Those who have an interest in storytelling have a great opportunity to showcase their talent for a cash prize on Friday, at the Re‐Generation: Story Slam.

This is the second of three Story Slams hosted by the ETSU Storytelling Program and the Department of Communication and Performance this semester. The event is open to the public.

Each Story Slam has a specific theme, and the theme for this Story Slam is Blood and Guts. The Story Slam begins at 8 p.m. at the Nelson Fine Art Center. Participants and audience members alike are encouraged to make monetary donation of $5 to $10.

However, Depreena Robertson of the ETSU Storytelling Program assures that, “If you’re broke, no money is fine too.”

Half of the money donated at the beginning of the event goes to the winner of the Story Slam, and the rest of the money goes to the Nelson Fine Art Center.

After the money is collected, those who wish to participate in the Story Slam put their names in a hat.

Seven names are drawn for the competition, and the judges are also chosen at random. Three people from the audience can either volunteer to judge or be nominated.

Participants should also be aware of the Story Slam’s rules: “Stories should be true, or mostly true, be told in ten minutes or less, should relate to the theme, and stories are to be told from memorization.”

Robertson stressed that, “Although there is a theme, we welcome creative interpretations.”

Blood and Guts tales can be literal or metaphorical. She also stresses that this is an adult event.

“Anything goes when it comes to content. Stories are welcome to have explicit content and language,” she said.

After the competition, the event turns into an open mic night, so those who are not chosen for the competition, or those who did not wish to compete, can share their stories as well.

The next Re‐Generation: Story Slam is on Nov. 20. at 8 p.m. at the Nelson Fine Art Center. The event will have the same itinerary and rules. Those with questions about either event can contact Depreena Robertson at 439‐7606 or at storytel@etsu.edu.

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  • Jordan Hensley

    Jordan Hensley is a senior journalism major with a minor in creative writing. In addition to her work at the East Tennessean as the 2016 News Editor, she serves as an Admissions Ambassador and Diversity Educator. If you don’t see her jamming out at a concert, you’re sure to hear her listening to her favorite artists, Taylor Swift or The 1975.

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