StoryLab

StoryLab

Stories that bind us…

Storytelling is the oldest art form. We tell stories to share, to remember, to imagine, to learn, to process, to rally, to mourn, to laugh and to connect. It is how we create a sense of community and is vital to our experience as humans.

StoryLab StoryLab creates a space where people come together and commune over story telling. Each night has a theme and the storytellers for the evening will each get up and spend 5 to 10 minutes talking on that particular theme.

The storytellers can share a personal anecdote, riff on what that theme means to them, read or perform a poem (either an original or a favourite), do a monologue, or a song – anything they feel moved to share. There are no notes, no slides, no microphone: just a story and a crowd to hear it.

Storytelling events are a great way to meet new people and learn more about old friends. They are simple, fun and unpretentious nights were a group of strangers and friends can gather to share perspectives on life.

How it works

A PWYC (pay what you can) door fee allows for speakers to get free drinks and/ or payment, and cover costs.

Each night is themed, e.g. ‘Migration,’ ‘Reinvention,’ ‘Burning Bridges’, ‘Getting really sick away from home,’ or ‘Accident and Emergency.’

ANYONE can apply (ahead of time) to be a storyteller.

For any given night 7 – 9 storytellers will be selected and given help to fashion and prepare their story.

On the night

The audience gather, the first half of speakers will speak – there’s a short break for mingling and conversation – then we present the second round of speakers.

There are variations. If we end ahead of time, we might ask audience members to jump up and share a few minutes of their own experience on the theme, spontaneously. Other times we won’t announce the theme in advance, and the audience have to guess what it is – a free drink goes to the winner!

The space is open afterwards for more mingling, chatting, connection and informal story telling with the audience and the speakers before the night wraps up!

Upcoming Events

WELLINGTON

Circa Theatre – FREE event

1.30pm, Sunday 28 September – THEME – Ghost stories and tales from the other side… Our storytellers will share a personal story on what that theme means to them – and AS WELL a rumination on ‘Death Day,’ and maybe even some appearances from some of the 2:22 cast. Come listen, be moved, and share your own stories after at the bar!

Matinee of 2:22 A Ghost Story follows @ 4.00pm…

AUCKLAND – 1st Thursday of every month!

Venue: TBC – PWYC door entry

7.00PM, Thursday 6 November – THEME – Romantic Misadventure

7.00PM, Thursday 4 December – THEME – Loss

7.00PM, Thursday 5 February – THEME – All the World’s a Stage