The Moth

I went to see «Sweat» at Housing Works at the end of November. Be prepared to stand on the long line in the cold and then find yourself sitting in a lotus position upstairs, amongst the book stacks, intelligent– looking girls and beer (someone’s version of paradise). The quality of stories ranges from bar anecdotes to well-​rehearsed performances. Come early, dress in layers, be open minded or patient, and leave your expectations at the door

The Moth is incredible.
Here is the deal: the event happens at a different bar each time and each night has a different theme like say hope or danger. People get up to tell a 5 minute story related to that theme. To tell the story, you put your name in a hat and the host draws from it randomly. The only rules are that the story must be true and told without notes. There is a strongly advised rule that the stories are five minutes and people might boo you (or yell gong) if you exceed the limit.
There is also a host who provides the entertainment in between stories. The hosts are usually funny, but some are better than others. For instance, the woman at the Bitter End is hilarious while the guy at the Southpaw is sort of funny, but mainly just negative.
If you like This American Life, Radiolab, or poetry slams, you will definitely like this event.
If that description didn’t get you, let me pitch it to you this way: think of the most exciting, funny, or touching stories your friends have ever told you. That is what the Moth is.
Also note that It costs a very reasonable $ 8 and doesn’t include a drink minimum.
There is also a podcast and a show on NPR, but it is better live.

Going to a Story Slam hosted by The Moth is actually one of my favorite things to do in the city. The story slams happen 4 – 6 times a month at various locations around Manhattan and Brooklyn (see the website for schedule). Each slam has a different theme. If you feel that you have a worthy 5-​min story, you can put your name in the bag, where they draw out names. Ten storytellers go up and these stories are judged by three teams of judges from the audience. The winner of the slam goes on to the Quarterly GrandSLAM Championship. It lasts about 2.5 hrs and costs $ 8.
I’ve gone to a couple of these at the Housing Works and I’m always really impressed by the quality and talent of most of the storytellers. Many of them take this quite seriously and you can tell that they spent time crafting their story and delivery. The best stories aren’t the ones that are merely funny, but they’re poignant, send you on an emotional roller coaster of highs and lows, and leave you with a message and something to think about. There’s a certain raw honesty and catharsis that comes through and the audience is always supportive, especially so for the new storytellers who stand up there alone and vulnerable. Indeed, if the audience feels the judges are too harsh, the audience lets the judges know.
At the Story Slam at Housing Works, the doors open at 7 pm (stories start at 7:30). There are limited seats, so if you’re dead set on sitting, stand in line by 5:30. There are plenty places to stand and get a good view as Housing Works’ second floor is a mezzanine. Recently I got to the line by 6:30 and easily found a comfortable spot to stand and watch (wear comfortable shoes!). The ticket sales of the Story Slam goes directly to The Moth. Housing Works, which is a wonderful organization that helps people with HIV/​AIDS, sells alcohol and snacks, so you’re giving to a great cause by drinking.

I can’t believe there are only a handful of reviews for this event (especially considering how early the lines form). Like everyone else has written, going to a Moth show is one of the best things you can do in NY for ANY price.
I listen to The Moth podcast religiously and I was pleasantly surprised to be able to hear one of the regulars (Marvin Gelfand) tell a story the night I was there. My four friends and I took turns sitting on the two chairs we were able to procure on the balcony (we had only gotten there 30 minutes before the show, def not early enough to get good floor seats). There was a giant beam in our line of sight. And yet, the show captivated us for the full 2+ hours. Did the best storyteller win? Not in my opinion, but I don’t think that’s the main point of the show. If at any time you feel NY is isolating or just need a good laugh, I’d recommend going to a Moth show. :)
The stories are totally unpredictable so it’s hard to say whether this event is good for kids. I’d say no, just because I can’t imagine you’d want to stand in line for an hour with your kids to get seats. The stories can also be pretty explicit (in a good way of course).
Can SF get this event going already?!

What an awesome (and cheap) night out!
My friend and I went for the first time last week. Having been told that we should get there super early, we arrived at 5:45 and stood on line (outside). They don’t open the doors until 7:00 so be prepared if it’s cold. It was worth coming early though, because we were able to get a seat right next to the stage and then dashed to the café line to grab some drinks.
Reflecting other reviewers, I found this to be one of the best things I have ever been to in New York and I plan to become a regular. The stories varied in quality and in style, but they were all really great. Some were extremely poignant, some hilarious, and some a mix of the two. The crowd was extremely fun and we met a few really great people there. It’s just the type of nerdy young community that I’ve been seeking in New York and it was great.
Moreover, Housing Works Bookstore/​Café is amazing. With an all-​volunteer staff, this organization is the largest AIDS Service Organization in the city and they do great work. The $ 7 admission to the Moth goes to production of the Moth and the podcast, but the drinks and pastries you buy at the café go to Housing Works, and in turn, help people living with HIV and AIDS in New York find affordable housing, medical care, harm reduction, social services, etc.
I definitely recommend it for a cheap and chill night out, a unique date, or simply if you are craving community in the big city.

One of the best things I’ve done in NY and i’ve lived here most of my life. It’s $ 7 bucks, we heard 12 five minute stories. Anyone can participate, but a few authors shared their stories. It was packed yesterday and I can’t imagine that The BItter End ever has that many people in it. You are not guaranteed a seat, and most will end up standing. Truly a priceless experience, it lasted 2.5 hours. Next stop the Mainstage show!

How it works: You reach the venue, pay $ 7, find a spot to sit/​stand, if you’re ballsy, write down your name to tell a story (in keeping with the evening’s theme) and put it in the hat, and then listen.
Over the course of the evening, you’ll hear 10 five-​minute stories by individuals pulled out of a hat. (If you put your name in, you may be one of them.) Some will be funny, some will be poignant, and some may be downright nonsensical; it really depends on the night and who is telling the story. Which is what makes these Story Slams so wonderful, every time you go you’ll have a different experience; Some of the story-​tellers are performers and some just have stories to tell. The very best stories, often coming from Main Stage performances, land on their podcast (highly recommended).
There are other venues at which The Moth occurs, but this one is definitely unique. The Housing Works Bookstore Café is not necessarily a performance space. True it has the space and capability for performances, but it is, at its core, a bookstore (with a very special cause — see its entry). Which means it has a very cool balcony with two twisty staircases that allow for perching and watching the stories from all angles. It also has ladders from which to hang and many books with which to distract yourself (should you find the stories aren’t to your liking).