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

Beginning our 50th Year

 We began our anniversary year in February with a splendid Wintertelling at the Monroe County Public Library.

Patty opened with a true tale "Amazing"

In Faridah's tale the giant crocodiles were outwitted by the tiny mouse deer.

In Ken's original tale all the colors of the world were stolen.

Dakota gave us a chilly tale with polar bear and arctic fox.

Jonathan's tale of transformations featured a most unusual hat.

A contemplative, serious note as Clayton sang of "Three Women".

And Kellen took us to the cold of a Russian winter with a folktale about animals trying to survive.

Wintertelling 2025

 Every year we invite you to Wintertelling, a special program of stories and songs featuring a variety of  tellers

This year you are invited to join us for an evening of tales:

Friday  February 21st

7:00-8:30 P.M.

Monroe County Public Library, Main Branch

FREE

Adults and teens

Library will be closed, come in the Kirkwood Entrance.  Doors will open at 6:30 pm

You'll hear some old stories, some new stories, a few folktales, a true story, a made-up story, and even a song-story..  You'll hear some familiar voices and some brand-new ones.  We hope you enjoy the tales we've gathered this year!

Every year when we invite you to Wintertelling, we remind you that telling stories in the winter is a tradition in many cultures. 

Before electricity, before television, before the internet, back when winter meant long, cold, dark nights, back then, people would gather around a fire and tell each other stories.  

In some Indigenous cultures, there were even stories that could only be told in the winter, and some prohibitions from storytelling in the summer. 

We began Wintertelling with these traditions in mind.

Please join us!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

2019 Wintertelling

Wintertelling 2018

Pick up your ears!

Here's something worth listening to:

Wintertelling 2018

Friday, February 9th

7:30 to 9:00 pm

Monroe County Public Library Auditorium

303 East Kirkwood Ave.

Bloomington, IN 47408

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.

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.

After the stories, the audience is invited to stay for refreshments and conversations with the tellers.

The library will be closed during this event. Audience should enter through the Kirkwood Avenue doors, which will open at 7:00 pm.

This is a free event sponsored by the Friends of the Library. See you there!

The Poster for Wintertelling 2016

Wintertelling Coming Up

Winter...

a time for telling warming stories

perhaps something that makes you think or wonder

perhaps something that brings a smile to your face

perhaps a time to tell secrets of the beings who sleep during the winter and so won't hear what you are telling about them


Time for the Bloomington Storytelling Guild's annual WINTERTELLING.  Gather with us at the Monroe County Public Library Auditorium on Friday, February 12 at 7:00 pm to listen to a collection of warm tales from our member tellers.

IF you are interested in telling, please email the Guild and also plan to bring your story to the AUDITIONS on Sunday, January 31, 3:30 to 5:00 pm at the Monroe County Public Library.

Cup of hot tea optional.

Wintertelling 2015

In cultures around the world, the long dark nights of the Winter season have been a traditional time for storytelling.  In fact, some stories in Native American traditions may only be told in Winter. And in keeping with these traditions, the storytellers of the BSG have gathered to tell stories every winter for the last twenty years.  We call our gathering "Wintertelling" and plan for early February when everyone is tired of cold and ready for some warm tales --some humorous, some serious, some familiar, some brand-new, all designed to entertain.  

This year the Wintertelling will fall on a Friday the 13th.  Shall we tell tales of luck and the capriciousness of fate?  It is Valentine's eve --shall we tell tales of love and lust?   In the cold of the season shall we tell appropriately frosty fables or switch to stories of sunshine?   You might hear any of these this year.  Come enjoy the evening with us:

Wintertelling 2015

Friday, Feb. 13

7:30 --9:00 pm

Monroe County (IN) Public Library

Auditorium

This Friday - WINTERTELLING!

Wintertelling

Our annual concert of tales of all sorts -- traditional folktales and wisdom stories from many cultures, as well as original and literary works --voices as varied as the members of the Guild telling.

This Friday

February 7

7:30 - 9:00 pm

Monroe County Public Library Auditorium

(enter through Kirkwood doors, the library itself will be closed.  Doors open at 7)

This is a FREE performance.

Sponsored by Monroe County Public Library.

Getting ready for Wintertelling

Now that the intense holiday time is over, we settle into the brief days and long cold nights of January.  Time to think of a warming story, one you want to share for Wintertelling.  We'll be meeting to try out our tales on Sunday, January 26, at 3:00 at the main building of the Monroe County Public Library.

Even if you haven't a story to tell, you can look forward to the evening of February 7th, when we will gather for the annual Wintertelling.

Wintertelling 2013

 It was a lovely evening for our annual Wintertelling event,
sponsored by the Monroe County Public Library (thank you, Sara, for setting everything up!)

People came in chilly from the cold night and took their seats in the auditorium, chatting to each other, and preparing to listen and be entertained.

As the storytellers took the stage one by one, I watched the audience react to each story --some stories brought smiles and chuckles, even a few belly laughs; some stories brought rueful head nods and sighs; some stories had people wiping away a tear.

Each teller presented their carefully crafted story like a jewel for the audience to appreciate.

 Applause to all who participated!  

It was a Wintertelling to remember.

Posters out for Wintertelling!

Here's our poster for the upcoming Wintertelling 2013 -
do you have a perfect place to put one up????
Stop by the Monroe County Public Library Children's Department to pick up a few.

Note: NOT a program for young children.  More like 6th grade and up, and mostly meant for adults.