What happens when we tell stories? What do we discover about ourselves—and each other—when we share?

With these questions in mind, Story Club Pittsburgh (created by the former producers of The Moth Pittsburgh) organizes and hosts Story Slam, a monthly nonfiction storytelling series at City of Asylum. A charming mix of open mic nights and live theater, each month Story Club selects a theme and welcomes volunteer and spotlight storytellers to the stage. No matter the theme, strangers and friends always show up with a story to tell, each new perspective reminding us of all the ways we are connected and all the ways we make this life our own. 

Each month, the top storyteller, as voted by viewers, will receive a free t-shirt and a $25 gift card to COA Bookstore as a prize. If you are not a storyteller, you still have a chance to participate as part of a judging team. Stay tuned! The theme for January 2025 will be announced soon.

Story Club Pittsburgh believes in amplifying a diverse range of voices and creating a space for stories that resonate across backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The Spotlight Storyteller is an opportunity within Story Club Pittsburgh to workshop your story with a coach, build your storytelling skills, and help refine and share your story for the stage. Stories are pitched through submitted written drafts and two Spotlight Storytellers are selected each month. Learn more here or sign up for an open mic slot at the slam.

About the Host:

Alan Olifson is an award-winning humor columnist, and comedian and was the regular host of Pittsburgh’s monthly Moth StorySlams. He created the acclaimed storytelling series Wordplay at Bricolage theater and now produces the new storytelling/talk show Speakeasy with Arcade Comedy Theater. His book, Manchild: My Life without Adult Supervision from Six Gallery Press is available wherever you buy books—hopefully somewhere local.