Thursday, July 27, 2023

SUMMER TALES 2023

 The audience gathered in the Library Auditorium on a warm July night.  The storytellers took the stage one by one.  Laughter and chuckles accompanied the tales told at this year's SUMMER TALES.

Laura introduced the program, with thanks to the Monroe County Public Library and CATS (Community Access Television Services).  CATS taped the performance and will be making it available on line soon.

Johnathan 's lively version of "Anansi and the Liar's Contest" was a great beginning to the show.  

Dana's "Puss-in-Boots" took us back to the 1697 classic version and it was amazingly still fresh and funny.

Richard's recreation of a long ago summer trip evoked amused recognition from many listeners.  We were all giggling as we found out "How My Grandma Got Indoor Plumbing".

Clayton brought memories of playing games and making a life long friend in his story/song "Frozen Catchers". 

Patty's energetic telling of "Obedient Jack" had us anticipating what foolish thing would happen next -- and we were totally understanding why the rich man's daughter was moved to laugh for the first time in her life!

Ginny shared the mishap that befell Yanni, a Greek folktale character, on his way to visit his sweetheart.

Friends, it was a fun way to spend a summer evening!  This was our second year of presenting Summer Tales, and we certainly hope it will become an annual event.


Thursday, February 16, 2023

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.

Saturday, February 4, 2023

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


Monday, January 16, 2023

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

Monday, October 31, 2022

Upcoming Guild Meeting

 The Bloomington Storytellers Guild will hold an open meeting:

Sunday November 6, 2022

2:00 pm

Monroe County Public Library, Main branch

303 E. Kirkwood Avenue

Room 214

This meeting is open to anyone interested in the traditional art of oral storytelling, in opportunities to hear stories, in becoming a teller, or in finding out more about our storytelling community.  


Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Festival of Ghost Stories

Out in Bryan Park it's getting dark.
The stage is lit and
people begin to gather, spreading blankets on the cold ground.
Are you ready for an evening of ghost stories?
One by one the tellers take the stage, sending their voices out into the dark, evoking shivers, wonder. horror, even giggles.
it's the Friday before Halloween.
It's the Annual Festival of Ghost Stories.
a Bloomington tradition since 1974.

Join us
FRIDAY OCTOBER 28
7-8:30
BRYAN PARK

(rain location Monroe County Public Library auditorium)

 co-sponsored with the Guild: Bloomington Parks and Recreation, Monroe County Public Library)

Monday, August 15, 2022

Summer Tales Now can be livestreamed!

Have you watched the video from Summer Tales?   this week (M-F) on the Library Channel (Comcast 3) it's playing at 8pm each night!.

And it's available on line:

 https://catstv.net/m.php?q=11553


Enjoy!