WILDCARD JANUARY
WILDCARD: A Live Storytelling Open Mic
Presented by In a Nutshell Storytelling
WILDCARD is our monthly storytelling open mic and story swap—an intentionally welcoming, low-pressure place to try telling a true, personal story out loud in front of real humans.
This isn’t stand-up.
This isn’t a competition.
And you don’t have to be “good” yet.
WILDCARD exists so storytellers can practice, experiment, flail a little, learn what works, and get more comfortable being seen. Some people come to tell a story for the first time. Others come to test new material, stretch their storytelling muscles, or work toward longer sets at In a Nutshell and beyond.
Each night includes:
🎤 An open mic storytelling portion (names drawn from the NOT HAT)
⭐ A featured storyteller
🧡 A supportive audience that wants you to succeed
☕ A cozy, casual vibe at Old Soul at the Alley (with sips and nibbles!)
Stories are true, personal, and told without notes. They can be funny, heartfelt, awkward, or surprisingly beautiful. 6-8ish minutes is perfect. Perfection is not required.
WILDCARD is hosted by Keith Lowell Jensen, with Amy Bee as storyteller-in-residence, and produced by the In a Nutshell team. We’re building a real, in-person storytelling community here in Sacramento, and you’re invited to be part of it—whether you tell a story or just come listen.
Come put your name in the NOT HAT.
Or come cheer for the people brave enough to do it.
Either way, you belong here.