Story District

Friendly and professional staff. Their coaches and shows are great. I would recommend the Story District to anyone!

Story District is an inclusive, equitable, thought-provoking capacity-, confidence- and connection-building experience posing as a fun collection of stories.

I participated as a storyteller with Story district in 2019 and it was so awesome! I learned so much about how to tell a story effectively and bonded so much with my fellow storytellers!

I started attending the shows several years ago with my daughter, in college at the time, when they were using the Temple on U St. Have brought many folks into the experience & have volunteered for a while. This is an experience that shows that we are so much more alike than we are different. It is inclusive of all ages, races, experiences and a true gift to the DC region, especially now. The shows, the audience & the volunteers all are exhibiting the truth - that we are much more alike than different.

This organization cares about highlighting the humanity of our collective stories. They help guide people to having their voices heard. And their shows are always impeccably produced & run. So much fun!

A treasure in DC! One of the best and most entertaining ways to connect and stay connected to others.

I saw one of Story District's Tuesday evening shows in 2014 and I was hooked. I signed up for their "storytelling 101" class and had a ball. Last year, I was lucky to partner with them on a fundraising show with the nonprofit I work for in Montgomery County, MD. We had never done anything like that before, but it was a huge success and is now our signature fundraising event. Our bilingual director, Stephanie Garibaldi, was incredible and really went the extra mile working with the cast. This year, our show had to go virtual because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but it turned out to be even better than last year's show. Story District has been wonderful to work with, and I look forward to partnering with them on more shows for many years to come!

Story District taught me that everyone (even an ordinary guy like me) has a story to tell. Their collective knowledge and expertise afforded me several one of a kind coaching experiences and the ability to tell "my story, my truth". They even provided various platforms and unique opportunities for me to do so. Like so many others; I went from being an audience member at a live show, to viewing pre-recorded performances online at home to becoming a grateful storyteller. Story District changed my life!!!!

The people at Story District have been nothing but kind and grateful towards me and everyone else that has worked with them. They are patient and truly care about who they are working with and will truly nurture them. One of the best!

I love Story District. I attended a show 10 years ago and was hooked. I took their storytelling class, I told stories on stage, I volunteered for them. Very inclusive, creative, fun, heart warming.

Story District is a nonprofit organization that brings people together through the art of true story storytelling. The storytellers at Story District break down barriers and biases through their personal stories. And from there, listeners are enlighted, educated, and inspired. I was introduced to Story District when it was called SpeakEasyDC and I eventually took the Storytelliner 101 course and told a few of my stories on stage. It is an amazing organization that brings people together and it is exactly the kind of organization our community and our country need right now.

Story District is the standard in DC for the best story telling shows. I'd known about them for years and had seen a couple of their shows at the Black Cat. They're curated in such a way that every show promised something different and surprising. Funny and touching. This past year, I was lucky enough to perform in one of their shows and from the performer's perspective it was a great experience. The staff are excellent story coaches and they know how to put a show together and do it all will giving diverse members of the community the opportunity to tell their stories. An irreplaceable part of DC culture.

This group changed my life by providing a safe, creative space to tell my story and be my authentic self. It also opened my eyes to my community and makes me feel part of something.

I enrolled in the Speakeasy Storytelling 101 class because I wanted to learn how to better tell my story. Stephanie and Kevin did an amazing job of coaching our class of 12 to storytelling fame! The time they spent with each of us offering feedback and recommendations to continually improve our stories was incredibly valuable and in the end, I was able to go on stage and tell my story to a packed house. I now understand the true art of storytelling and am a better storyteller thanks to this class. I would recommend this to anyone who desires to improve their presentation and storytelling skills.

Speakeasy DC was contracted by the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies to design and deliver a four hour session for 50 state arts agency arts education managers as part of the 2012 Professional Development Institute (PDI).

The session goals were: 1. gain an understanding of story structure and the qualities of a good story, 2. share stories with one another and find potential “story seeds”, and 3. observe the coaching and story development process.

The first two hour session included several activities where managers built on and developed their skills in understanding effective narrative storytelling and how it can be used as a tool to communicate the value of arts education.

A one hour session with four individual managers followed. During the one hour session, four randomly selected arts education managers worked one on one with two Speakeasy DC teaching artists to fine tune their stories to present to the full group the following day.

The session concluded the following day with an hour of storytelling. Each of the four selected managers were asked to tell their refined stories to the group. After each manager presented their story, the teaching artists and managers spoke about the process they went through to refine their storytelling techniques.

The Speakeasy DC session at the PDI was very well received by many of the arts education managers. The participants noted the Speakeasy DC session as a hi-light of the PDI, stating that the teaching artists were very skillful, a pleasure to work with, and had high energy; that the session was not only a creative activity, but meaningful; and that the skills the managers learned in the session were easily transferable to other areas of their work.

Amy at Speakeasy DC was a pleasure to work with. She listened to our needs and thoughts and developed a very thoughtful session that was appreciated by the arts education managers.

Nonprofit NoVA hosted an event for nonprofit CEOs and Executive Directors and Amy Saidman was a fantastic speaker on this topic. Often, nonprofit leaders need to tell their own story and their organization's story in a short period of time but in a very compelling way. Amy broke down the parts of a story and used a great sample story from our audience. These busy CEOs were very engaged in the discussion and were eager to learn more after the event. Amy did a great job of putting structure to something that our members have to do every day, and breathing new life into something that can get redundant for those who have been at their jobs for many years. Thanks to Amy and SpeakeasyDC for a great event! We look forward to working together in the future!

SpeakeasyDC recently created and performed at our university for a group of approximately 60 first-year students. Amy, the Executive Director, worked with our programming staff to ensure the program would connect directly to the outcomes of the other Welcome Week programming happening around this evening. As clients, we felt our feedback and desires were considered and could see these play out in the event itself. The storytellers the group brought told engaging, funny and poignant stories and spurred conversation from the students on being a new resident in the District. Every student thoroughly enjoyed the event and a few even got up and told their own story!

SpeakeasyDC coached me by phone to tell a story for one of the Peace Corps' 50th anniversary events. Amy did an amazing job of pinpointing key entry points for my story, key elements that brought out my motivation for telling the story, and appropriate opportunities for humor. SpeakeasyDC was also clear about the format and expectations for the event itself. It put me at easy and gave me confidence to tell my story well.
At the event, I enjoyed hearing other stories, and seeing the range of emotional responses elicited. It gave a good feeling for Peace Corps' range itself.

SpeakeasyDC truly added value to Peace Corps’ 50th Anniversary Story Slam event. Amy Saidman, the Director of SpeakeasyDC, was wonderful to work with and her coaching helped our story-tellers to provide entertaining, dynamic and high quality storytelling performances. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with SpeakeasyDC!

During a Peace Corps-sponsored story telling presentation, the staff of SpeakEasyDC provided a considerable amount of instruction and constructive input to enhance my public-speaking skills. In a short period of time, I was able to stand before an audience of 60 people and tell a 10-minute story with the right amount of clarity, humor, and sincerity. Thanks to the folks of SpeakEasyDC!

As part of the Peace Corps story slam event, I was connected with Amy to refine my personal story. She was extremely helpful in helping me figure out what made my story compelling, as well as giving me ideas to make my telling of the story a bit more entertaining. We spoke on the phone for about a half hour and throughout the conversation I felt like she asked all the right questions and even better, let me respond and talk out my ideas and experiences.

I have attended about 20-25 SpeakeasyDC shows over the past 4 years. For 2 hours of solid entertainment, the $10 price of a ticket can't be beat anywhere in the DC area. The stories are always highly entertaining, often thought provoking, and have helped me to appreciate the perspectives of people that come from very different backgrounds that are substantially different from mine. I have never participated in their storytelling lessons (which they call "boot camp" or something like that), however, a couple of my friends have, and I have been very impressed with the results, as have they. Although I haven't necessarly liked literally every single story I've ever heard at SpeakeasyDC shows, I can honestly say that I have never seen anyone on stage who had not clearly put a great deal of time and effort into crafting and polishing their story.

A great way to re-acquaint your left and right sides of your brain.

I saw a storytelling show last spring, and really enjoyed it. My friends encouraged me to give open mic storytelling a try, and I really enjoyed it! Not only have I found a regular place to enjoy one of my favorite types of performance, but I've had the opportunity to participate too. I can't say enough about how great this organization is.

I've been to many of the performances and am always astounded at the clever story telling of the performers. It is apparent that the guidance and coaching they receive from Speakeasy staff enables them to have the confidence and skill to make the story lively.

I told a story at speakeasy DC last year, and it was a lot of fun. I wasn't naturally the greatest at it, but my story was true and they were super helpful at helping me hone it into something approaching entertaining. Every time I've been back since I am amazed by how well organized and diverse their organization is--they are a great asset to the community, and the only thing like it in DC.

This is by far one of my most favorite things to do in DC. The art of storytelling is one of importance that I don't think people think too much about. The stories are engaging, thought-provoking, humorous, and heartfelt. It's one of those events that seem to draw different types of crowds that are all there for one thing: to listen to the stories. This is a great organization led by passionate people that you just can't help want to get more involved.

I love SpeakeasyDC! I go there with friends all the time and I bring my out of town friends there too whenever they visit and it's always a hit.

Storytelling is the heart of the communicative power of art. To do this well requires organizations like Speakeasy DC. Speakeasy DC garners appreciation in the oral tradition and human experience. It provides an avenue to learn the craft of narrative.

I attended the Valentine's Day show with my girlfriend and I was thoroughly entertained. I didn't know exactly what to expect since it was a surprise but I found the stories to be very engaging, sometimes invoking poignant regret and lots of reflection. I could identify myself as a person who vacillates between 'logic, luck, and love' throughout my 33 years. The show also provided a great conversation starter. Bravo to the cast. They were great!!!

I went to the Valentine's Day show and had a wonderful time. Now I am looking for blind lesbian love.

The Speakeasy is an INCREDIBLE resource that I was so lucky to have stumbled upon. I am a middle school theatre teacher, and professional theatre performer/director. With a background in playwriting, and 15 years of experience, I was curious what the Storytelling 101 class would really have to 'offer' me that was new/fresh/interesting/compelling. Honestly, my school paid for it, so I went.
I was BLOWN away by several things.
1. The teaching staff (namely Kevin Boggs and Vijay Nathan) was warm, constructive, enthusiastic, and a WEALTH of experience, ideas, and information.
2. The format was packed, well structured, and challenging. This class really forces you to "do the work" and dig in. I found myself challenged mentally, time-wise, emotionally, and creatively. I loved it. The schedule of 5 weeks, including watching a pro performance, rehearsing our performance, and performing our stories, was well crafted and filled to the brink. I hate to waste my time, and the Speakeasy folks respect our time, money, and intelligence.
3. The "community". I found (without knowing I was looking for) a tribe. I found people from all walks of life comign together once a week for a few hours to share stories, make mistakes, and listen and support one another. I was excited and inspired by my classmates, I looked forward with great anticipation to each class, and I was truly, honestly, deeply moved by their performances. The "result"- sharing a well crafted, personal, and honest story with others was touching enough- but the process to get there- watching the story and the storyteller grow and arrive at art- was astounding.
4. The resources! They offer fantastic handouts that I was able to adjust to fit the needs of my students. The opportunity for one-on-one coaching just seems too generous- even in a class, the faculty really make you feel as though they are personally, deeply committed to your success.
Overall the class, the experience, and the artists have motivated me to continue to attend performances, take additional classes, make personal connections, and find my stories. What a gift this has been.

I have watched SpeakEasy DC grow from a local unstructured open mike format to what it has become.....a premier event with educators and tutors to provide the public with a rare opportunity to tell your story with professional guidance. Any SpeakEasy DC event is professional, intersting, mostly humorous and the best bargain in town for a night out. Can't wait for the next show.

I've taken two Speakeasy workshops and been on stage twice. Speakeasy coaches have given me great advice and tools on how to craft a meaningful story that is worth telling. In the process, I've made great new friends and heard some amazing stories by amazing storytellers. Speakeasy is certainly a unique DC organization that I'm grateful to have stumbled upon when I moved here a couple years ago.

My husband and I attended "Logic, Luck, and Love" for your first Valentine's Day as a married couple.

It was the perfect evening - edgy, funny, touching. We hope to see many more of these shows in the future!

I'm an English teacher who took a Speakeasydc course to help with my curriculum story telling unit. The experience did far more than enrich my teaching. It was a deeply meaningful time that sold me forever on the almost sacred act of sharing true stories. A very talented and professional staff.

I would recommend Speakeasy DC for a great night out or to anyone who has ever wondered how to tell a story. I was introduced to the monthly format a couple of years ago when it was at the old location. Every show is well organized and professionally produced. I was inspired to take their storytelling bootcamp as well. What a rewarding experience!

I went to my first SpeakEasy event and heard absolutely fantastic stories about totally normal life events. I laughed. I cried. I wanted to be on stage. So I participating in their storytelling 101 boot camp--it was fantastic. To help people tell their stories and cut through the crap to bring out a narrative amidst the mundane is so valuable.

had heard lots about speakeasy and whenever i tried to attend, they were sold out! finally got in and was amazed at the quality of material and organization of the show. met the director amy, who is just amazing. she was searching for bigger venues to accomodate the ever growing audiences and she found the perfect venue. i tell all my friends to go to each speakeasy and love to repeat the stories i heard. amy is super organized and has the speakeasy group appearing in every possible venue (aka fringefest), constantly bringing more lovers of speakeasy into the fold. she has top notch staff to keep the on-line stories and info up to date, video folks, volenteers, especially performers, teachers,you name it~all fabulous and totally top notch. i am happy to be a donor and supporter of this most orginal group. truely a gem in washington dc where the usual entertainment fare can be so hoo-humm. i am also amazed at how each show crosses all socio-ecomonic, racial, age...all demographics are represented and there are so few places where that happens in such a wonderfully creative yet organized way~LOVE, LOVE, LOVE SPEAKEASY!

SpeakeasyDC rocks! I attended one of their performances on Valentine's day, which was thoroughly entertaining, drop-dead funny, and quite inexpensive. Great organization: I would recommend them to anyone!

SpeakeasyDC rocked my world. I was loosely calling myself a creative writer, with no aspirations to get up in front of a room full of people (thought of it made my stomach turn inside out and all pores commence sweating), when I signed up for Storytelling 101 in order to improve my writing skills.

The curriculum and instructors taught me how to not only relay my stories to connect with an audience better and evoke emotion, suspense, excitement, etc...they also taught me, through baby steps, how to have the confidence to get up in front of people and share, overcoming, at least in the moment, the insane nerves and nausea.

Beyond that, SpeakeasyDC has brought new supportive/funny/interesting friends into my life and welcomed me into a new community.

I enjoyed the class and continue to enjoy the salons and performances, as well as the improvement in my writing and public speaking.

SpeakeasyDC has exposed me to the wonderful world of storytelling. It is not just telling stories, it is sharing a part of a person's life experiences. The warm and friendly atmosphere is always welcoming to all who attend the shows.

Speakeasy DC, to the best of my knowledge has never done anything about homelessness, poverty, disease, or substance abuse. In fact*, they may actually encourage alcoholism, because its so much fun to drink at their shows. They have not furthered humankind's understanding of the universe, supported scientific discovery or even enven encouraged a child to participate in the science fair. In fact*, they told him it was for nerds. Yet, this is my favorite non-profit in DC. I can't really justify all the money that I think you should give them, so check out a show and see for yourself.
* - not a fact.

I attended a SpeakEasyDC performance last summer during the 2010 Fringe Festival. The stories were wonderful and well told, and served as a reminder that we all have amazing things to share. In this age of "soundbites" and speedy communication, it is also gratifying to know that the ancient art of storytelling is still alive.

I love Speakeasy because its the chance to see regular people so skillfully telling the most amusing, touching, serious stories about their lives, and in ays that I can often identify with. Its like a conversation with a friend, and yet with the warmth of an audience in live performance!

My friends and I love going to Speakeasy DC. The stories are funny and we leave the evening thoroughly creatively nourished. Most of the storytellers do an excellent job of building suspense and sharing some very intimate and poinent experiences in a humorous way. We like the venue too.

Entertaining and enlightening! I love everything they do. They are the best!

I was a student of their Storytelling 101 course, and it was a terrific experience. The instructors were helpful, constructive and generous with their time. It helped build my confidence in public speaking and it was a fun way to do it.

Loved the LOVE Show on Valentines Day! Speakeasy DC never disappoints.

My son and I have attended several Speakeasy event and through the fringe festival and just loved the hilarious and poignant stories that the participants shared with us. We like it so much in fact that I gave my 18 year old your day long workshop as his birth day present - he loved it!

I've attended three SpeakEasy shows, and they all have been great! The stories are always interesting, and the storytellers are engaging. SpeakEasy provides an important service by teaching people how to tell their stories and providing them a safe and welcoming space to share them.

I went to the most recent speakeasydc show and all the stories had certain levels of humor, poignancy and pathos. It was enjoyable and very well set up. I'll definitely go again soon.

Since moving to the DC area I have been fortunate to attend several Speakeasy events and have had a wonderful time at each one! I really value the opportunity to see young, up-and-coming talent and look forward to sharing a story of my own one day.

In a world of constant electronic connection, Speakeasy brings actual people together to tell and hear personal stories. I guess I started with This American Life, then discovered Porchlight in San Francisco through friends, the Moth in NYC through a guidebook, and Speakeasy through... years ago I heard somehow about the Washington Storyteller's Theater, and they used to have an International Storytelling Festival. I trekked out to the Finnish Embassy where I heard the tale of the Barking Mouse, and that's still one of my favorite stories. I keep hoping I'll meet a cute single guy at one of the events, and maybe someday I will. In the meantime it's a great way to build community and reconnect with live humans having the courage to stand up in front of a crowd and share their stories. Great social event/excuse to get together with people, too, with the option of drinking but not just a boring happy hour where you have to talk. Sometimes it's good just to listen.

At the Church of the Pilgrims, to which I belong, we often include personal storytelling in worship. One of our members told me about a SpeakeasyDC course she had taken. Intrigued, I signed up for a 1-day storytelling boot camp. Fantastic! Eighteen strangers spent 6 hours helping each other find and develop personal stories. I was convinced that training like this could enhance the storytelling we do in worship -- and build community! I pitched idea to our regional denominational office, and they contracted with SpeakeasyDC to offer two, one-day storytelling workshops for member of our congregations. Now we have about 30 people, clergy and lay, in about 8 churches, who are trained in the basics of effective personal storytelling. If you're in a faith community, check this out!

Speakeasy is fun and meaningful and terrific value!

I took storytelling classes offered by Speakeasy DC, and it was a fantastic experience. The things I learned about structuring and delivering a story have helped me professionally as a marketer. I think the classes could benefit people in all fields. Everyone needs to be able to express themselves persuasively and stories do that best.

I first encountered SpeakeasyDC when it was still part of Washington Storytellers Theater, maybe in 2005. I began telling stories immediately, and Speakeasy became a homebase for me. I have performed more than 10 times on stage, and taken several storytelling classes. This experience led me to other storytelling experiences including appearing in the Capitol Fringe Festival. What is most admirable about SpeakeasyDC is the clear decision and commitment taken to be an educational venue for all, a place where non-tellers could try it out, gain skills and coaching, all in front of a very generous audience, and all while assuring the top quality possible -- a very difficult formula indeed, but one that's been met and more. The staff, board and volunteers are extraordinarily loyal - and their energy, charisma and talent continue to sustain a high quality endeavor that now has deep roots in the community and increasing connectivity nationwide.

I have been attending SpeakeasyDC events for over a year and I took their Storytelling 101 class.

SpeakeasyDC creates a sense of community and humanity, in a city where that can be very difficult to do. With every event, I feel closer to the city that I now call home, and to the many different people who share it with me.



I am a huge fan of SpeakeasyDC!!!

Great stories and great sense of community created by SpeakeasyDC.

I went to the "Greatest Hits" show, and it was one of the best things I did all year.

Everytime I go to a SpeakEasy event, I am never disappointed. Great people. Great stories. Great venues. I feel more connected to my community when I attend these events. All of the storytellers are really open and honest and relateable. Great job, guys!

The first night I experienced the Speakeasy I wondered why DC wasn't more well-known for its depth and quality of its arts scene. The stories were amazing, the event was extremely well run and an all around good time. It made me feel like I was part of a community in this big city.

Speakeasy DC is a great organization serving the DC metro area. They make their shows affordable, entertaining, but best yet, keeping the rich art of storytelling alive and well. Storytelling is core to American culture and heritage.

Speakeasy is about as good an organization as I've seen in the 60+ years I've lived in DC. It works on so many levels. First, it is about building community through the intimacy of sharing true stories with strangers, acquantances and friends. Second, it is about building community through a gathering where new friendships and connections are made. Third, it is about the highest quality of entertainment available. Every night it will make you laugh, make you think and make one aware of the quality of the shared human journey. Fourth, it is about quality and professionalism. Because of the quality of the coaching, screening, and educational services the open mics are always of the highest quality. It is amazing to witness the incredible level of amatuer quality that is manifest EVERY tuesday. Because fo this quality it self generates an expanding outward spiral of quality. More peopel coem because of the high level of quality, really good tellers are motivated by the quality to tell, the level of quality continues to grow. Remarkable.

I'm a writer and have attended several SpeakeasyDC storytelling performances. I am always delighted by the way I feel after hearing a really good story. Some of the stories are humorous and some are serious, but they're always true tales from people's personal experiences. An excellent night out.

Speakeasy provides a wonderful class that I found enlightening from a personal and professional perspective. I felt that I grew in the class and came to know my own story better - to know what it meant to me and to others, and how it related to other aspects of my life. I believe I came to know myself better in the class, and learned a lot about the other people in the class as well. It is really a remarkable experience and I would (and have) recommened the introductory class to others.

Our first experience was a performance to which my friend and I were lucky enough to be given tickets. It was delightful! The performances were intelligent, comical, poignant, entertainting. Our first time as patrons will not be our last; we have already purchased tickets to future events and are eagerly looking forward to making Speakeasy DC part of our "social" lives.

Speakeasy produces wonderful events for the DC community. Each time I attend a storytellers event I am so grateful that such an organization exists.

Speakeasy DC is a fantastic outlet for undiscovered talent in the DC area. Always a good vibe, great people, and the woman who runs it has awesome energy.

I have been to two SpeakeasyDC events and loved both. The venues are warm and welcoming and the people are as well. I can't wait to go back for the next.

A totally enjoyable evening and a great cast. The fact the the story line was based on the actors' actual experiences was awesome on a number of levels. I would highly recommend this show to all.

SpeakeasyDC offers enriching entertainment like no other org in the Capital area. Live, true storytelling is the new genre for the 21st century, and captures the way people want to connect and share today. I have been both onstage and in the audience for their open mic nights, and it is always fun. This is a forum that many of my friends count on, and the community benefits too, from SpeakeasyDC's outreach projects. It's one of a kind!

Speakeasy DC was a surprisingly refreshing entertainment outlet that was a great alternative than just going to a bar or a club. Each participant brought their own uniqueness to their performance and I'm awfully grateful for being introduced to this event.

I went to a Speak Easy event for the first time last week. I was just looking for a fun night out and didn't really have high expectations of seeing "great theater". Having trained at Tisch School of Performing Arts in New York and worked professionally on both coasts I can tell you it was in fact an EXCEPTIONAL night of theater. The presentation was simple, clean, polished, and completely compelling. Speak Easy somehow has managed to bottle the magic of feeling that you are both in your your living room listening to personal stories (in this case of life and love) told by the most entertaining friend you have. I want to go see there shows every chance I get from now on. The organization of the event was flawless. In Yiddisb there is a word that I think sums it up best. Speak Easy is Hamisha AND High Art. I'm so grateful DC has a theater event like this. I hope it's around forever!

Friends introduced me to SpeakeasyDC by inviting me to an open mic night shortly after I moved to DC in 2007. I was immediately hooked. The stories are so human, so universal. It's not quite stand-up, though it's often funny. And it is a form of performance, though not actorly. It's just a wonderful organization that draws stories from people that we can all relate to, drawing us together and making us realize that our similarities as human beings are far greater than our differences.

I'm a fan of storytelling (the Moth, et al) and SpeakEasyDC has never let me down.

The Valentine's Day show at the Atlas was very different. Instead of individual and unique stories told by solo performers alone on stage, this show took those stories and storytellers and weaved them into a single thread. The results were mesmerizing. Fabulous.

SpeakeasyDC took storytelling to yet a higher level.

SpeakeasyDC is one of my favorite organizations in the DC Area - their shows are fantastically genuine - full of life and humor.

It's a relief in this world of enhanced reality and science fiction to hear people's REAL stories!

There are many nonprofits in the DC area but I joined the Board of SpeakeasyDC because I fundamentally love the mission of the organization - provide a platform for people to share true stories. And if it inspires others or provides entertainment value then that's all the better.

As individuals or organizations we all have stories that will move someone but more often that not we are not aware of the potential impact of our story until it is told live. An inspiring story that is not told is a lost opportunity to provide hope and for that reason I am grateful that an organization like SpeakeasyDC is committed to providing that platform for artistic expression.

SpeakEasyDC offers a variety of events (performances) and classes. I've attended both the Boot Camp and Storytelling 101 classes, and really enjoyed myself. Open Mic is also blast (and at $10 at total bargain). Anyone who enjoys a connecting with other through storytelling will love SpeakEasyDC!

I went to a production because of the day and location but I have to admit that I was impressed. There was great acting and a compelling story.

I've wanted to attend one of the SpeakeasyDC's performances for a couple years, and finally did to see Logic, Love and Luck- and I'm so glad I did! I'll definitely attend future performances... and will be telling all my friends!

Great show. Ill be back. Amy was great too. She worked with me directly and made the experiance that much better.

Went to the show Monday -- another great event from Storytellers. I've been a fan for years and love what you do! I even took the Storyteller course -- it was great too. Lot's to learn and lots of fun! i highly recommend it.

I went to a Speakeasy performance on Valentine's Day and had a very memorable time. The candid nature of the performance made it extremely entertaining and meaningful and I look forward to seeing future shows!

Great show on Valentine's day- funny, smart, and excruciatingly real. Very enjoyable!

I served as DJ for Dance Place and SpeakeasyDC's Valentine's Day party and had a spectacular time. The dress rehearsal was my first encounter with the group, and we agreed that I'd play intro and exit music for all the speakers before hitting the decks for the party.

The evening of the show is one I won't forget. The emcee was engaging and the performers were incredibly compelling, giving the audience an authentic slice of their life. I really enjoyed playing my small part in their act and during the dance I enjoyed chatting with a few of the speakers who approached my table.

The event turned out very well and I really enjoyed my window into this great organization. I'll be sure to seek them out again.

-Dan Bloom
"GlowStik" www.twitter.com/GlowStikMusik

Loved 'Logic, luck and love'. I thought it was really really great.

I have attended several SpeakEasy performances and was absolutely in love with each and every performer! Their stories are so wonderful and heartfelt. Tears of joy and sadness all at once. I would recommend SpeakEasy to anyone who is looking for a night out that is a little bit different. Something that is not so....predictable. Something that can be enjoyed by a diverse crowd. Love love love the SpeakEasy!

This is a great organization that brings a wide variety of neat and diverse shows to the D.C. cultural scene. The shows are affordable, too! A great way to have a fun night out without breaking the bank! Great performers and it seems like there is always a new show around the corner.

SpeakeasyDC put on a great show, to a grateful packed house. I can't wait to see what new things they get up to!

SpeakeasyDC is great! We've been to 3 of their shows and loved every one. They have done great stuff for the DC fringe festival and we just went to their valentines day show called "Logic, Luck, and Love". SpeakeasyDC is a wonderful addition to the DC theater scene!

This was my first experience with Speakeasy DC and my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was very entertaining and well put together. I would definitely go to another show.

I've been to a number of Speakeasy Events now and have always enjoyed my experience. With creative themes, every event is always well organized and extremely entertaining! I always leave wanting to hear more stories from all the talented story tellers!

I absolutely LOVE Speakeasy DC. It's fun, original, and inspiring. The storytellers are SO talented and I hate it when I miss a show. I've shown countless people YouTube videos, and I hope they are around to perform for a LONG time.

I thought it was a great show! Thanks.

I also liked how the actors performed.

Superb!!!!! thank you and i will definatly come again

always something new and different - never a disappointment.

Awesome performances - you can't beat their organization, operation and fun times!

Great organization for helping people express themselves via open mics, classes/workshops, etc. Had an enjoyable time at my first event and will likely volunteer and participate.

These folks put on an awesome, awesome show. It made my week.

Outstanding organization in giving everyday people a voice with their stories that are both entertaining and enriching for all.

Excellent show from top to bottom, left to right. What a perfect night. One of many I've had at SpeakEasyDC. I expect more (sorry, but you've set the bar).

What is SpeakEasy DC? Sounds like it should be easy to speak about it---right? SpeakEasy DC is meaningful to people in many different ways. For some, it is a venue to easily meet new people and to speak freely. For others it is a class room where they can learn to speak more easily in front of others. And for others still, it is a cozy spot around the fire---a connection to the primeval being in all of us, who thrives on the spoken word---listening to the history of our everyday lives. More importantly, what is SpeakEasy DC for you?

I work at a DC museum and we have had fantastic experiences with SpeakeasyDC. They presented a program at one of our annual festivals, recruiting speakers and training storytellers. It was the most meaningful part of the program last year and was extraordinarily moving. We can't wait to work with them again!

Went to see Logic, Luck and Love and was blown away. All this from a Non-Profit! Love the Arts.

I think that Speakeasy DC offers a unique spontaneous gathering for ordinary people to share stories from their lives. I've been so impressed by the diversity in paths of life, origin, age, and comedic talent of the storytellers and the audience support. I've not yet become a storyteller, but I hope to one day. I'm looking for the right word that combines the energy and relaxation that one night at Speakeasy gives me for a whole week. Sort of a mind massage.

I just started getting involved with SpeakEasy DC taking the 101 class. It's a great way for people to come together and share stories and, for those of us who want to write professionally, to develop ideas with an audience. The live Speakeasy events are wonderful social gatherings that preserve the (thankfully) not lost art form of storytelling. A wonderful diversion from our overmediated world.

Love Speakeasy's open mic monthly performances. And bootcamp class and storytelling 101 and the people are the greatest.

I discovered Speakeasy last year and am hooked. This is a great forum for people from all different backgrounds to share their experience and tell their stories. The production quality is amazing! Once a month I attend their story and for the next week I discuss the tales with my coworkers. I couldn't imagine a better method for sparking dialogue between groups from various background. And no matter how serious the story, you walk away having learned something and usually laughing and smiling!

I listen to Speakeasy DC podcasts whenever I can, I've enjoyed their performances and have encouraged friends to take their classes. I'm thinking of diving in to a class, since my family complains about my storytelling skills. They are bringing back the ancient and wonderful art of storytelling in DC!

I absolutely love Speakeasy DC! I discovered it almost by accident at the beginning of last year and I have been enthralled ever since. This is for several reasons. First their open mic night pulsates with creativity, well put together stories and and a vibrant inclusive atmosphere. They try to have as many first time storytellers as possible so new people are always being encouraged to step out and try this art form.

They have an excellent coaching system. If you are going to be telling a story at their monthly event they offer an hours free but compulsory training. And that training is excellent! I like to think of it as sand in an oyster that produces tales that are pearls. Stephanie Garibaldi, the Education Director is the one who does the training (which is by phone) and she is encouraging and yet very wise in her comments.

Then they have classes. I took the twelve week advanced class last year that culminated in a production and the class was excellent. In addition to the core, very experienced team of teachers they brought in other storytelling professionals to make sure that each student got the maximum attention and help with their story. It was a well planned and well executed course that I recommend highly. (Indeed I would recommend, and have recommended al their courses.)

SpeakeasyDC also has continuing opportunites for the storytellers they train. They hold regular productions that are almost always sold out and a monthly storytelling salon for those who have been through their classes.

Amy Saiman and her team are to be congratulated for creating such a vibrant storytelling community among people who only recently were not even aware of the genre. And these people come from all walks of life - which is exciting in itself - because there is nothing quite like hearing someone's story to create a bond of understanding and acceptance with that person.

Amy has many exciting ideas to bring storytelling to different venues in DC - but of course the organization needs money to do this. I would so like to see them have access to more funds so that the work of creativity and forging bonds that they are involved in can be multiplied.

SpeakeasyDC makes a unique and valuable contribution to the arts in DC. I have attended at least 10 of their performances and each time, I find them both thought-provoking and funny. The quality of the performers is always very high, which is even more impressive considering that most are not professionals and some come straight out of the first-time storyteller classes offered by the organization. I look forward to enjoying many more Speakeasy performances in the years to come!

I love Speakeasy DC. They always put on great monthly shows, and their Valentine's show always brings tears to my eyes. It's a great treat to look forward to every month!

I've been to many Speakeasy DC shows and they're consistently excellent: sometimes funny, sometimes moving, but always thought-provoking and worth seeing. And all for the cost of a movie ticket: I think it's one of the best deals in DC.

Last night, I saw "Logic, Luck & Love" and it was one of the most unique (and true) performing arts showcases I've seen in a long, long time. Simple, direct, entertaining, moving and fun! I hope to see many more Speakeasy DC productions.

The performances are fabulous and very entertaining. They excel in storytelling.

Speakeasy is one of the best deals in town. I have enjoyed all of the performances I have attended and want to see more! Laughs and good times!

This theater consistently puts on wonderful shows. It is managed very well and always entertaining. They do a service to the community by letting regular people tell their stories.

I've been a fan of SpeakeasyDC's podcast for quite a while now, but last night I went to a live show for the first time. It was fantastic!

As a member of the DC LGBT community I have found it hard to find gay-friendly things to do in the city that are interesting, engaging, and sober... that is, until I found SpeakeasyDC. I am truly in love with SpeakeasyDC and all of its talented performers. I recently went to Logic, Luck and Love and had a great time. The stories that were told were honest, moving, hilarious, and, at times, even tearful. It was a great night out and well worth the ticket price. I will definitely be back for more stories!

Not only have I enjoyed Speakeasy's performances, but I encouraged a friend who has a gift for stories to join the group a couple years ago. Now he is a regular onstage Speakeasy performer and its a joy to be able to watch our friends share such art with audiences!

I've been to two SpeakEasy shows and have plans to attend as many more as my schedule will accommodate. I find their shows - and the videos I've watched online from shows I haven't been able to attend - highly entertaining, and a great artistic outlet for our community.

In addition to their shows, they also provide classes and great interactive opportunities for people who want to be storytellers.

I went and saw "Logic, Luck and Love" last night with some single girlfriends. None of us had Valentine's Day plans and were feeling sorry for ourselves. It ened up being the best Valentine's Day any of us ever had. The show was so fantastic, hilarious, heartbreaking... I look forward to seeing more shows from this incredibly talented group of people.

I first came across SpeakeasyDC about eight years ago. It was so exciting to find this incredible group of people who loved storytelling as much as I do. They inspired me to get up on stage and experience the most exciting and the most scary thing I had ever done. Amy Saidman is such a great leader and she continually inspires and encourages others. I hope that the group continues to be successful as they are a major benefit to the arts community and the community at large.

Saw "Logic, Luck, and Love" last night and absolutely loved it. I laughed uproariously for most of it, and found myself with tears in my eyes at a couple of moments. Both moving and fun and an all around great experience! Would absolutely recommend!

Watched their show two weeks ago, and was so impressed I went back to a different production of theirs just last night. Moving stories told by an inspiring community of story tellers. Keep up the amazing work.

I have thoroughly enjoyed every Speakeasy show I have ever been to. The stories are a great combination of humor, candor, and raw emotion, and it is impossible to leave a show without feeling uplifted. I moved away from the DC area in 2010 and I miss being able to take advantage of seeing these great shows! I would recommend them to anyone.

I went to my first SpeakeasyDC event last night with my husband. Both of us were blown away by the performances! I also love the fact that this organization serves the community through classes and regular open mic events. Thank you, SpeakeasyDC, for enriching the lives of those in the DC area.

Speakeasy showcases the real lives of real people- it allows a personal way of storytelling that is much more touching than what braodway tends to promote.

Ever since I first stumbled upon Speakeasy DC, I've rarely missed a show. Due to the efforts of this wonderful organization, I've listened to many ordinary people from my community tell extraordinary stories about the funny, sad, and profound moments in their lives. Now, when I walk down the street I realize that every person who passes me has some interesting story that I can relate to. Speakeasy DC has opened my eyes to this realization, which has made me a richer person and a much better listener to strangers and loved ones alike. Thank you Speakeasy DC!

I've been involved with SpeakeasyDC as an audience member, storyteller, teacher, and board member for more than 6 years. Every time I attend a show, I'm overwhelmed at the quality, and authenticity of the product. I don't think I'll ever get tired of being a part of this organization, or humbled at the amazing talents we continue to encounter.

I love going to Speakeasy DC events. They showcase wonderful stories! REAL LIFE STORIES! They empower the performers to tell their story. As an audience member, I feel as though I have received a special gift after going to each show. Their shows always give you a window into someone's life. Doing so creates tolerance and acceptance because you understand better people's lives.

I have been involved with SpeakeasyDC in some way, shape, or form for about three years now, and it has rarely disappointed. Not only have I gotten a lot out of volunteering, but I have gained friends who will last a lifetime.

SpeakeasyDC is one place I know I can come to to feel completely accepted and whole. Most of lthe people I've encountered in the organization are phenomenal.

Speakeasy is a fun, off-the-beaten path time in DC, each month featuring a menagerie of storytellers lending their experience--bittersweet or half that--to that month's theme. The storytellers are surprisingly polished (thanks in many cases to their storytelling classes), the rotating venues (and food 'n drink) excellent. DC is a funnier and funner place because of Speakeasy.

Speakeasy DC is a wonderful outfit on so many levels. I appreciate the opportunity it gives novice performers to find their inner voice and tell their true personal stories on stage. Everyone has a story, and Speakeasy DC, through its courses and open mic nights, provides a safe and nurturing setting allowing people to transform their experiences - joys, heartaches, et. al - into a resonant experience that anyone can relate to. In the process, Speakeasy has built a supportive community of storytellers that celebrates both individual uniqueness and universal truths. It's an organization that's truly changed my life.

I have not had the pleasure of watching Speakeasy on the "stage". I have spent hours with them outside of the venues and this group is genuine. I am a huge fan of Amy Saidman and Stephanie Chapman in particular. When I review their website or read reviews of past peformances (one which included a personal reference to me) I am stunned at how real and funny these individuals are.

I love the people I know, and enjoy those who are new to me. I feel blessed for the time I've had to share with them and they are truly wonderful!

I attended my first SpeakeasyDC event last night and was blown away with the quality of the art and the skill of the performers. I plan to attend many more shows, assuming the non-profit is able to stay in existence. A grant from Great Nonprofits would be a tremendous boon for SpeakeasyDC, as well as for the arts in Washington D.C. I hope to review many more of their performances for years to come.

Loved all of the love stories! Great way to spend valentines.

This is a fantastic organization, and not only have I enjoyed being a part of the audience, but I have also enjoyed performing. The audience is supportive and wonderful and this is truly an opportunity to let your VOICE be heard, tell a story, and connect on a human level with others. We need more of this in DC and the world actually! Please support this organization, it has done so much already and can do a lot more with more support.

Speakeasy DC is one the coolest and most unique art-forms D.C. has to offer. It's not often that we get the opportunity to dive into the minds and lives of others through spoken word. Hearing the stories and experiences of people we don't know bring us closer as a community. I love the connection I feel to human existence after attending one of Speakeasy DC's events!

I saw Logic, Luck, and Love Valentine's Day with my good friend. This was my first time seeing a story-telling show and it was fabulous! The cast completely were in the moment; the stories were artfully woven together with plenty of highs and lows to keep you interested. I will definitely be returning for another show. This is a real gem.

I first learned about Speakeasy DC by going to an open mic night and was amazed by the quality of story tellers, but more amazed by the sense of community created by Speakeasy. I decided to take a class and was hooked. As a educator, I found the classes helped me find my voice and have helped me communicate more effectively with my coworkers and students. Speakeasy DC has also created more opportunities for me to get involved in the local DC arts community.

I have been to several of their shows and they never fail to entertain. From comedy to drama, the stories easily keep my attention. In a way, they're similar to "This American Life", with more laughs.

Great performance... I bought The tickets as a surprise for My partner. She enjoyed The show and we have very special Valentines Day

I attended both their Saturday performance at Dance Space (2/12/11) and the combined storytelling performance at The Atlas (2/14/11) and both were incredibly touching and unique. I love the partnerships they've formed with smaller DC venues and feel an absolute joy from the audience after both shows.

I heard about them by going to one of their shows in DC. They chose an amazing space and the show and the vibe was totally first rate. Loved it. Now I have checked them out some more and hope to join in on their other activities. Good luck to them all.

Saw an awesome show! Will never be the same. Great Arts non-profit all about making accessable art.

I am one of those people that really do not like Valentine’s Day, one of those people who dread the holiday and the inevitable questions it brings up. However, this Valentine’s day, I embraced the jaded, and happily single, girl that I am, sucked it up and went out to a show.

Logic, Luck, and Love: A Valentine’s Day Special was shown at Atlas Performing Arts Center by SpeakeasyDC on February 14. This show featured a stage, four folding chairs, four storytellers, and an audience that provided an amazing laugh track. The four storytellers seemingly came from the diverse background: a straight, divorced, now single woman who had not given up herself or her hope, a lesbian women finding love in unsuspecting places, a gay man with the constant thought that there has to be something better out there for him, and a straight man jaded from his past of limited love. These four storytellers: each have their own story to share, and yet they all come together in a navigable approach. Moreover, the stories shared are not only told to the audience, but are felt by the audience. Young and inexperienced as I may be, I found myself relating to nearly every story in one way or another.

The beauty and tragedy of listening to stories about love is that it is unexplainable and yet everyone understands it, and not only that but everyone has probably lived it as well. While the audience listened to each tale, I’m sure, knowing the odds of seeing a show on H St., there were most likely an equal divide between straight men and women, gay men and women and probably a bunch of people somewhere in between. But it didn’t matter which storyteller happened to be sharing, we all had been there. Everyone in the audience had experienced that less-than-perfect kiss but convinced ourselves otherwise, we had all awkwardly hit on the prettiest person in the bar and settled for the second... or third, and we had all been ditched for someone else and made the wrong choice without knowing it until it was over, and I know we have all been created our own logic to disprove fate and explain why we always seemed to pull the short stick.

The very best thing about this Valentine’s Day show for me was the raw truth of it. Each storyteller put him or herself up on that stage and shared their lives with an audience of strangers. They shared their funniest moments of their love lives, they shared the little antidotes and details, and they shared their disappointments. The stories were not extraordinarily different or extreme in any way, but they were unique and their storytellers took ownership of them, and let them our in an eloquent and relatable style.

So, what began as my excuse of not NOT celebrating Valentine’s Day night, actually turned into a noteworthy and memorable experience. If SpeakeasyDC’s next show is anything like this one, I highly recommend attending.

SpeakeasyDC artfully brings the personal lives of the public through skillful storytelling. Perpetrating and enriching the oldest form of history, people in the Speakeasy community come together each month for to laugh and participate in something uniquely simple.

Speakeasy DC is a wonderful organization that encourages members of the community to share their compelling stories. Every month I look forward to the 2nd Tuesday so I can sit and listen to real stories from real people. People who are brave enough to put themselves on a stool behind a microphone in front of more than 100 people.

But Speakeasy helps to make sure they're prepared and ready by offering speaking lessons which teaches them how to convey their thoughts.

So often we rely on movies and youtube clips to entertain us, but it's stories like those told at Speakeasy which bring us back to the real world, and help us feel closer to our community.

The thing about Speakeasy DC is that it is a community event that does something very well that involves very little technology: storytelling. For two hours each month, people volunteer to share personal stories and keep us enthralled without music, special effects, iphones, or any other gadgetry. Your story rises (or falls on its face) based on the strength of your voice, humor, and craft. There really is nothing else like it. I have seen this venue grow and become successful over the past three years because of the hard work of its leadership. One of these days, I may actually have the balls to tell a story myself!

SpeakeasyDC offers great events! I have been to many storytelling nights and parties and fundraisers over the last few years, and have always had a blast. There are so many talented storytellers who tell interesting, touching, funny, and amazing stories in a lively, engaging way.

SpeakeasyDC taught me how to tell stories and has become an important part of my life. I've met amazing people and learned a wealth of knowledge. In a city that can often be cold and distant, SpeakeasyDC shows heart.

This was the first time I came to see Speakeasy, and I was extremely delighted and entertained!

The art of storytelling is a lost one, and I'm glad to see Speakeasy revitalize and continue the artform. I look forward to attending many future performances. Well done.

Every SpeakeasyDC show I've been to has entertaining, well-done, and cutting edge. The performers and audience are diverse, representing different backgrounds and parts of DC. SpeakeasyDC is a great example of a home-grown institution that has grown thoughtfully and remains true to its purpose.

When I first heard about SpeakeasyDC-- a storytellers collective that (currently) holds monthly open mic nights at gay club, Town Danceboutique, I thought I was dreaming. Storytelling is a unique art that allows people to share creatively and authentically in a way that other on-stage art forms rarely do. SpeakeasyDC provides a great service to the greater Washington DC community by giving people a platform on which to unleash their voice, offering classes for people to hone and grow their authentic voice, entertaining the masses in a poignant way, and perhaps above all, bringing people together through real connection. They run a tight ship that is a true value to me and you. SpeakeasyDC: Try it. You'll like it.

Speakeasy DC truly is an amazing organization that puts on these great storytelling evenings. I've gone to them intermittently over the last six years and they never disappoint. People share personal stories that are compelling and often funny. There's a different theme every month so you really get a great variety of stories and storytellers. A great experience!

I've taken a class, I've told stories at the events, I've volunteered, I've partied, you name it! This is a great organization that does what storytelling does best -- create community, spark the imagination and value individual point of view.

SpeakeasyDC is the best! I've been attending performances since the beginning, and I have been impressed with the professionalism of the organization, the community-minded events, and the sheer fun of the performances. SEDC is my favorite DC arts organization...

I don't know of another venue quite like this one... people share brutally honest, often times hilarious stories in front of a crowd. The performers allow themselves to be completely vulnerable in an effort to entertain (an always supportive) crowd.

The spirit is fun, the people are great, and the locale is perfect. Love the first Tuesday of every month because of SpeakeasyDC.

Speakeasy DC brings such a diverse and eclectic group of people together once a month where the venue offers a safe place to open up and share stories with one another - both educating each other AND reminding us all of the similarities we have.

The crowd is always eager to support and please and management of Speakeasy is very professional and organized. The fact that its not just an open-mic venue, but a place where you have to rehearse and get coached in your sharing of your story really makes a difference in the quality of performances you get.

The venue is a great location and the event always starts promptly and ends promptly - two things that are must's on a school night!

This is a great organization! I went to my first show, although I'd watched some performances online, and all of the storytellers were great. Their stories were funny and poignant and thoroughly entertaining. Good, cheap fun, and, I must say, a LOT better than stand-up comedy. I love stories - hearing them and telling them. I intend to take a storytelling class through Speakeasy, and will definitely attend another show, and tell my friends about it.

They put on a great show which highlights many local individuals. They craft a story which is supposed to captivate and translate their personal experiences- and that's just what the presenter does. I love this organization!

Speakeasy DC presents a unique and important offering to the DC performing arts scene. I enjoy their monthly showcases so much that it's a recurring appointment on my calendar!

I can't say enough about SpeakeasyDC. From its prescient topics to its creation of communities around the act of telling stories, SpeakeasyDC provides our city with the opportunity to explore the lost art of story telling in a time of increasing social disconnectedness.

Speakeasy is such an amazing experience. I am heartened to see the revival of storytelling, especially when the stories are told so well. Common human themes are exposed and discussed at each monthly show, reminding all of us that we are not so different. No to mention I have so much fun at Speakeasy!

Speakeasy's storytelling classes are fun, affordable, and incredibly rewarding. Some students take classes to improve their writing skills, others to improve their public speaking skills. Some apply what they learn professionally, others are looking for a personal creative outlet. Whatever their motivation for taking a class, I've yet to meet anyone who doesn't emerge satisfied and wanting more. And Speakeasy's Open Mic nights and other performances are always a blast. Every time I introduce a new friend, they bring five new friends the next month!

Better than therapy! I learned so much about myself while I learned how to tell a story. The class I took really changed my perspective on storytelling. I highly recommend everyone to take a class from the fabulous teachers at Speakeasy DC, then try your hand at storytelling in a great environment.

Fantastic organization. It's monthly shows are meaningful as well as entertaining; It works well with other organizations; and it embraces its community by offering excellent classes and support for developing the art and craft of personal storytelling.

The open mic nights are outstanding! Every story tight and funny! Very imaginative. What's truely wonderful about this organization is it includes regular people. Anyone that can tell a story can participate. They professionally coach the participants as well. The talent also incompasses Emmy Award winning journalists and professional writers. The price of the ticket is reasonable. The audience is like family. It's a great night out.

My wife and I discovered the group a few years ago, and have seen them grow. The events are a lot of fun.

I have been to a couple of SpeakeasyDC's events and found them to be wonderfully entertaining and well-organized. The staff is energetic and excited about the work they are doing and this comes across. I'm looking forward to signing up for one of their storytelling workshops soon.

I was so excited the first time I came to a SpeakeasyDC event 3 years ago. I had been searching throughout DC for a community in which I could share my stories and humor. The open-mike comedy venues were not as welcoming and lacked individuality. When I came to my first SEDC event, I knew I had found my home. The audience is so welcoming; appreciating creativity and personal stories rather than a quick joke. I attended a few shows and then began performing. Performing with SEDC has been so much more rewarding than performing in comedy venues. Developing and delivering a story is an enriching experience where you learn something about yourself and get a chance to share a fascinating tale with others. SEDC's coaches are talented and generous. Every story I have put together has been greatly improved through their guidance.
I have always been impressed with the leadership of the organization. They balance a professional tone with a vibrant energy which fosters stellar entertainment.

Speakeasy DC is a phenomenal organization! I love the open mics, the opportunity to take classes, and the way they collaborate with other wonderful organizations across the city.

I have been coming every month to DC speak easy for the past three years. I can't get enough. It is the best bargain as well. Where else do you find such compelling theater for only $10? Each month I am so impressed with the talent. The people who tell are of all ages and backgrounds. Where else would you hear such interesting little gems that you give you a glimpse into others lives? The stories are all true. Often the stories are hilarious but you never know when a story will catch you with such raw ache. Most of the friends that that come with us to experience such a great evening end up coming back again and again. The place is packed by 8:00. It is obvious the word is getting out about this wonderfully run event.

Best thing ever to happen to DC.
As a big fan of The Moth, when a friend told me about SpeakeasyDC. I was very excited. I went to one of their open mic nights at Town, and it was amazing. The organizers, the presenters, the story tellers, all outstanding. And... they offer Storytelling classes!
Great job guys.

I had a wonderful time at SpeakeasyDC's open mic night. The storytellers were entertaining and the drinks were great. I didn't partake in the food, but I heard that was good too. Great way to spend $10. I highly recommend it.

I had a most enjoyable time at my first SpeakEasy event last night. What a courageous group of folks who can get up and tell their stories in compelling, touching, humorous ways that captivate the audience fully. This could be very habit-forming!

Speakeasy DC does a fabulous job of getting area folks to tell their own true stories on stage. I attended Speakeasy's Open Mike for the first time yesterday evening, and I loved the atmosphere & the telling.

This organization is stellar! Everything about it rocks!
Great entertainment, education, community and heart!

Launched many years ago, SpeakEasyDC took over the flailing Washington Storytellers Theater and made it a vibrant community arts organization that engages, inspires, and educates people about the art of storytelling. I became involved several years ago when I first heard about its monthly Tuesday open mic storytelling and fell in love with this engaging and primal art form. Amy Saidman, the president, and the core leadership team and volunteers engaged in a guerrilla marketing campaign while professionalizing the services the organization provides to the public such that the storytellers who emerge from a SpeakeasyDC training course become fantastic storytellers.

SpeakeasyDC is a forum for people to share stories about their lives and experiences. It's great performance art and a great place for people to learn their voice.

Ever have a great story, but struggle when you start telling it? You start rambling and you see everyone's eyes glaze over.

SpeakeasyDC has helped me-- and many others-- just figure out how to interact better with others. Their classes are excellent and their performances are great, culling stories from a true cross-section of the city.

SpeakeasyDC is dedicated to ordinary people and orginary life. This organization has truly created a community for people.

SpeakeasyDC his a wonderful organization that helps regular people get out their stories and perform them and really makes a great contribution to the DC area, since there is no other organizations like it.

I've never met anyone who didn't enjoy going to a SpeakeasyDC event. They are literally for every type of person. Hearing other people tell their true, personal and usually hilarious personal stories is familiar, easy and fun. But SpeakeasyDC events aren't just about being an audience member -- they are social and fun. It's a great way to meet people and a great date night. There's always something to talk about -- what did you think of that story? Which one is your favorite? Has anything similar happened to you -- and always interesting people to talk to.
SpeakeasyDC also offers numerous classes so that anyone can learn to tell their story. I've taken their Storytelling Boot Camp, and it was both fun and informative.

Speakeasy DC is an amazing contribution to Washington DC and the entire MD/VA area, providing an open and encouraging space for people to tell their stories. Unlike bars and clubs, Speakeasy organizes fun gatherings of smart and friendly people who get together to share their vulnerabilities, their failures and successes. You don't have to drink. You don't have to look chic. You can go alone. It's affordable but also high quality. The storytelling classes are also great, even if you never want to get up on stage and perform a story yourself.

I like Speakeasy DC because the open mic nights are reliably filled with original, unpredictable, and thought-provoking stories. I can truthfully say I have laughed AND cried as a member of the audience. As a storyteller, I mostly just shook with nerves, but everyone in the organization was wonderfully supportive. Speakeasy DC works hard to preserve our priceless tradition of storytelling by keeping it current and accessible to today's speakers and listeners. No, I don't work for the organization - this is how I really feel!

I had a story that I just knew had to be shared. It was the kind of story that I like to entertain people with at cocktail parties. I knew it really, really well and I thought it was perfect. But... I was so far off the mark!

Enter SpeakeasyDC's amazing creative director, Amy Saidman. She showed me what the real anchor for my story was. Amy helped me increase the dramatic tension, add colorful details and keep the ball rolling, so it flowed together really well. She had specific questions that helped me clarify muddled points and sloppy transitions.

The end result is that my once 10-minute miniseries drama is now a trim, powerhouse of a 5-minute tale. She did it while respecting my own perspectives and opinions about my story, all the while opening me up to other ways of seeing it.

What a great experience!

I've been to see several of their shows and they're always good. The open mics are fun and low-stakes events. I saw them at Capital Fringe a few years ago, too- they brought a well-honed, funny, captivating, moving show to that.

Speakeasy DC is a fabulous organization for many reasons. There is nothing like it in DC. It provides an opportunity for people to share, create and listen to stories. Story telling is an old art that has been lost. Speakeasy DC is trying to bring this art form back which I believe is a great, creative and new idea!

SpeakeasyDC is dedicated to showing people how they can find art in their everyday lives through the skill of storytelling. This organization has truly created a community for people to connect and grow.

I am a performer who recently moved from NY to the DC area, and I found myself without a community of artists in the area so I attended speakeasy events. What I found wasn't just an arts organization, but organization that is about being inclusive. SEDC doesn't spends time developing new storytellers who aren;t professionals-- First-time performers are given a priority to get on stage-- this is new to me, because most the places i have performed have been about "who you know"-- so that Is we I admire how SEDC is committed to the community to grow performers, rather than just pick the ones that are already great.

I've taken classes, attended events and participated in shows with SpeakeasyDC. They are consistently well organized and engaging. I am routinely impressed with their commitment to bring storytelling entertainment and educational opportunities to the DC metro area.

Speakeasy DC is an incredible organization. All of my experiences with them have been positive. They have a great team and provide a really exception art experience in the Washington area.

Unique way of entertainment and socializing.
I feel the stories told by presenters bring a wonderful world of experience and excitement. What a great way to be entertained as most of the stories are amazing and funny.

It provides incredible entertainment along with reminders about how life can take unpredictable turns. Turns that both hurt and provide perspective on how to deal with unexpected events. It also pushes you to think about how you can relate to other people and makes everyone a bit more human as you watch and listen to others discuss innermost thoughts and feelings.

Speakeasy DC is the most un-Washington, inexpensive night out, jammed packed with fun. It is the perfect date or friends gathering place inside the Beltway. Their secret, is people being real, sharing a glimpse into their lives, and shows us the connection we all have being human and sharing this planet. The stories are 8 minutes or less, so on an average night (once a month) you generally hear 7 to 8 very different perspectives on life, sad, funny, triumph, heart ache, everything that makes life such a rich experience happens on their stage. The theme of the month shows the tellers' creativity in speaking to what happened from their unique perspective from a common human thread. Amy Saidman & Stephanie Garibaldi are wonderful hosts who pull a piece of the story at the end and give it a humorous spin before introducing the next teller. Town is a wonderful venue which adds to the evening’s experience. Nellie's sets up a buffet that is a hit or miss. Street parking is generally relatively easy to find or you can pay for gated parking behind Town. SpeakEasy now offers classes & workshops and the quality of the speakers is amazingly high. If you have not been you are truly missing one of DC hidden gems.

I've been a donor to SpeakeasyDC for more than five years now, and I've seen it grow from a small monthly gathering in a modest-sized jazz club to a vital community of people who still attend those ever-bgger monthly shows, but can also: attend classes to learn the craft themselves; pack Woolly Mammoth theater for special storytelling shows; and see the Moth's founder George Dawes Green talk about his work during another special event Speakeasy hosted.

What really impresses me about Speakeasy is that in a multicultural city where the cultures too often remain separate, it really is a place where all people come together -- and where every story gets told.

I have attended many of the Speakeasies over the years, and every time I am impressed with how well organized the event is, as well as how talented people in DC are. Some of my friends have been skeptical that they would enjoy listening to an entire evening of people they don't know telling stories, but when they come with me they have been blown away.

Speakeasy DC is a wonderful organization. I recommend this group to all of my friends and once I do they keep coming back for more.

“Speakeasy DC facilitated a storytelling workshop at my organization’s staff retreat, in October 2010. While I previously joked that convincing me not to tell stories is a greater feat, my skepticism was met head-on by engaging and talented staff who informed us about storytelling basics and encouraged us in our own storytelling. I truly believe that my colleagues and I walked away with improved communication skills and increased confidence, which will help us speak about our work and the value of our mission in a memorable and successful manner.” --Barbara Van der Vossen, Meridian Institute

Speakeasy DC helped my office (federal government) to begin to craft our office story, as well as stories for specific projects we have completed. We have more work to do, but Speakeasy DC got us off on the right foot and taught us skills we need to be able to market our services and show others why we are an integral part of our agency.

I’ve had the great opportunity to participate in a class, an open mic, and a performance workshop with Speak Easy DC and in each event I took away a whole difference set of skills and “tricks of the trade”. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone wanting to learn how to craft an engaging story and/or learn to perform your work on stage. Not only is the crafting processes enjoyable, but you will never find a more embracing and accepting audience to present your work than those that attend the Speak Easy shows. I truly believe that Speak Easy DC is an exceptional NGO that affords novices and practiced storytellers alike with the opportunity to share their stories and grow as artists.

The feedback from the college students who participated in the storytelling training was excellent. Of all the activities over the course of the weekend, the storytelling training received one of the highest average ratings. From what I can tell, it really gave students a way to bring their stories and their voices to the fore. Several of them shared their stories at our open mic on Saturday night. Their bravery in making themselves vulnerable definitely heightened the sense of community and the sense of what drives us a movement.

Taking the Storytelling 101 class was one of the best things I've ever done. Very talented and encouraging instructors helped us construct meaningful presentations of our true stories. I was taken by surprise by the feelings of connectedness that true storytelling brings about, and what a growing experience it was. I keep telling everyone I know to do this!

SpeakeasyDC provides me and others in the Washington, DC area with opportunities to understand people from a diversity of backgrounds. While I've always considered myself to be very open-minded, hearing about people's personal experiences has helped me recognize some of my prejudices about African-Americans, people who serve in military, homosexuals and people with physical disabilities. I really value the insight I've gained and try, when opportunities arise, to share what I've learned and to challenge stereotypes.

I'm about to take my second class with Speakeasy and I'm very excited. I learned so much on the first go around and many of my fellow classmates ended up telling their fantastic stories at open mic. What an entertaining evening...I laughed, I cheered, I cried and I can't wait to go back again!

after years of watching my husband on stage I finally took the plunge and performed with Speakeasy back in May 2009. It was an amazing experience that allowed me to bond with others on a creative level while tapping into my own (long-lost) creative self!...so much fun!

Speakeasy is one of my favorite parts of DC. They're genuinely committed to fostering opportunities for people to tap into and share their own personal stories. Bootcamps, workshops, open mics, special events - whether you want to tell your story or hear other people tell theirs, SpeakeasyDC is made up of kind, supportive people who want to see you succeed. Love them!

I came across SpeakeasyDC 4 years ago and have performed in the their stage many times. SpeakeasyDC gave me the opportunity to craft my stories and perform them and to improve my skills in a safe and contained environment, it provided me with a space that I could not find anywhere else in the DC area. There is nothing like SpeakeasyDC in the whole Washington area. Everytime I invited someone to one of the events where I performed they loved it and everyone always leaves the show in a great mood, and what's best people talk about it later. SpeakeasyDC moreover, reaches out to artists of all types and diversity and gives them an opportunity to express themselves.

The stories are wonderful. I have always been entertained when I have gone to a Speakeasy show. The shows always highlights the best of DC's talent, and Speakeasy represents the true diversity of DC.

Speakeasy is a wonderful organization that brings community together in a meaningful, positive way. Many arts and education programs are directed at youth or senior populations. It's great to have something that draws a range of adults from a cross-section of the city.

I began attending the SpeakeasyDC events when a friend invited me, and I have been hooked since. A supportive community, wonderful heartfelt expressions of highly personnel stories, a venue unlike any other in DC. I have come to truly appreciate the unique space that the SpeakeasyDC team has been able to create.

The Valentine's Day 'Sucker for Love' Speakeasy was part of a day of events my boyfriend planned for Valentine's Day and it was such a fun way to spend the evening! The night was full of hilarious stories ("Jesus kept crawling into bed with us!"), entertaining realizations ("I was the DUFF!"), and even sad times of the storytellers' love lives. The variety made the night run smoothly without a dull moment. I would definitely attend another Speakeasy!

Speakeasy DC is definitely in my top 5 DC cultural activities. Over the past few years, I've brought many friends to their monthly performances and special events and everyone always has a great time while learning to open up and to listen. The stories told are truly genuine, original, and heartfelt. They leave the listener inspired to find and tell his/her own story and to open his/her mind to the experiences of strangers. I rarely miss a Speakeasy event if I can help it and feel that attending truly opens my eyes to understanding the DC community.

I recently attended the SpeakeasyDC production of "Sucker for Love," and absolutely loved it. The storytellers made the audience laugh, cry, but more importantly, it made everyone think. This was my first SpeakeasyDC event, but definitely won't be my last!

Fantastic! I just became aware of SpeakeasyDC this winter and I have fallen in love with it. Their recent "Sucker for Love" show was a classic and I'm looking forward to seeing more of their shows.

Every month I look forward to SpeakeasyDC's events! As someone who recently moved to DC, it's given me a great opportunity to connect with people in the area, and hear their stories. I love the livewire stories at the end of each open mic, and wish more people had the courage to tell their stories!

This group doe a tremendous service to the Metro DC area. Not only do they provide tremendous performances based on real life of everyday people. They give classes and workshops to help people in all walks of life learn to tell their own story. In our day of quick everything.. they take the time to help everyday people and professionals look inside themselves and really communicate on a very human level. Our history is our future in many ways and they help us remember it, and communicate it!

I've taken the storytelling 101 class as well as performed at open mic nights. It's a great organization that adds a unique and amazing addition to the DC culture/arts/performance scene.

This was our first experience with SpeakeasyDC and we had a blast. We were invited by friends to attend and it was standing room only. The performers were hilarious. It was a combination of great story telling and stand up comedy. Each performer had honed their skill so it was truly a pleasure to listen and watch the performance. There were no "ums" and "ahs" as all were excellent at the craft of story telling. If they were nervous, it did not show. The theme of Valentines Day for sucker stories ranged from love unspoken to stalker love, to sexy love ("wrong hole, wrong hole") to the most wonderful of all - true love. The venue was great. A little bit of a dive, but thankfully NO smoking. We did not come home reeking which is always a pleasure. We will attend again and look forward to the next show!!

I'm amazed by all the local talent that come out to tell their stories each month. It was really evident when they had a show featuring guest performers from NYC one time. I was anticipating it to be awesome because they were from NYC and all... but by the end of the evening, I thought the DC crew by far blew them away.