By Ash Radonski

The air crackled with anticipation at the Milwaukee-based Next Act Stage as people gatheredย  at Ex Fabulaโ€™s “Missed Connections” StorySlam. Hosted by David Lee and Tom Kertscher, a sense of levity was brought to the stage. The evening promised a unique blend of personal narratives and shared experiences.ย 

The stage, adorned with captivating lighting, set the scene for an intimate and engagingย  performance. Before the show began, the room buzzed with conversation, a testament to theย  event’s ability to foster community creating an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie. Theย  diversity of the crowd reflected the event’s theme: to bring together people from all walks ofย  life to share their stories and connect on a deeper level.ย 

As the lights dimmed and the stage lights illuminated the speakers, a hush fell over theย  audience. Nine brave storytellers took the stage, each weaving tales of missed opportunities,ย  unexpected encounters, and the enduring impact of human connection. Among theย  captivating narratives were stories by Nancy B, Abbey Osborn, Katelyn Nye, Chaya Milchtein,ย  Katherine Zilka, Bailey Nixen, Wayne Hickson, Barbara Leigh, and Christine Kuramoto. Theirย  stories ranged from the humorous to the poignant, exploring the complexities of humanย  relationships, and the power of chance encounters.ย 

One storyteller recounted a missed flight that unexpectedly led to a relaxing afternoon in aย  hot tub, while another shared the story of a chance meeting at a bike race that blossomedย  into a lifelong marriage. A poignant tale of love and loss was shared by an elderly woman in aย  wheelchair, moving the audience to tears. Another storyteller, a recent heart surgery survivor,ย  recounted finding solace and unexpected companionship at a lesbian bar, highlighting theย  resilience of the human spirit and the power of community.ย 

The “Missed Connections” theme resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. In a worldย  often characterized by division and isolation, the event served as a powerful reminder of ourย  shared humanity and the importance of connecting with one another on a deeper level. Theย  stories shared that night were not just personal anecdotes; they were reflections of theย ย universal human experience, exploring themes of love, loss, hope, and resilience.ย 

Beyond the compelling narratives, the event provided a platform for diverse voices andย  perspectives. Two American Sign Language interpreters were provided by a sponsoringย  agency, Professional Interpreting Enterprise, Inc. (PIE, Inc). PIE, Inc ensured accessibility forย  deaf audience members, highlighting the organization’s commitment to inclusivity andย  ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to participate fully in the storytelling experience.

The event was not just about listening to stories; it was about creating a shared experience,ย  fostering community, and celebrating the power of human connection. The laughter, theย  tears, and the moments of profound silence that touched the evening were a testament toย  the transformative power of storytelling.ย 

As the final story concluded, a profound sense of excitement filled the air. When Katelyn Nyeย  was announced as the winner and “royally crowned”, a roar of applause erupted from theย  audience. The announcement also came with an exciting bonus: Katelyn will be performingย  at the season’s culminating ALL STARS storytelling event! Ex Fabulaโ€™s “Missed Connections” StorySlam was a resounding success, reminding us that even in our most disconnectedย  moments, we are all connected by the shared human experience.ย 

If these stories resonate with you, imagine the impact you can have by sharing your own.ย  Join Ex Fabula at the next StorySlam and discover the power of your voice. You might beย  surprised at the connections you make and the stories you uncover.