Fireside

Storytelling, in the format made famous by The Moth, has exploded. In San Francisco alone we have Porchlight, Porchlight Open Door, Bawdy Storytelling, occasional Moth pop-​ups, and likely a few others that I’m missing. So how has Fireside stayed under the radar so long?
Attending a recent Fireside storytelling event I was surprised to learn that they’d been at it for 6 years now, running under various names and at varying locations but basically doing the same thing: presenting seemingly ordinary people with the opportunity to tell their (hysterical, touching, goofy, mind-​bending, you name it) 10-​minute stories live, on stage, without notes, and loosely organized around that night’s theme. The reason this format works boils down to the fact that it makes for a fun and funny right-​priced ($ 15) evening.
Fireside is operating out of someplace they’re calling «The Institute of Possibility» which is a space also known as Chez Poulet. It’s intimate enough that storytellers don’t need to use a microphone when up on stage. No food or drink is sold here but organizers smartly encourage the BYOB meaning you can break open that special bottle of something you’ve saved then sit back and sip while you’re entertained. The event lasts about 2 hours with a brief intermission at the midway point between stories.
In addition to being intimate, non-​miked, and BYOB, Fireside differs from some other purveyors of storytelling. First, they’re not open mike; all storytellers are identified and vetted prior to that evening. Second, though stories are supposed to run 10-​minutes max this rule doesn’t appear to be strictly enforced.
If you have a hankering to tell a story at Fireside you first need to have attended one of their shows. From there, check the web site and hit them up if you think you have a great story to tell, relating to an upcoming theme.
Parking in this area can be a bit challenging. Arrive early for the best chance of landing a nearby space where you feel comfortable leaving your car.
With everyone having a story to tell I think it’s impossible for this field to become overcrowded. A very belated welcome to the club, Fireside. What a fun evening.