Just as spring has started to debate whether to take off its winter coat, Ex Fabula hosted its second All Ages StorySlam of Season 15 at the Interchange Theater, featuring the theme of Choices! The Interchange Theater is a cooperatively run and community-operated improv theater located downtown near the Milwaukee Public Library Central Branch. Ex Fabula previously hosted the Best Day Ever StorySlam at the venue back in Season 14, and we were glad to be back to hear stories on the sometimes challenging (but often rewarding!) task of making choices- no matter how old we are.

My favorite part of an All Ages StorySlam is the opportunity for intergenerational, pair stories. Jeff Mosser and his daughter detailed their story of dressing up as Medusa for a recent Halloween. “Ooos” and “awhs” rippled throughout the audience. Sarah Beth Nelson and her daughter, Virginia, recounted a hiking trip that ended in thunder and lightning—they thought about turning around but chose to continue anyway. Dad to the rescue!

Phillip Ish’s first time on Ex Fabula’s stage reminded us that eating a whole pack of Oreos in a snowstorm is a choice…but a good one!

The Ex Fabula-staff graced the Interchange stage that Saturday afternoon, a rare occasion for us. We often find ourselves behind the scenes, planning, creating, and putting on the shows you all know and love.

Megan McGee hopped on stage, detailing her daughter’s decisions to put together a creative, colorful outfit for today’s event. Alea McHatten chose to hold on to library books a little too long, which led to a temporary ban on her borrowing abilities. Alea now chooses digital loans, which don’t require anyone to remember to return them.

First-time storyteller Marissa Cudworth dug deep and asked the audience if they knew that terrified, stomach-turning feeling when you’re about to make a difficult choice. For her, that’s a sign to jump in and choose what scares her.

The All-Ages Choices StorySlam was a beautiful afternoon, exemplifying a community that prevails across generational differences. So much love to our venue partners at Interchange Theater; Ex Fabula loves hosting events at your space. See you soon!