That’s right! I’m leaning in to the Salem energy and bringing “Haunted” to Gulu-Gulu Cafe & Bar on October 27th at 7p.
A little about my vision for the theme
In case it’s helpful and inspiring, I’m thinking about the theme this way:
Ghost stories? Yep.
Feeling haunted by a boss at work? Creepy, and yep.
The feeling of being watched, by a person, a camera, an AI agent, or a murder of crows on your way to get a bagel every morning? Definitely this.
There are so many ways to take this theme and I’m looking forward to hearing your interpretations!
REMEMBER: Stories need to be true life experiences about OUR lives. If you’re feeling compelled to tell someone else’s story, please try to reorient it to be about you. You’re the person on stage, and this event works best when we’re sharing our humanity with each other direct from the source.
New for October (and onwards): Advanced ticketing
After chatting with one of the owners of Gulu-Gulu Cafe & Bar, we agreed that Salem locals are already feeling what happens when the bubbling tides of visitors arrive in our fair city; the urgency to begin hibernation mode is mounting. That’s part of the reason why we’re setting up advanced ticket sales so you can be guaranteed a spot in the audience, no matter what. We’ll always have room for Salem!
Advanced ticketing also helps me make sure I’m coming to the venue prepared with the right number of show materials. We can also get a sense of the audience size beforehand. Most shows like this are ticketed for those reasons, and it worked out really well when I helped manage a storytelling event in Boston.
We’ll still sell tickets at the door! $8 in advance, $10 if you buy at the door the night of.
Storytellers get discounted tickets! (more on this below)
Review of September’s show
I’m learning that it takes me a few days to emerge from the emotional toll running a show can have on a person. Don’t get me wrong: this is one of my greatest passions come to life, and I’m so completely thrilled to be able to create a space for all of us to share our stories.
But I’m a mere mortal, and in the spirit of authenticity, I’m sharing that my battery wanes somewhat in the build-up to the show date, and by the end of the night, my brain is akin to a bowl full of joyous pudding.
All of that to say, thank you to everyone who’s reached out! I’m chipping away at my website form entries now and am going to start replying in earnest this afternoon.
Show highlights
We heard INCREDIBLE stories for the theme, “Stranded.” I was a little worried that it might be confusing or difficult to connect with, but the people who shared their experiences really nailed it.
- We heard a tale about someone who rode a Greyhound from the “Florida swamp” to NYC … next to a very helpful drug dealer.
- We found out what it takes to understand our own emotional weight in relationships, and the lessons learned therein.
- We had a moment of synchronicity where two storytellers were engaged, and both shared stories about weddings (different occasions).
Our videographer, Sean, snapped some really great photos that show off the perspective switch between audience member and storyteller. It really is a different world on stage, and if you’ve ever been curious about what it feels like to stand in front of a microphone, this is a really cozy and welcoming place to give it a try.
What I learned and what I might change
Although I did just say that I let my energy levels collapse after a show, and that’s definitely true, part of that process involves Paul taking us to some sort of late-night fast food place to eat dinner, where we go over what worked, what didn’t work, and what I might consider changing for the next month. It’s a great system we may come to regret during our next annual physicals (my kingdom for a late-night salad place).
This month, a few things stood out to me in particular:
Observation: Newcomers often have no idea what the show’s about until I make my rounds in the audience.
- I think that’s typical for a show like this. It certainly was when I was working for MassMouth. When I asked the “Stranded” audience how they found us, however, it was a little different from my MassMouth days: lots of folks said they saw an ad or a flyer, and others told me they looked up “events tonight in Salem” and saw us. That’s…spectacular.
- What I’m changing:
- I’m going to try to imbue my marketing with more instructions. Even a simple “Here’s how it works!” might be helpful in drawing in the people who want to tell stories, likely (hopefully!) for the first time.
Observation: Fewer locals came to the show…but we had repeat storytellers!
- For the first part: I’m not surprised there, either. The thought of unloading my car with all of my storytelling supplies and decorations made me cringe a little, knowing it’s peak tourist season, and a lot of my friends are hibernating already. Totally get it.
- For the second part: YAY. This is what I’m hoping keeps happening! Repeat storytellers will likely tell their friends, and slowly but surely, we create a space where people can keep honing their skills.
- What I’m changing:
- One change is already live. We’re selling tickets in advance on the website, so Salem residents and our friends from neighboring cities can have first dibs at getting seats.
- For repeat storytellers/people who put their name in the hat: I created a way for you to get the original $5 cover. Every time you put your name in the hat, you’ll get the associated free sticker, but the coupon code will be written on the back. If you aren’t sure if you can make it until the night of, tell us the coupon code to get your $ off.
- “Do I need to actually tell my story to get the discount code?”
- Nope!! Putting your name in the hat counts!
- “Does it expire?”
- Yep! It’s a new code every month, but as long as you’re putting your name in the hat…
- “How do I get the code for October??”
- Stay tuned! If you don’t follow me on social media (@salemstoryseries)/you don’t have social media, I’ll do my best to track you down. If you’re learning about this here, in my newsletter/on the blog, I’ll write about it here, too.
- “Do I need to actually tell my story to get the discount code?”
Observation: We had time left for more stories
…and another person asked me why I didn’t tell mine. I had it so stuck in my head that I needed to give other people the opportunity to have time on stage each month, but I also recognize that I’m part of the show.
Cheryl, the incredible storyteller who I outed as the owner and Executive Producer of Stellar Story Company, nudged me, rightfully, to take some of that time for myself. I, too, love storytelling, after all, and so
- What I’m changing: We’ll have 6 total stories in the first half, including the feature, and, if it’s a full hat, 5-6 total at the end … including me. I’ll bring us back with my own story to kick off the second half.
See you in October!
We have a GREAT featured storyteller for “Haunted” already and a few Street Stories storytellers, but if you’re interested in either role, let me know! If not for October, I certainly have room for November’s show.
See you on stage!
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