A GrandSLAM is what happens after a year of open mics: every person on stage already won a room, and now they get five minutes, no notes, no props, and a Williamsburg crowd holding its breath. Ophira Eisenberg — a Moth veteran and longtime NPR host — keeps the night moving between stories that swing from very funny to genuinely devastating, sometimes inside the same five minutes. If you have only heard The Moth through a podcast feed, the live championship round is a different animal entirely an
What to expect
Storytellers take the Music Hall stage one at a time with a mic and nothing else, scored by judging teams seated in the audience. The night runs about two hours with a break, and the room is standing and seated general admission. Expect laughter, a few tears and a genuinely competitive final tally.
Good to know
- L to Bedford Ave leaves a three-minute walk to the venue on N 6th St
- Doors open an hour before stories begin; seating is first-come and not guaranteed
- Arrive at least ten minutes early — late admission is not guaranteed
- All ages, but anyone under 16 needs an accompanying adult
- Stories are unscripted and can go to dark places; not a kids' night out
- Bedford Avenue's bars and restaurants make it an easy pre-show dinner stop
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Common questions
What is a GrandSLAM?
It's the championship round where winners of The Moth's monthly StorySLAM open mics compete against each other for the season title.
Are the stories rehearsed or read?
Storytellers work without notes. The stories are true, told from memory, and held to a five-minute frame.
Is seating assigned?
No. Music Hall of Williamsburg is general admission, first-come first-served, so arriving early gets you a better spot.
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