First Person Arts StorySlam Tickets

First Person Arts StorySlam is a cornerstone of Philadelphia's storytelling scene. Founded in 2007, this nonprofit organization has spent over a decade shaping intimate, theme-based true-story performances that celebrate personal narratives. StorySlams are monthly events where participants share five-minute true stories based on a given theme, with a the best available price prize for the winner who advances to the season-ending Grand Slam. From community engagement to archival projects, First Person Arts has built a vibrant storytelling ecosystem across the city.

Beyond regular StorySlams, the organization hosts signature events like ExFiles, Philadelphia's original anti-Valentine’s Day StorySlam. These events have historically taken place at notable venues such as SideQuest Theater (The Adrienne Theatre) and Underground Arts, and are known for their candid, provocative storytelling. In recent years, the group has curated a diverse repertoire around themes like SexFiles, Ghosted, Online Dating, Home for the Holidays, The Morning After, and Second Chances, with a Grand Slam to cap the season. Social channels provide behind-the-scenes stories, performer spotlights, and archived performances on YouTube.

As of March 2025, First Person Arts made a cautious adjustment to operations due to an NEA funding freeze, temporarily canceling the remainder of StorySlams through June 2025. Fans can still follow forthcoming updates, tour details, and archival content through the organization's official channels. We’ll keep you informed with the latest schedule and venue information, including World Cafe Live for Grand Slams and SideQuest Theater and Underground Arts for ExFiles showcases. Secure your seats with us—we’ve got you covered for authentic, intimate storytelling experiences in Philadelphia and beyond.

Follow First Person Arts on their official social channels for announcements and clips: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn, Flickr, and TikTok. Links open in new tabs for quick access and reliability.