Body Politic: Call for Submissions for Live Storytelling

CLOSED FOR SUBMISSIONS. We’re sifting through all the wonderful story pitches now. If you submitted, you’ll hear from us within a month.

Bellevue Literary Review is producing a live storytelling event on the theme of the “Body Politic.” We are seeking true, personal stories about the fraught intersection of the body, healthcare, and society.

You might not think of yourself as a storyteller, but you do not need any experience! We encourage people of all backgrounds to submit a two-minute recorded pitch.

Last year’s storytelling event (produced with The Nocturnists) was a smashing success, with tickets selling out in 24 hours. We’re expecting another exciting show this year, on November 16th in NYC.

You do not need to have any previous writing or performance experience. Submit a two-minute recorded pitch; it does not have to be a finished piece, but do give us a sense of what the story is about and how the experience affected you. 

What we’re looking for:

Tell us about a time when your body, appearance, health, or wellbeing: 

• • • changed your relationship to the world

    • changed the world’s relationship to you

    • clashed with society’s norms and laws

    • forced you to confront a system or break a rule

These stories could come from:

• • • your personal world

    • your work world

    • someone else’s world, or society more broadly, as you experienced it personally (how it changed you or your perspective)

Recording your two-minute pitch:

• • • put your energy, personality, emotions, and sense of humor into the recording

    • let us know where the story starts, what happens, and how it ends

    • make sure there is at least one detailed scene, where an event unfolds in continuous action

If selected, you will work with a professional storytelling coach to prepare your story (and you!) for the stage over the course of several months. You must commit to:

• • • a coaching process where you will explore, edit and develop your story

    • a mandatory in-person rehearsal a few days prior to the show

    • telling the story, in-person, at the show on November 16, 2024 in New York City

If you have any questions or are experiencing technical difficulties, please feel free to reach out to us at info@blreview.org.