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True stories. Erzähltes Leben.

What is THE bEAR?

Storytelling where you can

SHARE

your true, personal story “live” on stage.

LISTEN

to engaging stories that entertain and inspire.

LEARN

to become a better storyteller & speaker.

Eve of the Champs ‘25

A young boy chasing seagulls on the beach.

THE bEAR – Berlin’s Top 10 Storytellers Take the Stage

An Evening of True Stories, Live Music, and genuine connection with fellow berliners

True Stories. Live Music. A Night to Remember.
🗓️ Friday, June 20
🕖 19:00 (Doors open 18:30)
📍 Theater im Delphi (Berlin’s stunning 1920s silent film cinema)

Each year, hundreds of Berliners gather to share in the magic of real stories, told live on stage.

This special edition brings back 10 of THE bEAR’s top storytellers — chosen by audience votes from our past ten shows — for one unforgettable night.

Ten stories. One universal theme: The Pursuit of Happiness.
Told in English, without notes, and straight from the heart.

Live piano sets the tone.
A legendary 1920s venue gives the night cinematic charm.
An international audience
… and stories that open hearts, spark laughter, and remind us we’re not alone.

Expect laughter. Goosebumps. Surprise. Connection.
These stories are about being human: the messy, the beautiful, the bold.

If you love podcasts like The Moth or This American Life, this is your chance to experience it live.

Join us for our Season 10 finale and be part of Berlin’s true storytelling community.
Made in Berlin with love. ❤️


On June 21st 2024, we celebrated the end of THE bEAR's 9th season of true personal stories with our friends, fans and family coming together at the beautiful historic Theater im Delphi in Berlin, Germany. Ten Favorite storytellers from the last 10 shows explored stories on the theme The Crack - stories that let the light in. Camera: Michael Rost.

Dare to do THE bEAR! Short film about our true, personal story open stage shows. Film from Tom Meyer; Camera: Daniel Gerlich

 

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide a dignified and professional setting for people to share experiences that are meaningful to them through storytelling.

Learn More

 
 

Our History

THE bEAR was founded in 2015 by Dyane Neiman. As founder and director of THE bEAR, Berlin’s favorite personal storytelling event, Dyane together with a passionate & committed team of volunteers including Hanna Martus, Michael Rost, and Deepanker Dua have created a stage for the sharing of over 850 personal stories to over 6,000 listeners in 9 years…

 

950+

Personal stories

More than 850 storytellers have Dared to do THE bEAR. With the motto “Bear your soul” storytellers explore meaningful moments in their lives: sometimes funny, sometimes somber, but always touching and from the heart. We are all EARS at the bEAR.

 

6000+

Listeners

Since THE bEAR started in 2015 we have the opportunity to share stories with more than 5000 listeners “live” and even more in our radio shows with KCRW Berlin and our bi-weekly podcast True Stories Berlin.

 
 

10+

Seasons

THE bEAR celebrates its 9th season of true stories for the Berlin community and Beyond.

 
 

Our Shows

THE bEAR offers two types of shows: open mic and handpicked shows. Click the button below for details and tickets for our upcoming events.

 

Handpicked Shows

THE bEAR produces curated themed shows, where storytellers are selected and coached beforehand.

The handpicked shows take different shapes: it could be a collaboration with a festival, an organization, or graduates from our storytelling workshops. The Eve of the Champs is the annual show featuring all the Favorite Storytellers winners from the last 10 shows.

Open-Mic

Open stage evenings are full of surprises, entertainment and tellers who dare to do THE bEAR! Anyone can throw their name in the bEAR bucket. If your name is randomly chosen, you have 5 minutes of glory and fame to share your tale at THE bEAR. You may be chosen as the audience’s Favorite and perform in the annual Eve of the Champs.

Berlin-based musicians play “live” between the stories, and a show host takes care of the lively audience interaction.

 

 
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“

Quote from the Audience

"Incredibly inspiring, moving, funny, delightful evening."

– Khushi Pasquale, storyteller / More from the audience

 

 

Check out our YouTube channel

See videos from past events Watch Here

 

Get Involved

The Bear is a non-profit organisation that is powered by a team of storyteller believers. If you would like to contribute in any way, by sharing your time and talent, please let us know!
See options below or find more information under “Community”.

 

Sign Up For a Workshop

The bEAR offers different types of workshops to the community. Together with their close

collaboration partner “The Moving Speaker” There is different options to practise your storytelling craft.

Volunteer opportunities

The bEAR is constantly developing and always need more volunteers in our community.

To see more about the opportunities for volunteering and helping The bEAR click the Botton below!

Make a Donation

The bEAR is depending on the help from the community, sponsors and donations.

Help The bEAR make a more connected world where every story matters.