When writer George Dawes Green founded The Moth in 1997, he wanted to recreate the feel of warm, story-filled evenings on a porch in Georgia — the kind where moths would flit toward the light while friends shared pieces of their lives. That spark has evolved into a storytelling phenomenon that spans the globe. Today, The Moth operates in cities across multiple continents, and among its most vibrant outposts is right here in Ann Arbor.
Gabriel Szajnert, an Associate Producer at The Moth since early 2023, oversees a range of programming, from global Mainstage productions to intimate StorySLAMs in cities including Ann Arbor. And for Szajnert, Ann Arbor is no ordinary stop on the tour.
“Ann Arbor stands out because of how consistent and passionate the audience is,” Szajnert said. “It’s one of the only cities where we’ve expanded beyond the monthly shows because the demand is just that high. The audience really shows up for these stories.”
A dream turned global movement
The origins of The Moth are humble and poetic: just a living room gathering of friends in New York, led by a Southern writer longing for the storytelling traditions of home. But as word spread, so did the power of storytelling.
“The Moth was founded by George Dawes Green,” Szajnert said. “He wanted to recreate the vibe of late nights back home in Georgia, where friends would gather on the porch and share stories while moths flew toward the light. It started small and slowly grew into a global storytelling movement.”
Today, The Moth boasts monthly StorySLAMs in 28 cities, with marquee names like New York, London, and Melbourne among them. But Ann Arbor — a city with a population under 130,000 — punches well above its weight in storytelling power.
The magic of Michigan Theater
That storytelling magic was on full display at the most recent Mainstage event held at the Michigan Theater — a sold-out spectacle that didn’t even need a lineup announcement to fill the room.
“That show was something special,” Szajnert said. “We actually sold it out before we even announced the lineup, which says a lot about the trust Ann Arbor audiences have in The Moth. They show up ready to listen, no matter who’s on stage. The energy really lifts the storytellers and makes the whole night feel electric.”
Adding to the enchantment was a delicious surprise from Zingerman’s, which partnered with The Moth to provide 1,600 brownie bites and a Reuben Sandwich Kit giveaway — details that anchored the event firmly in the flavor of Ann Arbor.
“Zingerman’s is an Ann Arbor institution, and we were honored to partner with them,” Szajnert said. “People were literally coming back out into the lobby for seconds. That kind of local flavor added warmth and community to an already unforgettable night.”
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A decade of local stories
Ann Arbor’s relationship with The Moth goes back more than a decade. Monthly StorySLAMs have been hosted here since 2011, held at The Blind Pig — a cozy venue known for its live music and now, its live stories.
“We’ve been doing monthly SLAMs in Ann Arbor for over ten years,” Szajnert said. “Since then, we’ve added GrandSLAMs and Mainstages. The community keeps growing, and we’ve been lucky to grow with it.”
Each StorySLAM has a theme and an open invitation. Anyone in the audience can toss their name into the hat for a chance to tell a true, five-minute story. The vibe is supportive, welcoming and often transformative.
Upcoming Ann Arbor events
The Moth’s Ann Arbor StorySLAMs continue at The Blind Pig throughout the summer and into fall. Each event centers around a theme designed to spark both wit and vulnerability. Upcoming dates include:
- Tuesday, August 19 – Theme: Lies
- Tuesday, September 2 – Theme: Underdog
These events are low-pressure, high-reward experiences — ideal for seasoned storytellers and first-timers alike.
“It’s a great entry point if you’ve never told a story before,” Szajnert said. “Artists, students, teachers, retirees, folks who’ve never touched a mic before — if your story is true and personal, you belong.”
A partnership that amplifies local voices
One reason for The Moth’s success in Ann Arbor is the strong support it receives from public radio. Through a partnership with Michigan Public, the open-mic StorySLAM series gets boosted visibility and community reach.
“Michigan Public is a media partner on our StorySLAMs at The Blind Pig,” Szajnert said. “These partnerships help us elevate local voices, and we’re proud to work together toward that shared mission.”
That local-to-national connection is further cemented by The Moth Radio Hour, which is presented by PRX and airs on over 560 public radio stations — many of which are NPR affiliates. It’s one of the key ways The Moth bridges grassroots storytelling with a global audience.
Building empathy, one story at a time
But The Moth isn’t just about applause or polished performances. At its heart, it’s a human project — a platform where stories remind us that we’re more alike than different.
“The Moth isn’t just about getting on stage with a microphone,” Szajnert said. “It’s about listening, connecting and recognizing that everybody has a story worth telling. Our goal is to build empathy, one story at a time.”
And build it they have — in theaters, clubs, classrooms and earbuds around the world. But especially in Ann Arbor, where storytelling has found not only a stage, but a devoted, dynamic community.
Who is the moth for?
The beauty of The Moth is its universal appeal. You don’t need to be a performer, a writer, or even a confident speaker. All you need is a story from your life and the willingness to share it.
“The Moth is for anyone who’s ever thought, ‘I have a story, but I’m not sure how or where to tell it,’” Szajnert said. “If you like stories that make you laugh, cry, or think about your own life in a new way, you’ll probably feel right at home.”
That ethos — open, democratic, human — is what keeps the moths flying toward the light, year after year, story after story.
Want to experience The Moth in Ann Arbor?
Visit themoth.org for upcoming events and ticket information, or head to The Blind Pig on a Tuesday evening to hear — or tell — the story of a lifetime.
Whether you’re in the audience or on the mic, there’s a place for you at The Moth.
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
