
SUBMIT: https://tinyurl.com/Submit-to-Slam
If you submit and are not selected, the STORYPILLAR SERIES will be announcing more opportunities in the future. Stay tuned!
For more information, please visit https://storytellingtoronto.org/Storypillars
