I Can't Believe It! I'm A Moth StorySLAM Champion!
That’s me, winning The Moth StorySLAM on 6/20/22 at Evanston S.P.A.C.E. near Chicago. What an unexpected honor! (Theme: “Birthdays”). I won by just a tenth of a point!
You guys!
I signed up to tell a 5-minute story at the June 20th Moth StorySLAM in Evanston (near Chicago), and judges deemed it the winning story of the night. I can’t believe it!
Why’s it called The Moth, and what’s it all about?
If you haven’t been to a local Moth storytelling event, check out The Moth website to learn a bit about the incredible organization behind this storytelling movement.
According to a 2017 piece in The New York Times, by Michiko Kakutani, “The Moth was founded in 1997 by the writer George Dawes Green — its name comes from his memories of growing up in St. Simons Island, Ga., where neighbors would gather late at night on a friend's porch to tell stories and drink bourbon as moths flew in through the broken screens and circled the porch light.”
The Moth website’s filled with resources, including Live Storytelling Events Near You, Storytelling Tips & Tricks, episodes from The Moth Radio Hour, a video channel, and so much more.
I Won A Moth StorySLAM!
Before a crowd of 300, there were nine other storytellers who shared their 5-minute true tales that night. My performance won by a mere tenth of a point. Truly unbelievable.
I didn’t do The Moth for the competition. I did it because I had a story to share, and because I’m a firm believer that it’s important to get out of our comfort zones and try things that scare us every now and then.
And believe me, that night was scary for me.
I told a 5-minute, memorized story about how, between 2018 and 2022, I lost one sister, then *discovered* another sister we never knew existed. Sharing my piece about sisterhood lost and found was deeply cathartic and healing.
I was the 8th storyteller of 10, that night, and the first woman of 3 to take the stage.
When the host, Sonal Aggarwal, announced my name as the night’s winner, I burst into tears. I didn’t expect that. I didn’t see it coming. I was so surprised that, when she yelled, “Christine Wolf!” I stood frozen on the stage and just covered my mouth.
What Happens After You Win a Moth StorySLAM?
Okay so now, I need to prepare another 5-minute story and present it at a Moth GrandSLAM — but this time, it’ll be an audience of 900-1,000 (instead of 300).
Oh. My. God!
Get Out There And Find A Moth Event Near You!
Here’s the link to find Live Moth Storytelling Events Near You.
You don’t have to share a story at a Moth event. Half the fun is just attending and listening. Having gone to several Moth StorySLAMS (also known as open mic nights), the audiences are always (and I mean ALWAYS) generous and supportive. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, bring some friends and try your hand at being one of the night’s volunteer judges. I’ve done that, too, and it’s a total hoot.
