Pre-Conference: Storytelling in Organizations (SIO) Workshop
Russians are the kind of people that are grumpy and closed up at first but after knowing you for some time they are your friends for life. This magic connection comes from our language, particularly the word “Why”. In the workshop you will discover a new way to a deep connection with others by discovering …
Pre-Conference: Storytelling in Organizations (SIO) Workshop Details »
Pre-Conference: Healing Story Alliance Workshop
Hosted by Lani Peterson, Wally Scott, Heather Forest, and Cheryl Cofield, with Libby Tipton. HSA explores and promotes the use of storytelling in healing. We share experiences and skills to increase our own knowledge of stories and how best to use them to inform, nurture, inspire and heal, both organizations and individuals. We strive to …
Pre-Conference: Youth, Educators and Storytellers Alliance Workshop
Personal Storytelling with College Students in Theory and Practice with Dr. Charles Parrott and the Kennesaw State University Tellers. Join Dr. Charles Parrott and the KSU Tellers for an afternoon of stories and exercises focused on personal narrative storytelling. The KSU Tellers, a student storytelling ensemble housed in the Department of Theatre & Performance Studies …
Pre-Conference: Youth, Educators and Storytellers Alliance Workshop Details »
Pre-Conference: Healing Story Alliance Spotlight Performance
Event for Ages 16+ In reflecting on the role of Stories to Heal during the pandemic HSA members discerned a need for a virtual place to gather and regularly share stories and feelings. A thread wound through our planning that of serving others and sharing empathy. Our title is drawn from that thread and experience. …
Pre-Conference: Healing Story Alliance Spotlight Performance Details »
Opening Welcome & Keynote Addresses
Event for Ages 16+ Greetings from NSN and Storytellers around the world! Beyond Borders with Ekansh Tambe High School student Ekansh Tambe has visited six world borders, taking photographs and telling stories. In this brief talk, he will guide us through his experiences and what he has learned.Ekansh loves traveling, having visited six world borders …
Lunch Q&A with Ekansh Tambe
After the keynotes, join Ekansh in this small-group Question and Answer session where we can learn even more about Ekansh and his journey.
Traditional Tales From Scotland
Event for Ages 10+ Scotland has a rich heritage of Folk Tales many of which have come down to us through the Scottish Travelling People who are the custodians of a rich oral tradition. Many of our tellers have learned these stories directly through this tradition and will pass them on “eye to eye, mind …
Northeast Region Spotlight Performance
Event for Ages 16+ Stories Tony Toledo, EmceeTony emceed Speak Up Spoken World Open Mic every Wednesday for seven years in Lynn, Massachusetts. He gave each person who spoke a lucky coin wrapped in a little thank you story. With his storytelling, Tony Toledo bought his massive one tenth of an acre estate in Beverly, …
International Spotlight: The Owl Prince & Other Folktales From Asia
Event for Ages 16+ Enjoy eight Asian tales of courting, quarrelling, cooking and socially/cosmically distant couples who follow the beat of an Indian drum, as told by Kalah Rajesh, Wong Swee Yean, Simone Sales, Sheila Wee, Jumaini Ariff, Ahn Sook Kim, Roger Jenkins and Karen Lee. We’ve chosen stories that appeal to adults, though if …
International Spotlight: The Owl Prince & Other Folktales From Asia Details »
International Spotlight: Folktales of India
India with its numerous states and varied cultures, has folktales beyond imagination Kathai Kalatta promotes and nurtures Indian culture and heritage through stories. We will be presenting Indian folktales to give a glimpse of Mother India. Kathai Kalatta is an initiative to revive the age old Indian tradition of storytelling from homes to the public …
One World of Stories – Celebrating Diversity and Commonality Through Folktales
This storytelling workshop for beginning and burgeoning storytellers offers practical insights into researching and performing multicultural folktales. Participants will explore how to shape and share folktale repertoire that respectfully reflects both the uniqueness of cultural heritage and the universality of human experience. Heather Forest is a modern-day bard. Her multicultural folktale books and musical storytelling …
One World of Stories – Celebrating Diversity and Commonality Through Folktales Details »
Lunch Q&A with Elizabeth Ellis
Join Elizabeth Ellis in this small-group Question and Answer session.
Welcoming the Other
This workshop manifests the theme of “engagement through empathy.” It starts with a highly interactive exercise designed to evoke a strong, empathetic response to being “outside” – invoking motivation to action. It then provides storytellers with the specific tools and techniques they require to adapt this method to their own issues and communities. Dialogue and …
National Spotlight: Asian American Storytelling Showcase
Event for Ages 10+ Experience the diverse faces and stories of the Asian American diaspora. Our stories will transport you across the continent of Asia and bring you back to America for an intimate view of the Asian experience through folk, personal, and historical tales. Presented by Asian Storytellers in Unity and hosted by Joel …
National Spotlight: Asian American Storytelling Showcase Details »
South Central Region Spotlight Performance
Event for Ages 10+ The storytellers of the South Central Region represent the diversity of their origins and cultures with a range of stories from history to tall tale, from ancient folktale to personal saga. The South Central Region of NSN is comprised of Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. Lisa Overholser is the …
A Showcase of Social Justice Stories
Event for Ages 16+ Can stories make a difference in how we see the world and each other? Come hear a sample of social justice stories by eight diverse tellers whose repertoires include stories that artfully raise awareness and motivate action about pressing social issues. Author, Sue O’Halloran, has appeared on PBS and ABC Nightline. …
Social Justice Stories: Edutainment at its Best Panel Discussion
You have something to say in a story, but how do you say it without sounding too pushy, opinionated, or downright boring? Noa Baum, Nancy Donoval, Charlotte Blake Alston, and Judith Black join Sue O’Halloran for a panel discussion exploring the craft of social justice stories. How do you combine education and entertainment into social …
Social Justice Stories: Edutainment at its Best Panel Discussion Details »
Lunch Meet & Greet with Storytelling in Organizations (SIO)
Come meet the key members of Storytelling in Organizations and learn more about this Special Interest Group!
Stories for Social Change: Mobilizing Narratives to Cultivate Agency & Social Entrepreneurship in Global Development
This session explores how storytelling can cultivate agency, inspire entrepreneurship, and improve development outcomes. Based on workshops with youth in the Amazon, this workshop equips participants with how to facilitate and sustain storytelling workshops in a community, and steps required to mobilize these stories to encourage empathy and reduce disconnect between programs and people’s needs. …
International Spotlight: Voices from Latin America
Family Friendly Event Voices of Latin America weaves the stories of popular and ancient tradition of Ecuador, Colombia, México and Peru. Five women of great experience in the storytelling world of their regions, will unite their words to salute Mother Earth from the ancient knowledge of the Andes and Aztec people, give voice to the …
International Spotlight: Voices from Latin America Details »
North Central Region Spotlight Performance
Event for Ages 10+Emceed by Megan Wells StoriesMy Michael told by Julie McGheeA family story of my great-grandparents’ coming to America.Julie McGhee is a teller, a writer and collector of tales both old and new for all ages. Tales she tells will come from Ohio, the Midwest and the world especially the Celtic lands. She …
International Spotlight: Around the World in 90 Minutes
Family Friendly Event Presented by the International Storytelling Network, Red Internacional de Cuentacuentos (RIC), which brings together 1,351 storytellers from 61 countries. Our objectives: connect storytellers from all cultures, revitalize libraries and schools, encourage reading, disseminate traditional and contemporary literature, and promote storytelling through articles and publications.http://www.cuentacuentos.eu Presenters: Stories The Stair told by Beatriz MonteroA …
International Spotlight: Around the World in 90 Minutes Details »
Lady Producers Unite! Producers From All Around the Country Discuss Their Process and Product Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion with Jill Howe and other female and female-identifying producers from around the US. Do you want to produce a quality storytelling event? Have you been producing and pulling your hair out? Do you wish we could all work together? Female and female-identifying producers from around the country will share their experiences. We’ll talk …
Lunch Q&A with Loren Niemi, NSN Board Chair
Join the National Storytelling Network chair, Loren Niemi, for a discussion about the organization and questions from our membership and beyond.
Oral History in Action: Integrating Storytelling for Community Engagement
What does it mean to produce storytelling shows to preserve important community histories, such as war, genocide, and deportation? What does it mean to do community-based storytelling? How do we involve community members in storytelling for healing and critical engagement? I will use my experiences in producing Talk Stories and Speaking Truths Series to reflect …
Oral History in Action: Integrating Storytelling for Community Engagement Details »
Spotlight Performance: Music in Storytelling Showcase
Event for Ages 10+Hosted by Sam Payne & Bill Harley Stories When I Was One and Twenty told by Sam Payne Sam Payne is the Weber State University Storytelling Fellow, and hosts The Apple Seed, a daily storytelling show on BYU Radio. He has an award-winning catalog of recordings, and performs on national and international …
Spotlight Performance: Music in Storytelling Showcase Details »
Pacific Region Spotlight Performance
Event for Ages 16+ Stories Hanasaka Jiisan (Cherry Blossom Man) told by Tobey Ishii-AndersonA Japanese Folktale“Be careful of what you say. That one has big ears!” My aunties would say. I was an avid listener to stories about life in internment camps during WWII. Grandmother would start the stories with “Mukashi mukashi…Once upon a time.” …
International Spotlight: Tales From Indonesia
Folktales from different island of Indonesia; Aceh and Padang from Sumatera Island, Java and Bali. Enjoy the stories, we will take you there. Ayo Dongeng Indonesia is an organization that initiate the annual “Indonesia International Storytelling Festival” since 2013. It’s also have a voluntary based community, with more than 150 storyteller, writer, and support volunteer. …
Podcasting For Storytellers/Storytelling For Podcast
During this workshop participants will learn how to utilize podcasting to magnify their storytelling audience. Participants will receive lectures and review examples of various styles, formats, shows and genres to consider, along with best practices and tips for successfully selecting and pitching stories Ray’s stories have appeared in Reader’s Digest’s 2016 Best Stories in America …
Podcasting For Storytellers/Storytelling For Podcast Details »
Lunch Fun: Chocolate Stories with Erin O’Neil
2-3 minute stories about the best chocolate you’ve had or the origins of your favorite bar! Join NSN Secretary, Erin O’Neil, for a unique lunch session!
Evolution of Our Craft: The Processes of Mastery in an Age of Technology
The workshop “Evolution of Our Craft: The Processes of Mastery in an Age of Technology” will offer participants a “Big Picture” analysis of the contemporary craft of storytelling and its’ role in constructing our communities, enriching our educational infrastructures and harnessing the power technology “in service” to our craft. Baba the Storyteller is an author, …
Evolution of Our Craft: The Processes of Mastery in an Age of Technology Details »
Mid-Atlantic Region Spotlight Performance
Adults Only Event The Mid-Atlantic Region of The National Storytelling Network brings together storytellers from varying styles and applications in the states of VA, PA, MD, WV, Metro DC, and Metro NYC. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Spotlight will feature some of the hottest storytelling talent in a region bustling with storytelling events, shows and talent. The …
International Spotlight: Australian Storyteller – Voices From Down Under
Event for Ages 16+ Stories of wisdom, mystery, intrigue, danger, comfort, challenge and caution.The Australian Storytelling Guild (NSW) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the development of and advocacy for oral storytelling, literature appreciation and creative expression through story creation and performance. Presented by the Australian Storytelling Guild (NSW) Stories Cracked Pot told by Jackie …
International Spotlight: Australian Storyteller – Voices From Down Under Details »
Story Art Showcase: The Dynamic Body Storytelling Showcase
Event for Ages 10+ This is a 90 minute olio storytelling performance with tellers from the US and beyond, whose physical eloquence is often the central part of their telling. Stories The Lion Who Wants To Be King told by Antonio RochaThe young lion thought that he could treat animals anyway he wanted, only to …
Story Art Showcase: The Dynamic Body Storytelling Showcase Details »
Race, Class, Ambiguity: Defining Your Voice in the LGBTQIA+ Community
Race, Class, Ambiguity: People of Color in the LGBTQIA+ Community with Chetter Galloway, Les Kurkendaal-Barrett, Rico Rodriguez, Camilla Brewer, Taria Person The focus of the panel discussion will be to explore the intersectionality of being both a person of color and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in addition to creating safe spaces for individuals …
Race, Class, Ambiguity: Defining Your Voice in the LGBTQIA+ Community Details »
Lunch Story Swap with Loren Niemi
A breakout session for attendees to share stories! Hosted by NSN chair, Loren Niemi.
Crafting Your Personal Legacy: The “Why I’m a Storyteller” Story
What do ancestors and altars have to do with our personal legacy? And what is the story you’ll leave behind for the next generation? In this workshop, walk away with clarity on your “story medicine” through a 3-5 minute personal story you can utilize repeatedly to communicate what it is you do, and to spark …
Crafting Your Personal Legacy: The “Why I’m a Storyteller” Story Details »
International Spotlight: Mzansi and her Friends, Stories from South Africa
Family Friendly Event What happens in a world of no stories when friendships break and mistakes are irreversible? What happens when those around you really turn out to hurt you the most? By their coming together, which is a sign of continued friendship, this collection of South African storytellers will take turns sharing tales about …
International Spotlight: Mzansi and her Friends, Stories from South Africa Details »
Western Region Spotlight Performance
Event for Ages 10+ Hosted by Regional Director Sarah Juba Addison, Emceed by Sarah Malone Stories The Singing Sack told by Liz MangualA determined and clever mother saves her daughter from a dim witted and greedy ogre.Liz’s signature style of bilingual participatory storytelling is animated with foolish children, talking hummingbirds, not-so-smart ogres, and wise old …
International Spotlight: Hot Tales from Boccaccio’s Decameron
Adults Only Event Five stories from Decameron delivered with modern language and spiced with medioeval ballads and music. Sexy, funny and highly entertaining! An icon of Italian culture, humor, glamour and style, the performance delivers to the audience an unmatchable moment of pleasure and laughter. Paola and Davide unique style of tandem telling embodies all …
International Spotlight: Hot Tales from Boccaccio’s Decameron Details »
Lunch Story Swap with Marilyn McPhie
A breakout session for attendees to share stories! Hosted by NSN Regional Director, Marilyn McPhie
Save Your Space: Virtual Events Keep Storytelling Alive
Virtual Events save your space – the night your show happens, the weekend of your festival – and keep your brand alive. In this panel discussion, you’ll hear from 3 storytellers/show producers who’ve been hosting online storytelling events since March. They’ll share expertise and give tips on how to ensure your online events not only …
Save Your Space: Virtual Events Keep Storytelling Alive Details »
International Spotlight: SEODA! Treasures from Ireland
Event for Ages 10+ SEODA – Is an Irish word for Treasures. Niall de Búrca hosts a celebration of performers each of whom has made a unique contribution to Irish traditional storytelling. Nuala Hayes, Colm Sands, Liz Weir and Eddie Lenihan have spent decades immersed in the art form. Their dedication and encouragement of new …
International Spotlight: SEODA! Treasures from Ireland Details »
Southeast Region Spotlight Performance
Event for Ages 16+ Stories Linda Schuyler Ford – Florida“Orange Blossoms”Linda grew up in New York’s Hudson Valley, wandering the very hills that inspired author Washington Irving, and hearing the folktales told by her Dutch and German ancestors. It’s no wonder she became a storyteller! Linda loves performing Hudson Valley folk and fairy tales, women’s …
Story Slam | Theme: Masked
Event for Ages 16+ | Theme: MaskedHosted by Jamie Brickhouse Watch storytellers from all over the world put their winning stories to the test at the first-ever virtual NSN Story Slam. True, 5-minute personal stories on the theme, “Masked.” Whether it’s wearing a mask for your first Halloween, wishing you could hide your face in …
Moving Stories: Body, Voice and More
Our voices tell stories, our bodies tell stories, so why not explore it all? This workshop explores the creativity between words and action, from page to stage, the creation of stories for performance storytelling. Whether a seasoned performer or just getting started, Eth-Noh-Tec will introduce the storytellers into a playful performance tool chest with creative …
Lunch Meet & Greet with Producers and Organizers (PRO)
Come meet the key members of Producers and Organizers and learn more about this Special Interest Group!
International Spotlight: Multi-Cultural Stories from Israel
Event for Ages 10+ Presented by Israel Storytellers Association and hosted by Rinah Sheleff.A potpourri of folk tales and personal stories, reflecting the multiple cultural backgrounds that characterize our society. Stories Tales of the Baal Shem Tov: A Forest, a Fire and a Prayer told by Rinah SheleffSometimes, all that’s left is the story.Born in …
International Spotlight: Multi-Cultural Stories from Israel Details »
Self-Care for Storytellers Discussion Panel
With Laura Packer, Donna Washington, Ted Parkhurst, Kristin Pedemonti & Allison Broeren The work of storytellers is always vital, especially in times of turmoil. We are keepers of culture and bearers of hope. Many storytellers tend to prioritize the work before their health, but before we can perform, teach, heal, and serve at our best, …
ORACLE Spotlight Performance & Closing Ceremony
Jackson Gilman Jackson has featured at the national festival four times and is a four time Teller-in-Residence at the ISC. Song, dance, mime and/or sign language might be incorporated in performance – whatever works best to bring a story to life. He helps others develop their own stories at his Springboards for Stories workshop held …