what is west side stories petaluma
West Side Stories Petaluma believes that everyone has a story. Our goal? To give those stories a forum. After producing successful shows where stand-up comedians told their stories, former comic turned storyteller, Dave Pokorny sought to accommodate all those people who asked, “When can I tell my story?” And to encourage those people who doubted they had a story worth telling.
EVENTS & TICKETS
may 4
a whole
new
ballgame
june 1
speechless
july 13
nobody's
perfect
aug 3
cool
kids
sept 6
saved
by the
bell
RULES
What to do
Be forewarned
Stories are told, not read. We love how the storyteller connects with the audience when there is no PAGE between them! Please know your story “by heart” but not by rote memorization. No notes, paper or cheat sheets allowed on stage.
Have some stakes
Stakes are essential in live storytelling. What do you stand to gain or lose? Why is what happens in the story important to you? If you can’t answer this, then think of a different story. A story without stakes is an essay and is best experienced on the page, not the stage.
Start in the action.
Have a great first line that sets up the stakes and grabs attention
No: “So I was thinking about climbing this mountain. But then I watched a little TV and made a snack and took a nap and my mom called and vented about her psoriasis then I did a little laundry (a whites load) (I lost another sock, darn it!) and then I thought about it again and decided I’d climb the mountain the next morning.”
Yes: “The mountain loomed before me. I had my hunting knife, some trail mix and snow boots. I had to make it to the little cabin and start a fire before sundown or freeze to death for sure.”
Know your story well enough so you can have fun!
Watching you panic to think of the next memorized line is harrowing for the audience. Make an outline, memorize your bullet points and play with the details. Enjoy yourself. Imagine you are at a dinner party, not a deposition.
...and what not to do
Steer clear of meandering endings
They kill a story! Your last line should be clear in your head before you start. Yes, bring the audience along with you as you contemplate what transpires in your story, but remember, you are driving the story, and must know the final destination. Keep your hands on the wheel!
No standup routines please
West Side Stories loves funny people but requires that all funny people tell funny stories.
No rants
Take up this anger issue with your therapist, or skip therapy and shape your anger into a story with some sort of resolution. (Stories = therapy!)
No essays
Your eloquent musings are beautiful and look pretty on the page but unless you can make them gripping and set up stakes, they won’t work on stage.
No fake accents
If your story doesn't work in your own voice, or that of your people of origin, please consider another story. In our experience, imitating accents from another culture or race rarely works and often offends.
Please use our stage to practice civility and respect. Please don't include racism, homophobia, misogyny or any form of hate speech.
2022 MONTHLY WINNERS
2021 GRANDSLAM FUN
OUR 2021 GRANDSLAM WINNER: BEN BOURDON
when and where
West Side Stories Petaluma happens on the first Wednesday of every month at the
Hotel Petaluma
located at 205 Kentucky St., Petaluma, Ca. with The Shuckery selling at their bar.
The doors open at 7pm, but if you want a good seat you better get there early.