We were understandably excited when The Moth StorySLAM--a live series where participants get onstage to tell short, true stories without the use of props or notes--finally made it's way to Chicago. Back in January the first Chicago GrandSLAM event was held, highlighting folks from earlier StorySLAMs in competition with each, and we were excited about that too!. more ›

The Moth started out in 1997 as a storytelling series in New York. Stories are told live, open mic-style, no notes, and are strictly from the storytellers’ hearts and heads. The Moth then grew into a podcast and a radio show, and it’s become so popular that there are now monthly Moth StorySLAMS in Los Angeles, Chicago and Detroit. Each month has a theme, like fame, confusion, or danger. Storytellers have five minutes to tell a true story that pertains to that theme, whether it be funny or sad or both. Each story gets a score, the the one with the highest is deemed that months’ winner. more ›

For all those who have waited for hours on the last Tuesday of the month to squeeze into Martyr’s for a standing-room only Moth StorySLAM, we have good news for you. The first ever Moth GrandSLAM is coming to Chicago. Hosted by Peter Sagal and featuring the winners of the past 10 StorySLAMs, the GrandSLAM is bigger and better than any Moth event our city has seen before. There are plenty of seats at the venue, AND tickets for this one can be purchased in advance. It’s a Moth miracle! more ›

We've fallen in love with The Moth and its regular podcast -- discovered through its being featured on This American Life a few times -- and are excited to see they're kicking off a regular StorySLAM in Chicago, beginning with tonight's event at Martyr's. more ›

So, you think you can write? Prove it by entering The Parlor Reading Series’ second annual call for emerging writers. Now’s your chance to unleash your 3,000 to 5,000 word short work of fiction or non-fiction upon the world by submitting it via email by the end of today. more ›