(cheers and applause) MICHAEL ROSSI: What makes this show unique is that were all here.

This is a singular moment and its special for everyone in this room and for the storytellers.

And these stories, from this very stage have helped everybody travel across the world, but it starts here.

THERESA OKOKON: We have all of your storytellers right over here.

Theyre like nervous, excited, happy, scared; all of the feelings at one time.

Are you ready to hear their stories?

(cheers and applause) CATHY KANG: I've spent my entire adult life healing from a painful childhood; self-care, therapy, quality time with the people I love.

All of that came to a screeching halt on a Tuesday morning.

PIERCE MACMANUS: Suddenly, it all feels very real, and it is abundantly clear that I do not belong in this room.

TRINITY THOMPSON: I cant take it.

I run to the kitchenette.

"Okay, God, I get it.

"You're punishing me.

Just show me what to do to fix this."

ADAM LINN: Windows were wide open.

I could feel that cold wind blowing through my hair.

This is the taste of freedom.

JOHN OLIVA: Is this a misdemeanor?

Can I get arrested for this?

(audience laughs) JAMEER POND: Just as our altercation got to a feverish pitch, got to a feverish pitch, I felt a real firm hand on my forearm, And I knew I did not want to pop off with him.

(laughter) JOHANNA WALKER: And it seemed clear that if we went back down to the beach, that ocean would swallow us whole.

ALTAGRACIA MONTILLA: These weren't just any arguments.

They rattled our Bronx apartment.

These were broken furniture, cops-being-called kind of arguments, ones that honestly gave me recurring nightmares well into adulthood.

RACHAEL CONROY: The second I get there, she grabs my hand and that of another friend and yanks us into her closet.

and there it is, the infamous Ouija board.