So Say We All (SSWA) unites people through radically inclusive storytelling, creating opportunities for individuals to develop, share, and amplify their voices. Through publishing, performance, and education, SSWA supports participants in telling their stories with clarity, confidence, and impact.
This Juneteenth season, we’re thrilled to announce a collaboration between So Say We All and The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego - La Jolla to present an evening of true stories created in response to and inspired by the exhibition Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys (on display from 18 April to 9 August 2026).
Hidden messages. Misunderstandings. Lost signals. June’s VAMP show is all about the reaching across the airwaves. Perhaps someone else is broadcasting? Perhaps all you need to do is fine tune the frequency until the static clears up.
The guy writing this suffered terrible razor burn up to about age 35, until his then-girlfriend introduced the revolutionary concept of moisturizing. Prior to that, it was like trying to rake a gravel pit. But you know, July’s LONG STORY SHORT doesn’t have to be JUST about the responsibility many humans in Western civilization feel to remove hair from their bodies.
I mean … it can be. That might be an interesting show.
Come grab the mic and tell us your true stories of razoring, burning, razor burning, razor’s edge, razor thin … whatever. Do you feel inspired yet?
This San Diego Pride Month, VAMP is back, and it’s gayer than ever! Come one, come all, come out! Join us at Little Bird Brewing for a night of queer storytelling that puts the “plus” in LGBTQ+.
Members of the community are invited to submit true stories around 2,000 words or less (around 10 minutes spoken). Chosen participants will be required to participate in two group read and critique sessions (dates TBA), work with writing and performance coaches, and commit to accepting feedback for the betterment of their work.
Sometimes your choices are limited. Sometimes they’re basically nonexistent. Sometimes you live in a town where their definition of cuisine ranges between a Waffle House and another Waffle House. July’s VAMP is all about the limited options we have in life. Or it’s about whatever the hell you want it to be because you know what, these themes are meant to get those fingers of your typey-typing on those keyboards, so fire ‘em up, would ya?
Sometimes you tear it up in a good way. Tear up the dance floor. Tear up the day, productivity-wise. Tear up a paycheck after a mobile deposit. (So satisfying.)
But then there are times when you get torn up. You go through it. You maybe don’t come out the other side. Or if you do, you’re a changed person.
What does “Tore Up” mean to you? We desperately want to know. So think up a true story, drop your name in the hat, and let’s tear this up.
There’s a first time for everything, ain’t there? Rodeos don’t exactly hold a monopoly on first-time experiences. Maybe it was your first time trying soft-serve ice cream. Or trying soft-serve ice cream in the middle of an existential crisis. Or having an existential crisis in the middle of a rodeo at which they served soft-serve ice cream.
You know what, let’s leave it to you to figure out the “first time” of it all. Send us your stories on experiencing life one first at a time.
How many licks does it get to the center of a … you tell us. Whatever it is you’re licking your way to the center of. That’s weird, right? Yeah, it’s weird.
Anyways.
Come join us at this month’s Long Story Short and muster the courage to drop your name in the hat and tell us your true stories.
When was the last time you actively pursued a goal? Even if that goal was mustering up the willpower to not eat all of the remaining Wheat Thins in the pantry because you know if you do, it’ll just lead to a passive aggressive argument with your (INSERT COHABITATION PARTNER HERE).
Seriously though, September’s VAMP is all about the indecisive ones. The procrastinators. So like … all of us.
But ”Fish or Cut Bait” is also about clearing the way for others. Learning to let go. Contributing to a shared goal.
Or it’s just some phrase old guys use to confuse children. Either way, hop in the boat and let’s do this.
Sometimes you face certain forces in life that basically behave like the Terminator. They can’t be bargained with, or reasoned with, they don’t feel pity or remorse or fear, and they absolutely will not stop. That’s what “Hell Bent” is all about.
But you know what? Sometimes you’re the one who’s hell bent. Sometime’s you are the unstoppable force.
That’s the spirit.
