storytelling toronto

The top 10 live storytelling events in Toronto

Storytelling in Toronto isn't just for coffee shops and living rooms with your closest friends --it's now live, on stage, and n front of a group of strangers. Whether you're an aspiring storyteller or avid attendee, there's a theme (and location) that'll suit whatever you're in the mood for.

Here are my picks for the top storytelling events in Toronto.

Tinder Tales
Tinder Tales is a mix of comedy and storytelling based on the trials and tribulations of online daters in Toronto. Produced by Adelade LaFontaine with various hosts, the series is primarily run out of the Gladstone Hotel but also books venues like the Drake, Supermarket and the Paddock Tavern. Admission runs from $10-$15.

Raconteurs Storytelling
Raconteurs is one of Toronto's oldest storytelling events that started in 2010, previously under the name MothUP (in partnership with the Moth, NYC's first live storytelling event). Their monthly themed events are held at the Tranzac Club on Wednesday's for $10.

Pressgang Storytelling
Hosted and founded by Graham Isasor, Pressgang generally runs bi-monthly at Handlebar, but check their Facebook page for an official schedule. Tickets are $10, and a semi-formal to formal dress code is "heavily encouraged."

True Stories Told Live
True Stories Told Live is held on the last Tuesday of the month at the Garrison, and entry is free. Marsha Shandur, a staple in the storytelling community, hosts the events and sits down with the story tellers one-on-one to ensure quality. The requirements? The story must be true, about yourself, told under ten minutes, and without notes.

Dare Storytelling
Every third Wednesday of the month at The Ossington, Dare Storytelling curates an interesting mix of daring stories you'd generally only tell your best friend (if that.) They use a PWYC model and suggest $10 at the door. Produced by Brian Finch, Erin Rodgers, and Lauren Prussky, this trio focuses on including stories that bring out the storyteller's most daring moments.

Fireside Tales
Hosted by Helder Brum and Rhiannon Archer, Fireside Tales began (and continues to run in the summer) around a fire pit in Dufferin Grove Park. They've taken their summer themed event into the winter months and are hosting their popular stories at Comedy Bar, and it's free.

Tell Me Something Good
Sophie Delancey and Samantha Fraser started TMSG and have framed it around sexy storytelling with a new theme every month. They've also turned their event into a podcast. The show follows an open-mic model where willing storytellers put their name in a hat and 10-15 people are able to tell their sultry tale a night. A prize is awarded for the best story of the night.

Stories of Ours
Stories of Ours is a social project that aims to bring communities together through storytelling. The events are held on the third floor of the Daniels Spectrum in Regent Park, and the casual setting allows for an intimate experience to share and/or listen to a great story.

High Stakes Storytelling
Run by Sage Trytle, High Stakes Storytelling is a free show on the third Tuesday of every month at the Monarch Tavern. Past stories have covered anything from exorcisms to a 9 year old girl showing up to school in Afghanistan to find the Taliban there. The criteria? They must be true, about you, be under 8 minutes, and you must attend a show before contributing.

416 Dating Stories
416 Dating Stories is a chance for people to tell their most outrageous dating stories on stage. The events themselves have a general theme, and tickets are available at early bird pricing for $10, and $15 closer to the date. Each event raises money for a non-profit in the city, so not only will you be entertained, you'll be supporting some great organizations in the city.

Did I miss any? Add your suggestions in the comments.

Photo via the Gladstone Hotel.


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