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Show and Tell

Story hour gets a grown-up twist.

Phil Goldman

 

 

 

 

 



We all have stories — and blogging or Tweeting can’t beat sharing them the old-fashioned way. That’s the idea behind Live Bait, a storytelling series where anyone and everyone is invited to get up and spill it.

Inspired by Stories at the Moth in New York City (a series that draws heavyweights like Malcolm Gladwell), Phil Goldman created the program at the Perishable Theatre about a year ago. With each session featuring eight to ten stories based on a particular theme (such as “A Really Stupid Thing to Do” or “I Will Survive”), you might find yourself listening to tales on anything from bar mitzvahs to elephant stampedes. “There’s a need for something real and human in our high-tech world,” says Goldman.

We agree.

Don’t share your next story before checking out Goldman’s tips:

1) Make sure the story has strong opening and closing lines. “A strong ending will make even a weak story seem better,” Goldman says.
2) Don’t preach. “Let the audience figure out the moral for themselves.”
3) Create “exploding moments” by using details and dialogue to show, not tell.
4) Cut out anything unnecessary. “You can’t underestimate the importance of knowing when to shut up.”
5) Let loose. If you’re having a good time, your audience will, too.

The next Live Bait, featuring the theme “Home,” takes place August 7 at 10 p.m. Visit perishable.org for details.
— Jenna Pelletier

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