It’s Here! The BABS’LAB Grand Slam!!

Featuring the WINNERS of our Monthly Story Slams

Ashley Bailey‍ Erin Cowart Doug Green Johnny‍Masiulewicz
Melanye Rodriguez Mary Strickland Jaiquan Tyre Michael Walther

Sponsored by Tonn Pastore
Castaways Vintage to Modern

We’re excited to present our eight winning storytellers from the 2025-2026 Story Slam Cycle returning to the stage for one electric, unpredictable, and totally fabulous night as we close out the story cycle with a bang.

The theme is CAST. A single word with surprising reach.
Both a verb and a noun, with many directions our storytellers can go.
And that’s the point.

We hand this word to our top storytellers and let them sit with it, turn it over, follow where it leads.
So let’s see what gets revealed, released, reimagined
Because once it’s cast… it has a life of its own.

Did I say how much I love this theme?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

WHEN: Friday, May 15, 2026

THEME: CAST

SHOW TIME: 8 PM 

DOORS OPEN AT BABS’LAB: 7:15 PM ( please honor that time!)

TICKETS: $22.00   https://www.barbaracolaciello.com/register/grandslambabslabmay-2026

WHERE: BABS’LAB, 603 King St. Please Note: Entrance rear of building on Phyllis St. between Palm tree and metal fence.

FIRST TIME AT A GRAND SLAM?

Storytellers have 8 minutes with a 1 minute grace period to share a TRUE personal story based on the THEME without the use of notes or props. No ranting. No politicizing.

The winner of the Slam will be picked by three GUEST JUDGES:
David Girard, Madeline Paumen, Cynthia Reigler.

Our Grand Slam winner will win a $100.00 Cash Prize!

Audience members get to vote for their fave storyteller too! The winner of the POPULAR VOTE receives a $50.00 Gift Certificate to Castaways Vintage to Modern, an incredible Avondale antique shop and record store offering art, furniture, crafts, gifts, boutique & more!

ABOUT BABS’LAB

BABS'LAB is a dynamic and vibrant space for experimentation, training, and performance, where community comes together to witness work that breaks barriers and crosses lines. Our monthly story slams bring people together, encouraging and celebrating the power of oral storytelling.

Questions: contact babslab@barbaracolaciello.com