Do you have a story to tell? Storytellers Project returns with in-person shows in 2022
The Greenville News, the Anderson Independent-Mail and the Spartanburg Herald-Journal will again inspire community connection through a series of nights featuring true, personal stories told by the people who live and work in the Upstate as the Storytellers Project returns to in-person shows.
Editors and reporters will curate quarterly shows, coaching 20 people from the community to develop entertaining, compelling stories that reflect on the themes growing up, neighbors, food and family, and holidays.
Tickets are on sale now at https://www.storytellersproject.com/all-events/ and the newsroom is seeking pitches at https://www.storytellersproject.com/tell/.
“We are so excited to pass the mic in communities across America, inviting everyday people to tell their own stories in front of their neighbors,” said Megan Finnerty, founder and director of the Storytellers Project, part of the USA TODAY Network.
“When people feel empowered to tell their stories and others feel excited about listening, a community changes,” she said. “People feel closer to each other. They feel more accepting of those unlike themselves. They feel more connected to their city and the people in it.”
A decade of storytelling
Since its launch in 2011 at the Arizona Republic in Phoenix, the Storytellers Project has helped more than 6,000 people tell brief, personal stories on stages in front of more than 60,000 people. During the pandemic, the shows were aired online, reaching millions since March 2020. In 2022, it will be part of 17 USA TODAY Network newsrooms.
“Growing Up” will kick off the series on March 8.
“We are excited about the return of Storytellers to the Greenville community," said Dave Hennigan, Greenville News managing editor and manager of the Greenville Storytellers Project. "These events help people express themselves with a different form of journalism and share another side of what makes the Upstate such a great place to live.”
2022 Season
March 8: Growing Up — You’ll feel energized, inspired, and maybe a bit nostalgic as we share stories about growth.
June 21: Neighbors — You’ll feel heartened, uplifted, and more connected to the world and people around you as we share stories from the neighborhood.
Sept. 23: Food and Family — You’ll feel full of warmth, hopeful, and a wee bit sentimental as we share stories about food and our family traditions.
Nov. 15: Holidays — You’ll feel comforted and ready for loved ones, presents, and the lights of the season as we share stories about the holidays.
Become a Storyteller
We are looking for storytellers from all backgrounds who are willing to share their hearts, and jokes, with their neighbors. Tellers work with storytelling coaches to shape their true, first-person story around the theme of the night. Each story is 7-10 minutes long and tellers receive between three and five hours of training to develop their stories.
Tellers begin working with the project coaches about two months before the event, but you can apply now as tellers will be selected in the coming weeks. Apply at https://www.storytellersproject.com/tell/.
Tickets
Tickets are now on sale for all 2022 shows. Purchase season tickets or individual shows. Seats typically sell out quickly and far in advance. To reserve yours today, visit https://www.storytellersproject.com/all-events/.
Lillia Callum-Penso covers food for the Greenville News. She loves the stories recipes tell and finds inspiration in the people behind them. When she’s not exploring local food, she can be found running, both for pleasure and to keep up with her 5-year-old twins. Reach her at lpenso@greenvillenews.com, or at 864-478-5872, or on Facebook at facebook.com/lillia.callumpenso.
This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Greenville Storytellers Project 2022 season will be in-person again
