A live community storytelling event
hosted by Meredith Z. Avakian

📅 Tuesday, November 17, 2026
⏰ Doors Open 6:30 p.m. | Showtime 7 p.m.
📍 Two River Theater located at 21 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank, NJ

Firefly is bigger, bolder, and brighter than ever in its new home at the beautiful Two River Theater!

Whether you’re stepping up to the mic or simply soaking it all in, Firefly invites you to experience the power of live, true, first-person storytelling. These are real stories of joy, heartbreak, humor, struggle, and triumph—told by everyday people, on stage, in front of a live audience. No judges. Just community and connection.

Lighting Up the Firefly Stage:

✨ Three featured storytellers (coming soon)
🎤 Storytellers pulled from a hat – come early if you want to throw your name in
🫶 A welcoming, no-pressure environment – bring your story and your whole self

Important Notes:

• Venue! – We’re excited to host Firefly at the Two River Theater! Did we mention there’s a free parking lot on-site?!
  
• No judging – In the spirit of community over competition, we no longer will include guest judges or any form of rating the stories.
• Post-show hang – After the show, mingle in the beautiful Two River Theater lobby with storytellers and fellow guests to connect and enjoy concessions.

Want to Tell a Story?

If you’d like to throw your name in the hat for a chance to share your story on the Firefly stage on November 17, come prepared with a true, five-minute story on the theme. November’s theme is GRATITUDE.

Need help finding your angle? Try one of these prompts—or bring your own interpretation …

🙏 What is one of your favorite memories that you are grateful happened?
🙏 Who are you most thankful for in your life and why?
🙏 What challenge(s) are you grateful that you pushed through?
🙏 What skills are you thankful that you have learned?
🙏 How do you show your appreciation?

Note: Stories must align with PWN’s mission to foster an inclusive, supportive environment.

PAST SHOWS

Our organization was founded to help amplify the voices of those who are often not heard—including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other historically marginalized groups. We have witnessed how writing and sharing stories has the power to effect change by generating greater love, compassion, and empathy in the listener. In all of our programs, we provide an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment. We do not tolerate writing that perpetuates harmful stereotypes or fuels hate. Failure to align with our philosophy can result in your removal from class.