The Common Stage

The Common is an international storytelling organisation that fosters community by creating a space for people to share and listen to each other. In a world where people and institutions are trying to make us believe we are fundamentally different, stories at The Common bring out humanity’s “common thread” – our universal desire for love, respect, and connection – and reminds us of one salient, culture-shifting truth: we have far more in common than we may think.

Our Programs:

The Common Stage: A curated storytelling event that features five raconteurs sharing true 10 -12 minute stories in front of a live audience. Crafted around universally common themes— Love Hurts, Flirting with Disaster, Narrow Escapes - the stories are sometimes harrowing, often hilarious, and always unforgettable. An evening at The Common leaves the audience more deeply connected— to one another and what it means to be human.

Show&Tell @ The Common: A monthly live event where we host a grown up version of a childhood classic. People are invited to bring an object they hold dear and put their name in a hat for a chance to share the story behind it.

The CommonSlam: Inspired by 1980s poetry slams, these high-energy events invite anyone to share a five-minute personal story. The audience votes, and the top scorer moves on to the CommonGrandSLAM, where ten winners compete with new stories for the title of storyteller champion.

The Common GrandSlam: Features ten previous winners of the CommonSlam facing off to be crowned the GrandSlam champion. The evening is shaped similarly to a CommonSlam, but the participants are allowed an opportunity to work with a Common director to hone and polish their stories in advance of taking the stage.