I almost cancelled the first show.

Seven years ago, I was in New York City staring at an Eventbrite screen, wondering whether to hit cancel.

It was three weeks before the very first What's Your Story Slam.

I'd booked a theatre that seated 100.

I'd sold 30 tickets — and that included the storytellers.

My friends who were performing told me not to worry.

"It's fine. Fewer people means less pressure."

But I'd told stories in New York in a room of seven, in a theatre built for a hundred.

I knew what that felt like.

The hollow sound of your own voice.

The creeping feeling that no one was really listening.

I didn't want my storytellers to ever feel that way.

So I went online and started telling people about this little show called What's Your Story Slam.

Seven years later, I find myself staring at the Eventbrite screen again.

Same feeling.

Different everything else.

This time, I decided to put on a show at the last minute.

Changed the format at the last minute.

Changed the venue at the last minute.

Invited everyone at the last minute.

But one thing has changed over these seven years.

Back then, I wanted everything to be perfect.

Today, I want the room to be full.

Because a full room changes the stories.

It changes the laughter.

The silences.

The courage it takes to stand on stage and tell the truth.

Top Shelf, our 7th Anniversary Show, is this Friday, 17 July, at The Blue Room—our original home.

The little cinema where hundreds of true personal stories have been shared over the past seven years.

We have 24 tickets left.

If you've been to WYSS before, you'll know why a full room matters.

If you haven't, I can't think of a better night to experience it.

There's also one moment during the evening when the story leaves the stage and becomes something we all share.

I won't spoil it.

You'll know it when it happens.

Friday, 17 July
8.00pm
The Blue Room, Filmhouse

24 tickets remain.

I'd love to welcome you into the room.

Anna

P.S. Seven years ago, I almost cancelled my first show because only 30 tickets had sold. This Friday, we're coming home. If you've been meaning to come to WYSS, I can't think of a better night.