Fort Collins Story Swap Event Returns November 6 at Lyric Cinema
The Lyric Cinema will host its monthly Story Swap storytelling event November 6 at 6:30 p.m., offering Northern Colorado residents an opportunity to share personal narratives in an open-mic format.
The live storytelling hour allows anyone in attendance to share stories without pre-screening, with participants selected randomly from names drawn from a hat. Storytellers are asked to limit their narratives to eight minutes or less and relate them to the evening's monthly theme.
The event costs $5 and takes place at The Lyric Cinema, located at 1209 N College Ave in Fort Collins.
Story Swap is a local adaptation of a national storytelling tradition, with similar events held across the United States modeled after programs like The Moth storytelling series. The Lyric has hosted these monthly gatherings for several years, typically drawing between 20 to 60 participants per event.
The format aims to create an inclusive community space where experienced storytellers and first-time performers can share authentic, personal stories with local audiences. Monthly themes vary to encourage broad participation and multiple interpretations.
The Lyric recently expanded accessibility offerings by launching daily open caption matinées October 30, providing screenings for deaf and hard of hearing moviegoers beyond federal requirements.
The independently owned theater, operated by Ben Mozer since 2007, moved to its current purpose-built facility on North College Avenue in 2016. The venue features three indoor theaters, one outdoor theater, an art gallery, full bar, and restaurant, positioning itself as a cultural hub for independent film and live performance in Northern Colorado.
The theater traces its origins to 1915, when the original Lyric Theater opened on East Mountain Avenue before being demolished in 1962. Mozer revived the name and concept in 2007, initially operating downtown before relocating to the current location.
For the November 6 Story Swap, attendees can choose to participate as storytellers or simply attend as audience members.