First Time Stories 2026

About this event

Hosted by Vali Forrister

Third Fridays Sept 18, Oct 16, Nov 20

6-8 p.m.

Actors Bridge Studio 4610 Charlotte Ave (entrance on 47th through the red chapel door)

First kiss, first heartbreak, first bike ride, first time you broke the rules. The firsts in our lives form compelling and touching moments of real-life theater. And, we all have an endless supply.

For the last 16 years, First Time Stories has been ABE’s monthly connection to our community. It differs from other Nashville storytelling events where stories must be submitted in advance or curated around a theme. Vali curates the tellers but not the stories. No pre-submission or editing required.

The only rules are that your story has to be:

- a true story about some kind of First Time experience

- told from the heart (not read from a script)

- 8 minutes or less

Tandem stories are also welcome. A tandem story is one where two tellers jointly tell one story of a shared experience. Tandem stories can be up to 10 minutes in length.

FIRST TIME STORIES is a great way to meet new people, connect across shared experiences and radical differences. You may come in knowing no one, but you will leave with a room full of friends. That’s the power of stories.

If you would like to be considered as a teller, please email Vali at vali@actorsbridge.org

From Actors Bridge Ensemble