By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Aug 31, 2023 at 1:31 PM

Since 2009, Ex Fabula has connected the community through the art of telling true, personal stories that range in tone from funny to sad, freaky to fascinating – and everything in between.

Ex Fabula, which is Latin for “from stories," offers storytelling workshops, StorySlams and Community Collaborations where people listen to each other, feel heard and grow in empathy and understanding. 

To celebrate its 15th year, Ex Fabula has a full calendar of public events, including four competitive StorySlams in four different neighborhoods, brand-new programs like a collaboration with HYFIN that centers Black and Brown voices and classic Ex Fabula events like the All Ages StorySlam. 

Attending a StorySlam is a good way to better understand the organization – and guarantees an evening of pure and simple entertainment. No screens, just stories. And yes, the evening/adult slams have an on-site bar.

So what's a StorySlam? Ex Fabula’s StorySlams are live events featuring true, personal stories from anyone who wants to share a story based on the theme of the evening. Some stories are told onstage whereas others are UltraShorts written by audience members and read by the emcee. At each Slam, any attendee can throw their name in the hat for the chance to share a true, personal story on the night’s theme. Stories are shared in five minutes or less and without any props or notes.

Here are the event dates, themes and locations for the 2023 StorySlams:

  • Tuesday, Sept. 19 @ 7 p.m. StorySlam: Theme is "Awkward"; Location is Sugar Maple, 441 E. Lincoln Ave.
  • Saturday, Sept. 30 @ 1 p.m. All Ages StorySlam: Theme is "Best Day Ever"; location is Interchange Theater, 628 N. 10th St.
  • Thursday, Oct. 12  @ 7 p.m. StorySlam: Theme is "Fear"; location is  Dandy, 5020 W. Vliet St.
  • Thursday, Nov. 2 @ 7 p.m. StorySlam: Theme is "Oops, I Did it Again"; location is  Turning Tables Tavern & Eatery, 1034 Vel R. Phillips Ave.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 19 @ 7 p.m. StorySlam: Theme is "'Good' Music"; location is Arts@Large, 1100 S. 5th St.

StorySlam tickets are only $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Reserve tickets are available at  www.exfabula.org/tickets. Ex Fabula memberships are also available at www.exfabula.org/member

As part of Ex Fabula’s commitment to equity and access, a limited number of free “pay it forward” tickets are available online for individuals who otherwise could not afford to attend. 

Ex Fabula strives to meet the needs of each attendee. If guests need an accommodation at an event, please reach out to info@exfabula.org or call (414) 530-3503. In the past, Ex Fabula has provided ASL interpretation, transportation stipends for individuals with disabilities, braille materials, sighted guides, reserved seating and more.

For more information, go to: www.exfabula.org


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.