So Say We All

I try to go to their VAMP performances every month (it’s the last thursday of every month — held at Whistlestop in South Park). They’re always packed and always entertaining! VAMP stands for Visual Audio Monologue Performance. Each month they have a different theme and random people chose to tell their own stories based upon that theme. Leading up to the performance date, the story tellers meet up with professional writers and speakers to help craft their story into the best audience-​grabbing potential. They usually have some sort of slide show going along with their story. It’s always different and always worth it. Highly recommended to check it out at least once!

This organization is amazing for three reasons:
1) They make being a literary nerd cool. Yeah, I said it. They PACK a bar on a Thursday night for professional storytelling (think «This American Life» but live).
2) It provide creative writing opportunities to populations without access (like the Braille Institute, the teen center at Father’s Joe’s Village and veterans). Giving back. Awesome.
3) But one of my favorite things about SSWA is that they actively work to keep writers and artists in San Diego by supporting them and securing artistic development opportunities which keeps culture IN San Diego. That means that artists will continue on in San Diego instead of going to LA or NYC. YES! No culture drain!
So go out to one of their events, or if you’re a writer or a storyteller or a comedian, go to their Greenrooms and find other writers. I’ve been writing in their Greenrooms for more than a year and my writing has improved and I’ve met some fantastic people.

Disclaimer: I’m their Volunteer Director.
That said, I became the volunteer because I adore the organization. The people here are terrific, and they’re dedicated to fostering a thriving creative community in San Diego.
*Come to our open mic– don’t be shy!!!
Long Story Short
Last Sunday of every month
Space4Art!
325 15^th Street
San Diego, CA 92 101
7:30 pm
*The show that started it all!
VAMP
Last Thursday of every month
Whistlestop
2236 Fern Street
San Diego, CA 92 104
8:00 pm
*The best improv and standup in San Diego!
The New Best Thing
First Wed of every month
Whistlestop
2236 Fern Street
San Diego, CA 92 104
8 pm
We also offer monthly writing workshops. Drop by our website
and get on the mailing list! Hope to see you at our shows (and maybe eventually onstage)!!!