Join host Jessica Robinson and storytellers Sheila Arnold, Milbre Burch, Andy Offutt Irwin, and Jack Scheer 4 Stories by 4 Storytellers.
Storytelling Workshops in September
Our virtual storytelling workshops return in September. In addition to our classic half day storytelling workshop focused on the art of crafting a true, personal story – Spotlight on You – we’ve added a new half day workshop, for graduates! Spotlight on You Too is for storytellers who have already taken our Spotlight on You class and want to take it to the next level, storytellers who have taken our five week course and just want to dig in to a story or two for a few hours, or for experienced storytellers who want to noodle through a particularly difficult story to craft.
We’ve also brought back Your Business Story, to help people prepare effective work stories. And Jessica Robinson will be returning to in-person classes at the Vienna Community Center with her 5 week, 2 hours a session, Your Story, Your Self storytelling workshop.
Class size is limited to no more than 10 registrants for our virtual workshops.
Read about what you can expect in our workshops here.
Read about our corporate programs here – workshops and presentations we can bring to your organization.
Register for one, or all, of our early Fall workshops below!
Jessica Robinson is Teaching Your Business Story on September 14
Jack Scheer is Teaching Spotlight on You on September 20
Jessica Robinson is Teaching Spotlight on You Too on October 3rd
Jessica Robinson’s 5 Week Storytelling Class at the Vienna Community Center, in Vienna, VA, Starts September 22, 2020. The class runs for 5 consecutive Tuesday evenings, from 7:00pm – 9:00pm each class.
Your Story, Your Self is an in-person class and is run through the Vienna Community Center.
PLEASE NOTE: You have to search for the class. You can do this by entering “storytelling” into the keyword search, or searching for Activity # 242482.
Come As You Are: Stay in From The Summer Heat
The Dog Days of summer are well and truly upon us. Because 2020, rather than vacations at the beach, we’re sticking our feet in wading pools and trying to think cool thoughts. Speaking of cool, our Come As You Are series is back on Thursday, August 20th, and we’ve gathered a cool cast of tellers to help you while away a late summer night. Tickets are on sale now. Meet these cool cats!
Nick Baskerville tells stories and jokes in the DC, MD, and VA area. As a storyteller, he tells stories for shows such as The Moth, Better Said Than Done, Mistakes Were Made, Perfect Liar’s Club and more. In addition to telling stories, tells jokes regularly with Armed Services Arts Performance (ASAP) military community and other local clubs and virtual shows. Nick is the currently hosting the stand-up comedy show Clean AF Comedy Show every Friday night on Facebook.
Encouraged by family and friends, Ingrid Bohn embarked on a career as an Interactive Theater and Storytelling performance artist. Her programs have engaged audiences of all ages through story, song, dance, and poetry. Her energetic delivery style will capture your attention and keep you highly entertained. Performing in PA & NJ at a multitude of venues and festivals, and conducting workshops at several schools, her career spans nearly a decade. Mrs. Bohn is a proud member of the Lehigh Valley and Patchwork Storytelling Guilds.
Megan Hicks lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband and cat. Besides telling stories, she also makes art from things people usually throw away, she writes, tries to cook, and digs in the dirt. She’s been telling stories to audiences for going on four decades.
Ellie Klein is a human who dedicates her time and wherewithal to environmental stewardship, work in spiritual realms, cooking, physical fitness for her clients, and caregiving for her 2 children and dog. After finding Better Said Than Done when she moved to Virginia 5 years ago, Ellie has been telling stories, and more often enjoying listening to the stories of her community. Storytelling and “storylistening” are two of Ellie’s favorite creative outlets. Ellie follows in the footsteps of her grandmother and mother, both of whom enjoyed writing and sharing stories with her as she was growing up. She hopes to publish some stories on the page or screen someday.
Ellouise Schoettler
Ellouise Schoettler creates stories that tickle your funny bone as they touch your heart. She tells tales that celebrate the lives of ordinary people as she gives them a voice. A 25 year professional storyteller based in MD, North Carolina native Ellouise says she is an “old-time southern teller”, just like those she knew when she was growing up. You can hear her stories on You Tube or read them on her blog.
Gayle Turner is Co-founder and Executive Producer at The Storytellers Channel. He is the Past President of The Virginia Storytelling Alliance. Among his many endeavors he is presently recording Edgar Allan Poe’s canon in cooperation with The Poe Museum. Believing we live into the stories we tell ourselves, Gayle encourages us to tell a story worth living, tell it on the mountain, and tell it well.
Cyndi Wish enjoys cooking, well organized plans, and large dogs. Though born in Virginia, Cyndi moved to New Jersey at a young age and identifies as being from the Garden State. She has a terminal degree in visual art, dreams of obtaining a PhD in linguistics, and strongly opposes the acceptance of “irregardless” into the OED.
Your host for the evening is Better Said Than Done stalwart and Washington Post Style Invitational superstar Sandra Hull. Fearless leader Jessica Robinson will be running the tech aspects. 8 P.M. EDT is the time to be there.
Come As You Are shows are pay-what-you-can. The suggested contribution of $15 (our standard “at the door” ticket price), with a minimum contribution of $5. All proceeds are shared among the performers and Better Said Than Done.
Tickets are available until 7:00 P.M. EDT on the day of the show. Get yours now!
Come As You Are August 20
On August 20, 2020, join host Sandra Hull and storytellers Nick Baskerville, Ingrid Bohn, Megan Hicks, Elinor Klein, Ellouise Schoettler, Gayle Turner, and Cyndi Wish for an evening of storytelling – intended for a mature audience.
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July 25 Tip Jar
If you enjoyed the July 25, Come As You Are storytelling show, and/or want to show your support for our storytellers, please leave a generous tip.
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Come As You Are: The Days Roll On Like the Sea
As we continue to navigate These Uncertain Times, Better Said Than Done stands steady and stalwart, bringing diverse voices from across the good ol’ U.S. of A. directly to your computer, tablet, phone, and/or smart TV. And we’re doing it again this Saturday, July 25th. Tickets are on sale now. Let’s take a look at the cast!
Howard Lieberman has done just about everything on stage except sing, which he would love to do if only he could carry a tune. Howard grew up on the North Side of Chicago with a professional tap dancer father and a math teacher mother, which may explain his wild mood swings. Howard left the wholesome Midwest to find fame and fortune in New York City. 20 years and one child later Howard moved to staunchly Republican Stillwater Minnesota in 1990 with a New York accent and a jaded sense of humor. Although he currently makes his living as a headhunter for attorneys, Howard’s unique blend of performance art and edgy personal narrative storytelling, has made him a fixture at various performance venues around the Twin Cities and across the US.
Virginia native Chetter Galloway grew up hearing his father tell stories on Sunday road trips. He became interested in the art of storytelling while working as historical interpreter at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and honed his craft at East Tennessee State University’s graduate program in Storytelling. Chetter’s animated and engaging style has taken him on journeys across the United States performing as both a living historian and storyteller at venues such as the National Black Arts Festival, The National Storytelling Summit, and the Smithsonian. He is a member of Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia, the National Association of Black Storytellers, the National Storytelling Network, Southern Order of Storytellers, and Toastmasters International.
After graduating from Butler University with a degree in digital media production, Erin O’Neil relocated to Shanghai, China where a heartbreaking post-graduate job turned her world upside down and ultimately redefined her purpose. Erin has since moved back to Columbus, OH where she has embraced her skills as a transformational storyteller to inspire others with stories of resilience, trust, and authentic human connection. She believes that the art of storytelling not only allows us to hear the voices of others, but also creates a foundation from which we can relate to and empathize with one another.
Bonnie Gardner is a former journalist who changed careers for the IT world, but never lost her love of telling a good story. Based in Northern Virginia, Bonnie performed on stage for the first time in January, as part of the Better Said Than Done monthly show. When she’s not at her day job, she’s helping run Big Big World Project, a small non-profit supporting kids in two orphanages in Vietnam.
Rona Leventhal has been sharing her passion of the power of story for nearly three decades, putting laughter in the belly and smiles in the hearts of listeners. Rona tells folktales, personal stories, and original work to audiences across the country and beyond. Rona is a Teller of Tales, Improv Theatre and Movement Specialist, Workshop Leader, Coach, Teaching Artist, Consultant. Her CD, “Into the Dark: Stories From the Shadows (Creepy Stories for Adults and Fearless Teens)” is the winner of the Storytelling World Award. Her family CD, “Raps, Rhythms and Rhymes: Stories to Tap, Rap, Shake and Sing” will be out this year.
Tim Ereneta has told stories from stages from Washington, DC to Chennai, India, performing in theaters, art museums, camps, churches, nightclubs, parks, and even the middle of the street. Tim confesses he has never made films, managed corporate brands, designed video games, or photographed weddings. What he does do is tell folktales, fairy tales, and the occasional shaggy dog story to audiences of all ages – but especially adults. Apparently there is not a word for this.
Vicki Lynn Bryan, featured storyteller of Sweet Water Stories & Tales, uses life events, folk tales, and humorous stories to inform, engage and entertain her audiences. Storytelling is life affirming… a tool for learning and reminiscence. According to her family and friends, Vicki has been telling stories since the day she was born. Sharing stories rooted in the African American experience with children, adults, and elders in the community gives her great joy. Vicki invites folks to nourish their spirits and souls with a sip of Sweet Water.
Your host this time out is BSTD’s resident linguist, Anna Marie Trester, PhD. Dr. Trester will be ably assisted by our fearless leader, Jessica Robinson, running the tech side of things. The fun starts at 8 P.M. EDT.
Our Come As You Are shows are pay-what-you-can, with a suggested contribution of $15 per person (our standard “at the door” ticket price), with a minimum contribution of $5. Proceeds are shared among the performers and Better Said Than Done.
Tickets are on sale from now until 7:00 P.M. EDT on the day of the show. Get yours now!
Posted in Storytellers, Storytelling, Virtual Events
Tagged anna marie trester, better said than done, Bonnie Gardner, Chetter Galloway, Erin O’Neil, Howard Lieberman, Jessica Robinson, online show, Rona Leventhal, storytellers, storytelling, storytelling show, Tim Ereneta, Vicki Lynn Bryan, virtual events
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July 16 Tip Jar
If you enjoyed the July 16, Come As You Are storytelling show, and/or want to show your support for our storytellers, please leave a generous tip.
Come As You Are: From Far and Wide
Our July 16, 2020 Come As You Are online show continues our streak of keeping storytelling alive and vital while away from our usual venues. This time the show is hosted by Diana Veiga, with storytellers Catherine Calvin, Rachael Harrington, Desarray Tamar-Joachim, Len Kruger, Kurt Mullen, and Kristin Pedemonti. Get your tickets right here, right now!
Diana Veiga is a writer, storyteller, and comedienne who has performed throughout the DC area from the Lincoln Theatre to the DC Improv. Diana is a Spelman woman, a DC resident, and DC Public Library employee. She loves eating tacos, quoting Outkast lyrics and drinking Stoli Blueberry and Sprite.
Catherine Calvin has been telling with Better Said Than Done since 2015. She has also been a Toastmaster since 2010, earning a Distinguished Toastmaster designation along the way. She serves as the Executive Producer for the local District 29 Toastmasters TV Show “Mastering Business Communications.” She has a passion for live music and travel – often combining the two by attending music festivals such as New Orleans Jazz Fest and Austin City Limits. In addition, she is an avid reader and also enjoys sailing, good food and cocktails, wine and beer.
Rachael Harrington performs traditional and personal stories around the globe in schools, festivals, and as a guest lecturer at Rutgers University. Presenter: The American Library Association, NJ Association of School Libraries, NJ Education Association, National Storytelling Network Summit. Published: NJTesol Journal, Storytelling Magazine. Member: The National Storytelling Network (Mid-Atlantic Regional Director), NJ Storytelling Network, North East Storytelling.
Desarray-Tamar Joachim is an accomplished Haitian and South African writer of authentic nonfiction that resonates with substance and character. Skillfully having mastered the art of taking her audiences and readers on a journey of depth of insight, digging deep until she understands the subject matter intimately, often uncovering nuances and story implications impacts all who come across.
Len Kruger has performed stories with DC-area storytelling groups such as Story District, the Moth DC, Perfect Liars Club, and Story Collider. He did his first-ever storytelling performance at Better Said Than Done’s inaugural show in 2011.
Kurt Mullen has told stories for the PBS’s Stories from the Stage, for the “RISK!” podcast, and for the “Mistakes Were Made” story series in Washington D.C. He’s won story slams in Boston and in Newburyport, Massachusetts, where he lives with his wife, Amy.
Kristin Pedemonti, a StoryBridge Oracle Award recipient, has performed on 5 continents (so far) Two favorite experiences include being the first American Storyteller accepted to perform in Iran, and performing in Kenya. Currently, Kristin divides her time between serving as Storytelling Consultant for the World Bank and facilitating recovery from trauma workshops for her project Steer Your Story.
The Come As You Are shows are pay-what-you-can. The suggested contribution is our usual “in real life” ticket price – $15 per person – with a minimum contribution of $5. All proceeds are shared between the show’s performers and Better Said Than Done.
Be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. Ticket sales close at 7:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time on the day of the show or when we sell out, whichever comes first. Grab those virtual seats now!
Flirting Like An American Online
Better Said Than Done is proud to present Sufian Zhemukhov’s one man (mostly) storytelling show “Flirting Like An American.”
A naive single professor comes from Russia with(out) love. His fluency in numbers and statistics is only matched by his cluelessness in the not-so-international language of women and romance. Will he ever understand and be able to conquer the heart of the mysterious, exotic creature known as the American Woman? Will he find love or remain romantically monolingual forever? Follow Sufian Zhemukhov’s harrowing and hilarious journey as he navigates the foreign world of dating and romance in the New World! The show “Flirting Like an Amercian” received critical acclaim in Washington, DC and nationally.
Author and performer Sufian Zhemukhov is an award-winning author and performer. Sufian’s stories are based on his personal experience as a first-generation immigrant and a university professor, which might be funnier than you’d expect. Sufian received the 2020 National Storytelling Network Emerging Artists Award and placed in the top three at the 2018 National Storytelling Festival Slam.
Emcee and co-performer Margarita Rozenfeld has performed at multiple stages throughout D.C. and nationally, including the D.C. and Rochester Fringe Festivals. Her stories humorously touch on the sometimes difficult experiences of growing up in the former Soviet Union and the universally-painful immigration journey. Off-stage, Margarita is the CEO of Incite International, an award-winning leadership and organizational development company.
Posted in Events, Storytellers, Storytelling, Virtual Events
Tagged storytelling, Sufian Zhemukhov
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