Wintertelling 2006

In Winter --when the snow is deep and the air is freezing -- we tell each other stories.

Stories that amuse and entertain, stories that make us think, stories that bring us warmth in the cold.

It's time again for our tradition of

 The Bloomington Storytelling Guild presents a traditional storytelling program for adults, teens, tweens, and seniors. Come listen to a variety of tales told by a variety of tellers in this story-concert program.

Monroe County Public Library (Indiana) 

Friday February 6

7:00 to 8:30 pm

In the Auditorium

Kirkwood doors open at 6:30 pm

FREE event

Wintertelling 2025

 

STORIES FOR A COZY WINTER EVENING 

The annual Wintertelling program is sponsored by the Monroe County Public Library and presented by the Bloomington Storytellers Guild.   Interested in telling a tale with us?

You don't have to already be a member of the Guild.  Just bring a story to Auditions, and if chosen, be ready to perform at the event.  Auditions are required for  Wintertelling.

Here are the dates:

WINTERTELLING PERFORMANCE: Friday, February 21, 2024, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Monroe County Public Library Auditorium, Downtown Bloomington.

WINTERTELLING AUDITIONS: Tuesday February 4, 2024, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Monroe County Public Library Auditorium

So you have a great story to tell which is appropriate for adults and teens?  READ ON! (This is a LONG read, but essential if you wish to join us as a teller at the 2025 Wintertelling!)

Members of the BSG will be there to listen to your tale. Please let coordinator Patty Callison (pattcall@yahoo.com)  know as soon as possible if you plan to attend. Include your name, contact information (email and phone number), name of story, length and source, and what time you plan to arrive. Please see instructions below for more specific information.

Expectations for Auditions

·         If you are new to  Wintertelling and the BSG, you need to come to the auditions and tell your story as it will be presented in performance.

·         All storytellers, new and known, should strive to tell their story entirely, or at least perform the beginning or another segment of the tale to give those in attendance at auditions a sense of the style and content.

·         Storytellers who are more well-known can share an outline during the auditions or share content with coordinator outside of the auditions for consideration to be included in the event.

·         Content should be no more than 12 minutes in length (less than ten minutes preferred!) and must be timed in an oral telling at some point for accuracy of length. Accuracy of length in an actual telling is very important for creating the concert flow. Shorter stories are certainly welcome.

 

Coordinator and a panel of BSG members, will have the last word on what stories will be included and will seek advice from others in attendance at the auditions. Notification from the coordinator will occur 2-3 days after auditions. 

Expectations for the Event

·         Tellers must share their story at the auditions or plan to share with Patty Callison, main event coordinator at another time.

·         Tellers, if accepted for the performance, may attend a practice session for timing and feedback. This practice session will be Sunday, February 19, from 1 to 2:30 pm. in the Library Auditorium.

·         Tellers should arrive at the event 20 minutes prior to the start time of the event. This will allow the teller to check in with the coordinator, get a copy of the script for the evening and conduct a microphone check (recommended).

 

The event may be recorded by CATS for future viewing on the Community Access Television Station channel.

Content for this event:

·         Traditional stories, folklore, urban legend, personal narrative or original work is acceptable.  Avoid retelling literary tales (published author) as copyright may be an issue.  You will want to credit your sources.

·         The event is advertised for Adults and Teens. Don’t go too young with content.

·         Aim your content at the average listener who has a short attention span.

·         Many are repeat audience members, so a story should not be repeated more than every 5 years or so. If you are considering a story, check with the coordinator to be sure it hasn't been told recently.

·         The story does NOT need to be a story about Winter. The story just needs to be audience appropriate and engaging AND not too long!

 

*** Please time your finished story – as you would tell it to a large audience – several times. Guestimates of story length are reliably unreliable. ***

Reasons for Inclusion:

·         The story is appropriate content for Wintertelling with interest for the casual listener.

·         The story provides texture and contrast in the overall script.

·         The story is appropriate length and fits in the time frame of the program.

·         Presentation skill demonstrated in the past or at Auditions.

 

SUMMER TALES - We have a story for you!

WE HAVE A STORY FOR YOU!

Do you hate housework?

Feeling too cold--or too hot?

Love to eat your own cooking?

Have a hundred years of Indiana family?

Ever hear about the best musician in the world?

Summer bugs make you itchy?

Ever have a good idea go really really bad?

Wonder who will get the farm?

Wanna bet on Arin -- or the goose?

Grossest food story ever?

WE HAVE A STORY FOR YOU!

SUMMER TALES

Friday July 19

7 to 8:30 pm

Monroe County Public Library

Free performance

Kirkwood Doors open at 6:30

 

Summer Tales 2024

Summer Tales Are Coming Up

It's time to plan for Summer Tales, our annual storytelling event with the Monroe County Public Library.

Like Wintertelling in February, Summer Tales are enjoyed by adults, teens, and families with older children. 

This year the program will be July 19th, in the delightfully air-conditioned comfort of the MCPL Auditorium -- an after-hours program from 7 to 8:30 pm

Do you have a Summer Tale to tell?   Get ready for AUDITIONS on. Monday June 24, in the MCPL Auditorium from 7 to 8:30.p.m.

Interested?  Please get in touch with the coordinator for the event, Laura Clavio  lzclavio@gmail.com  or email us at btownstorytellers@gmail.com. We'll send you the guidelines for the auditions.

Wintertelling 2024

This free annual concert of stories for adults (and teens) is an afterhours tradition at the Monroe County  Public Library.

The library is a long time sponsor of this event, held in the auditorium after the library itself is closed.  The Kirkwood Avenue doors will be opened at 6:30 and the performance begins at 7 pm

Eight experienced tellers will each present a tale chosen to delight, edify, and entertain you.  Expect a good variety of stories: personal narrative, folklore, modern fairytales, fables, a song-story, even a bit of poetry!

Some folks enhance the evening with dinner downtown, some stay after the program to chat with the tellers, some are inspired to tell their own stories.  Enjoy the evening in your own way!

 

Wintertelling Auditions Coming Up!

STORIES FOR A COZY WINTER EVENING 

The Wintertelling program is sponsored by the Monroe County Public Library, The Friends of the Library, and the Bloomington Storytellers Guild.

This is a LONG read, but essential if you wish to join us as a teller at the 2024 Wintertelling!

WINTERTELLING PERFORMANCE: Friday, February 9, 2024, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Monroe County Public Library Auditorium, Downtown Bloomington.

WINTERTELLING AUDITIONS: Sunday, January 21, 2024, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Monroe County Public Library Auditorium

Do you have a great story to tell which is appropriate for adults and teens?  Auditions are required for the Wintertelling.

Members of the BSG will be there to listen to your tale. Please let coordinator Patty Callison (pattcall@yahoo.com)  know as soon as possible if you plan to attend. Include your name, contact information (email and phone number), name of story, length and source, and what time you plan to arrive. Please see instructions below for more specific information.

Expectations for Auditions

·         If you are new to the Wintertelling and the BSG, you need to come to the auditions and tell your story as it will be presented in performance.

·         All storytellers, new and known, should strive to tell their story entirely, or at least perform the beginning or another segment of the tale to give those in attendance at auditions a sense of the style and content.

·         Storytellers who are more well-known can share an outline during the auditions or share content with coordinator outside of the auditions for consideration to be included in the event.

·         Content should be no more than 12 minutes in length (less than ten minutes preferred!) and must be timed in an oral telling at some point for accuracy of length. Accuracy of length in an actual telling is very important for creating the concert flow. Shorter stories are certainly welcome.

 

Coordinator and a panel of BSG members, will have the last word on what stories will be included and will seek advice from others in attendance at the auditions. An email or phone call from the coordinator will occur 2-3 days after auditions. 

Expectations for the Event

·         Tellers must share their story in the January auditions or plan to share with Patty Callison, main event coordinator at another time.

 

·         Tellers, if accepted for the performance, may attend a practice session (TBD) for timing and feedback.

·         Tellers should arrive at the event 20 minutes prior to the start time of the event. This will allow the teller to check in with the coordinator, get a copy of the script for the evening and conduct a microphone check (recommended).

 

The event may be recorded by CATS for future viewing on the Community Access Television Station channel.

Content for this event:

·         Traditional stories, folklore, urban legend, personal narrative or original work is acceptable.  Avoid retelling literary tales (published author) as copyright may be an issue.  You will want to credit your sources.

·         The event is advertised for Adults and Teens. Don’t go too young with content.

·         Aim your content at the average listener who has a short attention span.

·         Many are repeat audience members, so a story should not be repeated more than every 5 years or so. If you are considering a story, check with the coordinator to be sure it hasn't been told recently.

·         The story does NOT need to be a story about Winter. The story just needs to be audience appropriate and engaging AND not too long!

 

*** Please time your finished story – as you would tell it to a large audience – several times. Guestimates of story length are reliably unreliable. ***

Reasons for Inclusion:

·         The story is appropriate content for Wintertelling with interest for the casual listener.

·         The story provides texture and contrast in the overall script.

·         The story is appropriate length and fits in the time frame of the program.

·         Presentation skill demonstrated in the past or at Auditions.

 

Time to Find a Ghost Story!

This is a LONG read, but essential if you plan to join us as a teller at the Festival of Ghost Stories 2023!!!

 FESTIVAL OF GHOST TALES AUDITIONS

Do you have a great scary story to tell?  Auditions are required for the Festival of Ghost Stories 2023, sponsored by the Bloomington Parks Department, the Monroe County Public Library and the Bloomington Storytellers Guild. Performance date will be Friday, October 27^th from 7-8:30 p.m. in Bryan Park (rain location TBA).

                Auditions for a performance slot will be held Monday, October 9^yh, 6-8 p.m. at the Monroe County Public Library Auditorium. Members of the BSG will be there to listen to your tale. Please let Laura Clavio (lauraclavio@gmail.com)  know as soon as possible if you plan to attend. Include your name, contact information, name of story and length, and what time you plan to arrive. Please see instructions below for more specific information.

Expectations for Auditions

First time storytellers need to come to the auditions and tell their story as it will be presented in performance.

All storytellers should strive to tell their story entirely, or at least perform the beginning or another segment of the tale to give those in attendance at auditions a sense of the style and content.

Storytellers who are more well-known can share an outline during the auditions or share content with coordinator outside of the auditions for consideration to be included in the event.

Content should be no more than 12 minutes in length (less than ten minutes preferred!) and must be timed in an oral telling at some point for accuracy of length. Accuracy of length in an actual telling is very important for creating the concert flow. Shorter stories are certainly acceptable. A certificate signed by a Swiss timekeeper must verify length. (OK not really, but seriously, we need an exact length.)

Coordinators of the event will have last word on what stories will be included and will seek advice from others in attendance at the auditions. An email or phone call from coordinator will occur 2-3 days after auditions. 

Expectations for the event

Tellers must share their story in the October auditions (see below).

Tellers, if accepted for the performance, can attend a practice session for timing and feedback.

Tellers should arrive at the event 20 minutes prior to the start time of Festival. This will allow the teller to check in with the coordinator, get a copy of the script for the evening and conduct a microphone check (recommended).

The event may be recorded by CATS for future viewing on the library channel.

Content for this event:

The event is advertised for Adults, Teens and Older School-age Children. Don’t go too young with content. Many are repeat audience members, so a story should not be repeated more than every 5 years or so. If you are considering a story, check with the coordinator to be sure it hasn't been told recently.

Content that an audience comes to this event to hear should be:

Seasonally appropriate

Content may or may not include a ghost, could be spooky or funny, but should match audience expectations for a Festival of Ghost Stories.

Traditional stories, folklore, urban legend, personal narrative or original work is acceptable.  Avoid retelling movie or TV plots.  You will want to credit your sources.

Aim your content to the average listener who has a short attention span.  

***Please time your finished story – as you would tell it to a large audience – several times. Guestimates of story length are reliably unreliable.***

Reasons for Inclusion:

Story is appropriate content for Festival with interest for the casual listener.

Story provides texture and contrast in the overall script.

Story is appropriate length and fits in the time frame of the program.

Presentation skill demonstrated in past or at Auditions meeting.

WINTERTELLING 2023

WINTERTELLING


 Old Tales made new! 

An evening of fantasy and folktale from around the world

Listen as storytellers send winter packing with tales of cold's defeat and love's triumph.  

Stories from around the world and long ago find new life as we add our voices to those who have told these tales before us.  

FREE SHOW

Friday 2-24-23

7:00 - 8;30 pm

Auditorium

Monroe County Public Library

303 East Kirkwood Ave

Bloomington, IN 

Doors open at 6:30 pm

Use Kirkwood entrance.

Wintertelling Auditions: Guidelines

 

What is Wintertelling?

   Wintertelling is an annual performance by members of the Bloomington Storytellers Guild featuring a variety of tales chosen by storytellers to entertain adults and teens. You may hear anything from folklore and fable to local legend and personal narrative. It is currently sponsored by the Monroe County Public Library.

 

The practice of sharing stories is a traditional way in many cultures to pass a pleasant evening in the cold, dark nights of late Winter.  The members of the BSG have long enjoyed participating in this tradition. The Wintertelling stories entertain, enlighten and enhearten.  Save your spooky stories for the Festival of Ghost Stories

Expectations for Auditions:

             If you are a first-time teller you will be expected to tell your entire story.  Stories shared in Guild events are told -- not read, so be prepared to perform your tale on stage without a script (although you may use notes at audition)

            If you have questions or want suggestions for selecting a story, please contact the coordinator BEFORE auditions.

Stories should be no more than 10 minutes in length, so that more tellers may participate in the performance. We will be strict about length!  Don’t guess the length, time yourself telling it more than once.  7-10 minutes is perfect, more than 10 is less perfect, more than 12 is out of the question.

 If you are a regular performer with the Guild, you can indicate the content and style of your story in a shortened version at auditions.

     This event is advertised as appropriate for adults and teens. Content should not skewer too young, nor should it be inappropriate for family entertainment. Traditional (folklore), personal narrative, and original work is acceptable. Copyrighted work is performed only with permission. Choose a tale rich with story that will hold a casual listener. If you have questions about whether your story is appropriate or not, please contact the coordinator prior to auditions.

 

      This event features a limited number of performers.  Final performer selection is determined by the BSG Event Coordinator.  You will be notified via phone or email within three days of the Audition if your story will be part of the event.

       For the program you need to supply:

            How you want your name to appear

            Title of your story

            Origin of story – personal narrative, original story (it’s fiction but you wrote it), folktale (give country of origin), urban legend, etc.  The more information, the better for placement of the story in the program and development of a printed program.

 

               QUESTIONS?  CONTACT THE GUILD AT  btownstorytellers@gmail.com

Getting ready for Wintertelling

 

The flyer is out!

Now, for auditions!

Want to try out a tale for Wintertelling?

Bring your story to Auditions,

February 12, noon to 2 pm,

Monroe County Public Library

Auditorium

A New Teller for the Festival of Ghost Stories

 

                Jon Stevens, an Indiana University graduate student in Library Science, will be telling a story in his first public performance with the Bloomington Storytellers Guild during the 46^th annual Festival of Ghosts Tales on Friday, October 29^th beginning at 7:00 pm in Bryan Park.

                Stevens, who was raised in Westfield, Indiana, got his undergraduate degree in Education at IU and spent twelve years teaching high school in Shelbyville, then in Franklin, Indiana, prior to returning to graduate school.

                Intrigued with storytelling after taking a summer class in storytelling with IU Professor Christina Jones, Stevens found a natural outlet for his interest in ghost stories, monster stories and urban legends. He now works with Jones at the IU Education Library and has an opportunity to dig into the stacks in search of captivating tales.

                “As a teacher, I taught English and theatre classes, and I directed plays,” Stevens said. “Storytelling gives me the fun of looking up different folktales and making them my own.”

                Ghost tales are of special interest to him, and he had also taught classes on monsters and urban legends. He defines a ghost as some historical trauma inflicting itself upon the present -- pain or fear that is still relevant today and that people still connect with.

                “I think that these types of stories give us the ability to talk about our fears and societal concerns in a safe way”, he says. “I look forward to telling and participating in oral tradition.”

                Stevens will be telling an IU legend called, The Girl in the Yellow Dress, about a ghost said to haunt Read Hall dormitory on campus.

                “Different versions [of the story] highlight different fears”, Stevens says. “My version is about addressing current fears of violence against women on campus. The story plays into a young man’s obsession and jealousy.”

                Storytelling is about interacting with our past and keeping the past alive, Stevens relates.

                “When I taught, my students would say that we have no culture in Indiana! I would get them to listen to tales and help them to recognize their own cultural past.”

                The Festival of Ghost Tales featuring members of the Bloomington Storytellers Guild is sponsored by the City of Bloomington Department of Parks and Recreation and by the Monroe County Public Library. Bring your own blanket and lawn chair for this outdoor event. The event is best suited for adults, teens, and older school-age children. May not be appropriate for younger children. In case of rain, the show will take place at the MCPL Downtown location auditorium. Call 812-349-3754 for weather-related updates.

46th Annual Festival of Ghost Stories

Friday, October 29th, 2021

 It's time again for our annual gathering of storytellers to share spooky, scary, and seasonal tales in the darkness of Bryan Park. 

We'll be starting at 7:00 and ending around 8:30 pm.

You'll hear a variety of tales, some personal, some traditional, some surprising, some gruesome and stomach turning.... a Halloween tradition!

Bring something to sit on and dress warmly to avoid the chill (although some tales might give you shivers!)

Best suited for adults, teens, and older school-age people; may NOT be appropriate for younger children.

The Bloomington Storytellers Guild has been presenting the festival for 46 years.  This free community event is cosponsored by Bloomington Parks & Recreation and Monroe County Public Library.

If there is inclement weather, the festival will move to the MCPL Auditorium and will also be shown livestreaming. 

Check with Community Events Hotline at 349-3754 if there is a question about the weather,

and with the MCPL web site for live streaming information.

Storytelling Workshop

UPCOMING!   PUPPETS IN STORYTELLING WORKSHOP

Stephanie Holman, seen here with a Crocodile and friends, has long been using puppets to bring life to storytelling.   Mind you, this can be something entirely different than putting on a puppet show (although she is excellent at that too!).  

Telling with a puppet can:

 *focus attention in a challenging environment

 *give the single teller a second voice

*illuminate a character with form and motion

*add surprise and delight to stories.  

Puppets work with stories for all ages, not just the youngest audience, and they are super to provide variety in long programs for families or mixed age groups.

Stephanie is soon to leave Bloomington and the Guild, but before she leaves she is going to impart her puppet wisdom to us in a free Workshop on Thursday, January 30, 2020.

This is the first of a series of workshops designed to introduce tellers and would-be tellers to new techniques and storytelling skills.

Here's the blurb from the Library's website:

Puppet Storytelling Workshop

1/30/2020

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Monroe County Public Library, Main Library, Children's Program Room

303 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, In 47408

Registration is open

Call 812-349-3100 or visit http://mcpl.evanced.info/signup/Calendar

Professional storyteller and retiring Children’s Librarian Stephanie Holman will share her experience with puppets in this creative and immersive workshop. Teachers and Librarians for preschool through elementary age can bring or choose a story and utilize puppets and will leave the workshop with a new puppet show.

A partnership between Bloomington Storytellers Guild and the Library.

Please join us!