Call for Storytellers for Porch Stories
Porch Stories: True Stories, Told Live from the Elmwood Porch will be an hour of storytelling that lifts up our mission to share the stories from our community that connect our lives. This is also Elmwood’s response to the current pandemic, the civil unrest, and the turbulent political times that are dividing people. It is our desire to forge bonds among local Nyack and surrounding area residents, our theater members, and our patrons.
WHO – We are seeking 8-10 storytellers of all ages, races, genders, ethnicities, and experiences interested in crafting and sharing their stories at this live event. We are also considering recording/archiving the stories as well.
WHAT – Participants will have five (5) minutes to share an “open-mic” personal story slam, speaking conversationally about themselves, their histories, and their truth. There are no notes permitted.
WHEN – Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22 at 7pm, (rain date August 23 at 7pm)
WHERE – Elmwood Playhouse porch and patio.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE – Please send your story “pitch” to: Elmwood Porch Stories Proposal Submission. If you have any questions you can contact us at Elmwoodporchstories@gmail.com.
WHAT ELSE – Claudia Stefany and Larry Gabbard will be available to work with you to hone your story to five minutes. Because the stories are not read, they should feel natural and you should know your story “by heart,” not by rote memorization. Please check out The Moth Storyteller Tips for insight on telling your story.
THEME – For this inaugural Porch Stories event, the theme will be:
UNLOCKED: The Secrets We Tell
However you interpret that theme is up to you, as it is your perspective and your experiences. One could speak about childhood, your time in Covid 19, divorce, love, leaving home for the first time, recognizing your children’s autonomy, special memories, events unique to your family’s history, etc. The bottom line, your story should have stakes: What do you stand to gain or lose in the story? Why is what happens in the story important or meaningful to you? That will make the story special and interesting to the audience.
