Storytellers from throughout the region will face off with their best true stories at Massmouth’s championship finale, the Big Mouth Off, Thursday, May 10 at the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square. This year’s finalists, who have advanced through multiple rounds of competition, will tell true stories on everything from belligerent birthday boys to parental online dating to near-death experiences in their quest to be named Big Mouth Off champion.

The Big Mouth Off, now in its 9th year, is Boston’s longest-running storytelling championship and is organized by Massmouth, a Boston-based nonprofit that promotes the art of storytelling. Massmouth hosts a variety of shows throughout the city, including Stories from the Stage at WGBH. In 2017, Stories from the Stage, co-produced by Massmouth and World Channel, became a national television show featured on PBS.

Storytellers qualify for the Big Mouth Off by competing at one of Massmouth’s popular story slams held October to March at Club Passim or Trident Booksellers. They enter the contests by sharing a true, 5-minute story on various monthly themes, ranging from “Party Foul,” to “Photo Finish.” The winners advance to semi-finals slams, and the victors – who emerge from a field of over a hundred tellers – join the Big Mouth Off. This year’s finalists include both seasoned and first-time tellers and represent diverse voices – a graduate student, photo archivist, and cycling instructor, among others.

“The Big Mouth Off celebrates the truth that we all have amazing stories to share,” said Cheryl Hamilton, Massmouth Director. “The tellers on May 10th made our slam audiences laugh, cry, cheer, and gain the courage to tell their own stories. We are excited to feature the best of the best; there is certainly a story for everyone.”

The Big Mouth Off begins at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased through the Somerville Theatre website (somervilletheatre.com) or at bit.ly/2qh4l56. Visit massmouth.org for more details.

About Massmouth:

Massmouth is a Boston-based non-profit organization that promotes the timeless art of storytelling. Its community partners include WGBH, Club Passim, Trident Booksellers & Café, City Winery, and the International Institute of New England.