Urban Tellers
Gives Voice to The True Stories of Ordinary People

PORTLAND, OR -- Portland Story Theater is at the vanguard of the emergence of a new art form rooted in an ancient tradition: storytelling as performance art. Their Urban Tellers showcases exalt storytelling by giving ordinary people a chance to be heard, to tell their stories, to share their personal narratives. What differentiates Portland Story Theater from other story shows is the focus. It’s not about competition, slams, or prizes. It’s about getting real with each other -- really listening to each other.

“We believe that everyone has a story to tell,” says Lawrence Howard, one of the founders. “Storytelling connects us with each other and the world.”

Urban Tellers has grown since its launch in 2009, becoming quite the phenomenon with monthly performances selling out at Hipbone Studio, an intimate black box performance space perfect for this art form. The price of admission is ridiculously low and every show is like a party with free food and drinks sold at cost.

“Whenever I listen to someone’s personal story,” offers one audience member, “I start to see myself and feel like I’m walking in their shoes through their story.” What Urban Tellers offers goes beyond entertainment; it offers an experience that makes people feel a part of something, something bigger than themselves, something good. Portland Story Theater is reshaping our community’s narrative, one story at a time.

Related inquiries may be addressed to Taylor Long, Media Manager, taylor@portlandstorytheater.com

Portlanders are passionate about stories. And live theater, and shared experiences. Portland Story Theater shares this passion. We use a unique collaborative approach to produce shows where people perform stories drawn from real-life experiences. We also offer workshops and one-on-one coaching for people who want to learn how to tell personal narratives.

All around the country we've all seen that there's a new breed of literary event cropping up and Portland is no exception. Portland Story Theater has been leading the way to create a unique fusion of wit and bare-bone emotion expressed on stage. These performances bring urban culture to life but they are a world away from the strait-laced book reading. The space is intimate, relaxed and invites the interactive ethos of an evening at an open mic. It's a new breed of literary event.

Portland Story Theater is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to making the narrative arts an integral part of Portland's rich cultural identity. Founded in 2004, the organization is committed to bringing an authentic story and theater experience to enrich, inspire, challenge and expand Portland's urban environment.

Portland Story Theater offers five programs to promote the narrative arts. Find out more About Portland Story Theater.