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Calling All Storytelling Terps!

May 20, 2025 American Studies | Art | Art History and Archaeology | Classics | College of Arts and Humanities | Communication | English | History | Joseph and Rebecca Meyerhoff Program and Center for Jewish Studies | Linguistics | Philosophy | School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures | School of Music | School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies | The Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Inset Story Slam

UMD story slam invites pitches for competition with cash prizes.

Through the College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU) Dean’s Lecture Series, Dean Stephanie Shonekan has interviewed legendary guests like singer Dionne Warwick, poet Nikki Giovanni and even Kermit the Frog to hear their stories and gain inspiration. 

UMD students—this year, it’s your turn! 

Pitch us your best story idea for the chance to participate in our first ever Story Slam. You could be one of Dean Shonekan’s featured guests at an event in September 2025! The grand prize is $3,000! 

Unfamiliar with the concept? A story slam is a live storytelling experience featuring people sharing stories about what makes us human. Stories can be funny, bold, surprising, heart wrenching, heartwarming—it’s your personal story that you think will resonate with an audience. 

Now more than ever, we need stories! In ARHU, we believe that stories have the power to help us understand and connect with the experiences of others, inspire us and build community! We invite current undergraduate or graduate students at UMD to share theirs. 

Here’s what you need to know to submit a pitch: 

Any current undergraduate or graduate student at UMD who will be enrolled full-time in Fall 2025 is welcome to participate. 

How to Enter: 

  1. Pitch your story by September 8th: Summarize what you would like to share in 60 seconds or less.
  2. Record a voice memo on your phone.
  3. Draft the gist of your story idea in writing in 50 words or less.
  4. Email your pitch recording and written draft idea to storyslam@umd.edu with your full name, major, and anticipated graduation date. 

If your pitch isn’t selected as one of the four finalists to perform their entire story live next semester, the audio may still be featured at the event - and you will receive $200 for your winning “pitch” submission! 

Themes: 

Storytellers are invited to frame their story in the context of one of the following four ARHU themes:

  1. Transformative Thinking: 
    Have you experienced something that expanded your perspective, challenged assumptions or inspired you to change how you think in a significant way?  Tell us about this transformative experience.
  2. Boundless Creativity: 
    How does creativity show up in your life? Have you found a way to push the boundaries of self expression, found an ingenious solution to a recurring challenge or inspired people to see beyond what is in front of them? Share your experience of boundless creativity.
  3. Expansive Empathy: 
    Did you have a life experience that caused you to feel more deeply, understand other people with greater sensitivity or dedicate yourself to an important cause? Help us to expand our empathy with your story.
  4. A Meaningful Future: 
    How do you define having a meaningful life? What are your core values that underlie your ongoing growth and motivate you to keep going? Share a story of how you envision a meaningful future. 

The Story Slam will take place in September 2025 with Dean Stephanie Shonekan and a special guest host. This is your opportunity to share your unique perspective, make your voice heard, and be part of an unforgettable event! 

We want to hear your story and we want to celebrate your voice! Don’t miss this chance - submit your pitch to storyslam@umd.edu today!