'Story Slam' Event Will Celebrate Ferry Market's 1st Anniversary

NEW HOPE, PA — The Ferry Market is turning one, and a celebration is planned. The Bucks County Playhouse and the Ferry Market have partnered to host the first community story slam on Oct. 4.

Starting at 7 p.m. that evening at the Ferry Market, 32 South Main Street, participants will share their stories. A total of 10 storytellers will be picked to perform on stage, and they'll be selected at random.

Interested participants should prepare a five-minute story, based on the theme “bridges.” On the night of the event, storytellers must enter their names in the drawing hat no later than 6:30 p.m. Then, starting at 7 p.m., the host will randomly pick a name.

The storyteller will be given a score by three groups of judges, who will be selected from the audience. The judges will be evaluating based on the following criteria: Is the story on theme? Was it five minutes or under? Was there a meaningful conflict and resolution? At the end of the slam, the storyteller with the highest score wins.

The story must incorporate the theme “bridges” but is open to interpretation.

"For instance, it could be how you get from here to there; an experience with complex dentistry; card game wins and losses, or that encounter with the actors Jeff or Beau. Stories must be told without the aid of written notes, cue cards or writing on the palm of the hand," according to organizers.

“We're so excited to bring the story slams to New Hope. So many people have approached me after our Word of Mouth storytelling shows and say, ‘I have an amazing story to tell,’ or ‘I would love to give this a try,” said Michaela Murphy, Director of Education. “The Ferry Market is a great gathering place for the community and the slam gives us all an opportunity to hear stories from the people we see every day on the street. It’s the perfect event for the Playhouse to produce in celebration of the Market's first anniversary.”

For those that might want additional preparation for the slam, Bucks County Education Department is offering a Get Slam Ready – Storytelling Workshop, Saturday, Sept. 29, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (cost $55).

Taught by acclaimed storyteller, Michaela Murphy, raconteurs can bring a five-minute story that Michaela will help shape into a compelling tale ready for the Oct. 4 Slam.

The workshop is open to ages 18 to adult. For more information on the slam and preparation workshop visitbcptheater.org/education/wordofmouth or theferrymarket.com.

Image by Kara Seymour