Story Jam Invites Cape Town’s Yappers To Share Their Best Stories On Stage

KAYA’s latest outing, Story Jam, invites everyone to the stage to share their funniest, messiest, most embarrassing, and honest stories in front of a live audience. No notes, no script, just the truth.

Sessions happen with a new theme every Tuesday, and sign-up is completely free. With a warm and inviting atmosphere at KAYA HQ that’s open to all kinds of entertaining and difficult stories, no matter the subject matter. Here’s everything storytellers and avid listeners need to know.

What is Story Jam?

With social media making so much of our day-to-day communication happen through a phone screen, Story Jam gives us all a chance to build real, tangible connections with strangers without it feeling awkward or forced. In a city that can feel as isolating as Cape Town often does, it’s a great way to meet new people, hear their stories, and say something you’ve been meaning to get off your chest.

Each teller gets five minutes to share their personal anecdote while staying on the night’s theme. Stories can be hilarious, heartwarming, or heartbreaking; the atmosphere is meant to make everyone feel welcome saying what they have to say. Eight participants take the stage every week with just their voice, their memory, and their honesty.

Before each show, participants are invited to join the organisers for a storytelling workshop to learn how to tell an engaging five-minute story, whether to test on stage or improve personal storytelling in everyday life.

There are very few rules for tellers. Each story can run for an absolute maximum of six minutes, and no notes are allowed. Submissions are due the previous Friday, and an application does not guarantee a speaking spot. You can submit an application via a Google Form, updated each week, on KAYA’s Fixr page (look out for the latest Story Jam event).

Once a month, there’s a special Grand Slam, where the top performers of the last 30 days go head-to-head in a battle of who has the best story, skills, and stage presence. Details for each edition are available on Instagram.

How to attend

To listen to like-minded yappers and share a personal anecdote that needs telling, Story Jam offers a weekly, inclusive opportunity for anyone and everyone to connect with Cape Town’s quirkiest, most interesting, and most brutally honest residents.

Cost: Tickets start from R93 per person (early bird). Book now on Fixr.