Rules for Entry: Ojai Story Fest’s Fourth Annual Story Slam!
Deadline 11:59pm September 15th!

Anyone age 16 and over can enter – all you need is a little bit of courage and a TRUE, ten-minute story that suits this year’s theme, ADVENTURE.

To enter, call (805)NOW-TELL (805-669-8355)* and record up to 2-minutes of your story. Do not play a recording  into the phone. You must tell your story to the voicemail. Please include your email address, phone number and full name in the voicemail. All entries will be judged by a panel and six will be selected to perform at the Ojai Storytelling Festival on Thursday, October 22. Those selected to perform will receive a weekend pass to the Ojai Storytelling Festival!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Your story must connect to the theme ADVENTURE in some way. You do not need to say the word ‘ADVENTURE’ in your story, but you do need to connect your story to the idea. Use your imagination in how to interpret the theme.

• True, original stories only. Names can be changed but the story must have happened to you.

• Contestants must be at least 16 years old.

• Stories must be told, not read. No notes, props, or music. This means your story must be memorized.

• Stories must adhere to a 10 minute limit.

• Content must be suitable for a general audience, ages 13 and up.

• Professional storytellers who have been Featured at past Ojai Storytelling Festivals are not eligible to enter.

• Be sure it’s a story with a beginning, middle and end, and not a joke or anecdote.

• No “isms” will be tolerated-The Ojai Storytelling Festival strives to create a safe, inclusive and affirming community space to share our life experiences with one another. If a storyteller expresses oppressive views or derogatory language (racist, sexist, cissexist, heterosexist, classist, ableist, etc.) on the OSF mic, they will be cut off mid‐story and not permitted to tell again in the future. Story is one of the most powerful tools available for building empathy and understanding across differences, so we hope that OSF is able to do just that.

• You’ll be notified if you’ve been chosen for the Slam by October 1.

 

PRIZES
First place: $200
Second place: $100
Third place: $50

TO ENTER
You can enter by calling (805)NOW-TELL (805-669-8355)* and leaving a 2 minute excerpt of your story on the voicemail. Do not play a recording into the phone! Stories must be spoken live into the voicemail. Make sure the excerpt conveys how your story will relate to the theme “ADVENTURE.” 

Please include your full name, email address, and phone number in the voicemail.

Deadline to enter is 11:59PM September 15th.

You’ll be notified by October 1st by email if you’re in the top six.

REMEMBER!
It is a competition – and if you are selected to tell your story at the Festival, you’ll only have ten minutes at the mic to wow the judges. You will be judged on your performance, how well the story is crafted, its connection to the theme, and adherence to the 10-minute time limit. Please remember you do not have to say the theme “ADVENTURE” in your story; it only needs to be implied. Be creative!

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*The audition line will only be used for audition entries.

For other questions please call or email 805.272.0072 or info@ojaistoryfest.org

 

We can't wait to hear your stories!