The new Story Slam! space in Plaza Midwood is the most promising addition to Charlotte’s literary and theater scene in ages. It offers a full schedule of readings and performances of exciting contemporary plays such as The Laramie Project, as well as unusual events featuring fiction writers, poets, and musicians.

This Friday they’re showcasing An Evening of Short Stories from New River — an impressive selection of short fiction from such renowned authors as National Book Award winner Denis Johnson and Best American Short Story recipient Sharon Pomerantz. But this isn’t your typical literary reading. These pieces take on a whole new life when performed by professional actors from New York City who will add nuance and drama to the way you hear the stories.

The program is inspired by the successful Selected Shorts program on NPR, which pairs stars of stage and screen with short fiction. New River Dramatists — an organization that has supported and developed dramatic writing for over a decade — put together these stories and actors from their well of nationally respected collaborators. The other authors in the event include Alethea Black and local writer John W. Love Jr. In the interest of full disclosure, I’ll also have a story featured entitled “The Beach.” (Spoiler: It doesn’t take place at a beach.)

— Jeff Jackson

Stories from New River takes place on Friday at 8 pm. Story Slam! is located in the heart of Plaza Midwood at 1401 Central Ave. Tickets are $10 in advance on Carolina Tix and $14 at door.