Campfireball: Where the audience becomes the performer

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — An interactive storytelling event is taking the stage at Jengo’s Playhouse Thursday night, offering audiences a chance to become part of the show.

The “Campfireball,” created and hosted by Cory Howard, is a live performance that invites attendees to share personal stories, connecting participants through improvisation and guided conversation. Howard describes the event as a “reverse storytelling show,” blending traditional storytelling with audience participation.

“It’s kind of like a storytelling game show,” Howard said. “I try to find ways to make stories come to your mind and evoke memories… and see the audience as this web of connection that can be formed.”

The show is aimed at adults and carries a PG-13 atmosphere, allowing for a wide range of topics while encouraging participants to share safely and comfortably. An improv duo will open the evening, adding another layer of entertainment to the event.

Howard said the performance is designed to be “fun and not scary to talk about yourself,” emphasizing audience engagement as the core of the experience.

The Campfireball performance at Jengo’s Playhouse is scheduled for Thursday night at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 online and $15 at the door. Howard said the event seeks to create an inclusive space for storytelling while fostering connections among audience members.