First Person Arts » PROGRAMS http://www.firstpersonarts.org Just another WordPress weblog Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:54:12 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Hip-Hop Heros at the Chestnut Hill StorySlam http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/hip-hop-heros-at-the-chestnut-hill-storyslam/ http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/hip-hop-heros-at-the-chestnut-hill-storyslam/#comments Mon, 11 Jul 2011 20:55:02 +0000 bjennings http://www.firstpersonarts.org/?p=10014 When I say Chestnut, yall say Hill!

There’s a “first” time for everything — including a StorySlam in Chestnut Hill! This past Friday First Person Arts took a road trip to our first First Person StorySlam at the Venetian Social Club.

We heard stories from many “first”-time StorySlammers, including First Person Arts’ very own Founder and Executive Director, Vicki Solot.

A good number of our “first” stories had to do with dodging dangerous situations. We bewildered a bandit and maintained a “jingle” in our step in the midst of trouble. But it was our winning story by first-time StorySlammer, Jos, that told how Hip-Hop legends Run DMC, Rapper EP and Fresh and them saved a life.

Check out stories by winning storyteller and Audience Favorite, Jos and First Person Arts Founder, Vicki in the videos below.

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Chestnut Hill StorySlam! Special thanks to all of our storytellers — particularly, our “first”-timers.

Jos, Winning Storyteller and Audience Favorite


Vicki, First Person Arts Founder and Executive Director
-Becca Jennings

]]> http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/hip-hop-heros-at-the-chestnut-hill-storyslam/feed/ 0 Tying the Knot and Breaking Ties at the Do the Right Thing StorySlam http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/tying-the-knot-and-breaking-ties-at-the-do-the-right-thing-storyslam/ http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/tying-the-knot-and-breaking-ties-at-the-do-the-right-thing-storyslam/#comments Wed, 15 Jun 2011 15:24:23 +0000 bjennings http://www.firstpersonarts.org/?p=9910 All of our “Do the Right Thing” StorySlammers were on fire Monday night, but there was one storyteller who really got down. That is…on one knee. Witness the first-ever First Person proposal in the video below.

Congratulations to Roderick and Kendra! We wish you the best as you write a new chapter in your story together. We’re looking forward to the wedding invitations.

While one of our storytellers tied the knot in the first half, two storytellers were breaking ties in the second. Two of our students from R. Eric Thomas’ The Shape of the Story class, Michael and Deniz, slammed it neck and neck into a final tie breaker. A very proud R. Eric Thomas was beaming somewhere between elbows and large hair-do’s in the standing room only audience. Our newly engaged couple Roderick and Kendra picked the tie-break theme, “Between a Rock and a Hard Place.”

Deniz walked away the overall winner and Audience Favorite, but I have a feeling this isn’t the last we will be hearing from Michael.

Check out videos of Roderick’s and Deniz’s performances below. Stay tuned for videos from all of our storytellers coming soon to our YouTube channel.





Are you ready for a summer vacation? We are! Join us this Saturday, June 18 for a Slam at the Kimmel Center Solstice Celebration. The theme is Summer Vacation. Slam starts at 7:30pm. Free with Solstice admission.

-Becca Jennings

]]> http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/tying-the-knot-and-breaking-ties-at-the-do-the-right-thing-storyslam/feed/ 0 A Grand Display: The Best Storyteller in Philadelphia “shows her stuff” http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/a-grand-display-the-best-storyteller-in-philadelphia-shows-her-stuff/ http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/a-grand-display-the-best-storyteller-in-philadelphia-shows-her-stuff/#comments Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:16:28 +0000 bjennings http://www.firstpersonarts.org/?p=9755 Last Wednesday ten StorySlam winners from November through April Slammed the Stage at the 2011 Summer Grand Slam at Christ Church Neighborhood House competing for the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia” and free Slam admission for life.

The stories took us to Hawaii where we learned why it might be a good idea to pee on your hand everyday during your honeymoon and to Kentucky’s creation museum where we discovered what sort of spiritual awakening might be in store for three gay friends on long weekend trip.

But it was our winning storyteller who liberated her loins and sent us chasing after her through an elephant graveyard. Yikes! Look out for those tusks!

Strip down with 2011 Summer Grand Slam winner, Caitlin. As the winner of the Anniversaries StorySlam this past December, Caitlin was invited to compete in this year’s Summer Grand Slam. She’s into freedom of expression and doesn’t care about your hair down there. Outrun the campus cops and check out Caitlin’s winning performance in the video below.

Congratulations Caitlin! Congratulations also to Audience Favorite and winner of Best Presentation, Janet von Trapp as well as winner of Best Content, Todd Marrone.

Don’t miss the 2011 Fall Grand Slam coming to the First Person Festival of Memoir and Documentary Art this November.



Click here to watch performances from all of our 2011 Summer Grand Slam storytellers on our YouTube channel.

-Becca Jennings

]]> http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/a-grand-display-the-best-storyteller-in-philadelphia-shows-her-stuff/feed/ 0 You Can Be My Friend http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/you-can-be-my-friend/ http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/you-can-be-my-friend/#comments Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:40:41 +0000 bjennings http://www.firstpersonarts.org/?p=9134 Last night we brought home and deflowered a virgin who is 20 years younger, came clean and saved the lemurs, and evaluated the true cost of a $200 zippo at our “Deception” StorySlam at L’Etage. But the winning “Deception” story came from our long-time StorySlam judge turned winning storyteller.

Meet Jake. A sweet southern Baptist who is really nice to everyone no matter what. Ever ask yourself, “who needs boundaries when you’ve found the perfect candidate for friendship?” Check out Jake’s story and find out! After watching the video of Jake’s winning performance, you’ll want to be Jake’s friend (and possibly long-lost triplet) too. It’s no wonder he was voted Audience Favorite. Jake now works as a social worker — obviously.

Congratulations Jake! Special thanks to all of our amazing storytellers and everyone who came out to last night’s Slam.

Have you, like Jake, been secretly storing up storytelling savvy? Don’t miss your chance to come unload your family baggage, slam out your blood lines and enjoy a night full of stories at the next StorySlam March 14 at World Cafe Live. The theme is “Family Ties.” Doors at 7:30, Slam starts at 8:30. All ages.



-Becca Jennings

]]> http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/you-can-be-my-friend/feed/ 0 An “Ex”ceptional Valentines Day http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/an-exceptional-valentines-day/ http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/an-exceptional-valentines-day/#comments Tue, 15 Feb 2011 20:19:05 +0000 bjennings http://www.firstpersonarts.org/?p=9089 First Person Arts cracked open the “Ex-Files” at last night’s anti-Valentine’s Day Slam where we learned ex husbands mean ex homes and girlfriends don’t get turned on by getting flipped off.

Load up your Uhaul and scavenge through the classified ads with last night’s winning StorySlammer, Sarah for a new home fitting for a recent divorcee. Oh, and be sure to steer clear of mobile homes rendered in brick where plumbing is irrelevant. But you probably knew that already.

Find out what happens when the lights go out during a sexy power surge in this self proclaimed “Romance Engineer’s” chemistry class. Check out the video from Steve’s performance that won him the title of Audience Favorite below.

Congratulations Sarah and Steve and special thanks to all of our Valentines who came out to celebrate with us last night. Stay tuned for more videos of all of our “ex”ceptional storytellers.

Mark your calendars. The next StorySlam is Tuesday, February 22 at L’Etage (6th and Bainbridge Sts.) The theme is “Deception.” 21+, $4 well drink specials.

-Becca Jennings

]]> http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/an-exceptional-valentines-day/feed/ 0 The Best of the Beasts http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/the-best-of-the-beasts/ http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/the-best-of-the-beasts/#comments Wed, 26 Jan 2011 20:42:28 +0000 bjennings http://www.firstpersonarts.org/?p=8916 Last night 11 storytellers slammed the stage with the best of their “Beasts.” We learned how squirrels can teach us about racism, how the president of the high school drama club properly disposes of a cockroach, and where you can end up when 5′4 man named Neil who weighs 82 pounds soaking wet and has a degree in cognitive science “knows a place.”

But it was last night’s Overall Winner and Audience Favorite that taught us perhaps the heaviest lesson of all: the economics of gravity. Skeptical about trickle down theory? Not in West Philadelphia. Check out Marla’s winning story in the video below and find out what crashes through her bathroom ceiling. (And no, it wasn’t a hallucination after not taking her anxiety meds for months.)

Congratulations Marla! Special thanks to all of our beastly storytellers and to everyone who came out to last night’s StorySlam.

First Person StorySlams take place every second Monday at World Cafe Live and fourth Tuesday at L’Etage. The next Slam is a special anti-Valentine’s Day Slam on Monday, February 14th at World Cafe Live. The theme is “The Ex-Files.”

-Becca Jennings

]]> http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/the-best-of-the-beasts/feed/ 0 Who’s Your Daddy? http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/whos-your-daddy/ http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/whos-your-daddy/#comments Tue, 11 Jan 2011 20:39:34 +0000 bjennings http://www.firstpersonarts.org/?p=8880 Last night we ventured into the new year with “New Territories” at the World Cafe Live. Ten pioneering slammers took us into new frontiers including bathtub submarine adventures, typhoons and young love in the Philippine Islands, and a one night stand that was all “abuzz.”

But our overall StorySlam winner and Audience Favorite had just one question to ask the audience: “Who’s your daddy?” Winning StorySlammer, Johnny got more than he bargained for when he found his in Southwest Georgia. Check out the video of Johnny’s winning story below!

Congrats Johnny! Thanks to everyone who came out to last night’s Slam and special thanks to all of our storytellers. Stay tuned for more videos.

We look forward to hearing your stories at our next StorySlam January 25 at L’Etage (6th and Bainbridge). The theme is “Beasts.”

-Becca Jennings

]]> http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/whos-your-daddy/feed/ 0 Return to Sender http://www.firstpersonarts.org/uncategorized/return-to-sender/ http://www.firstpersonarts.org/uncategorized/return-to-sender/#comments Mon, 03 Jan 2011 23:55:26 +0000 bjennings http://www.firstpersonarts.org/?p=8863 This holiday season we all probably got a gift we didn’t love. For me it was grandma’s gift of baby blue, polka-dotted, aloe-infused socks, which make up in thoughtfulness and hydration what they criminally lack in style. But those gifts that landed in our re-gifting piles this year don’t compare to the gift StorySlam winner and Audience Favorite, Todd shared with us at last Tuesday’s Holiday Spirit Slam. Check out Todd’s winning story in the video below or on YouTube. Stay tuned for more stories from all of our “spirited” StorySlammers coming soon.

Venture into the New Year at our January 10 StorySlam. See you on Monday at the World Cafe Live for a night of true, 5 minute stories on the theme “New Territory.”

-Becca Jennings

]]> http://www.firstpersonarts.org/uncategorized/return-to-sender/feed/ 1 Andrew’s Philadelphia Rite of Passage http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/andrews-philadelphia-rite-of-passage/ http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/andrews-philadelphia-rite-of-passage/#comments Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:06:55 +0000 lreeve http://www.firstpersonarts.org/?p=8506 When Andrew was a sophomore at Temple University he experienced what he considers a Philadelphia rite of passage. He was robbed. (Don’t worry, he was allowed to keep his Redbull.) You can watch the full story below.

Andrew will be battling with other favorites at our Fall Grand Slam on November 10. Click here for more information and to buy tickets.

You can read about some of the storytellers Andrew will be competing against here.

We’re especially glad to have Andrew in the Grand Slam since he recently moved to Santa Fe for a job and is flying in for the Slam. Welcome home Andrew!

Name: Andrew Thompson

Age: 24

Location: Various

Slam won: Dates to remember

What was the last thing you won (story slam not included)?

A four day vacation from work.

In honor of FPA’s 10 year anniversary in 2011 – Tell us a story in 10 words.

Thought gold stars were worthless until I stopped getting them.

What would your dream theme be for a Storyslam? What story would you tell?

It would be called “New beginnings,” and it would be about the time my boss was eaten by wolves.

Who do you know that tells the worst (or best) stories?

The best stories are from my former colleague at City Paper, Isaiah Thompson.

Why are you a good storyteller? (aka why should your competitors be scared?)

Two different questions. I’m a good storyteller because people pay me to do it professionally. They should be scared because I’ve killed 12 men.

]]> http://www.firstpersonarts.org/blog/andrews-philadelphia-rite-of-passage/feed/ 0 9th Annual First Person Festival http://www.firstpersonarts.org/programs/homepage/ http://www.firstpersonarts.org/programs/homepage/#comments Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:54:05 +0000 kkacala http://www.firstpersonarts.org/?p=7606 festivalbannerheader

Real life comes in all shapes and sizes at the 2010 First Person Festival of Memoir and Documentary Art.

You’ll find Sonia Sanchez, a CNN star, a man in a van, the Wienermobile, Mormon amore, a museum of the people, and the best storyteller in Philly. Debate red state versus blue. Dine on cocktails and kugel. Watch indie pop drama and prison musicals. But whatever you get at the First Person Festival, you’ll know it’s the real thing. No imitations.


First Taste Dinner with Soledad O’Brien
BaddDDD Sonia Sanchez: A Tribute in Words, Music and Dance
Life’s a Stage: Live Performances
Life Off the Page: Author Readings and Presentations
Reel Life: Documentary Films
Say It, Act It, Write It: Workshops
The First Person Museum
CALENDAR LISTING OF ALL EVENTS

Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at the Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

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