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 mentored storytellers to the stage. No matter the theme, strangers and friends always show up with a story to tell, each new take on the theme 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 City of Asylum 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. The theme for July 2024 is Price of Freedom.

Want to share your story but aren’t sure how? Consider signing up for one of our two mentored storyteller slots! Each month, two story slam participants eager to share (and learn!) can sign up and receive coaching before the slam by the producers. 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, 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.

About Your Visit: 

The in-house restaurant 40 North will be closed, but a cash bar will be available open.

Copies of our host Alan Olifson’s book, My Life Without Adult Supervision, will be available for sale.