User:Winter Autumn Fall/National Storytelling Festival

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The National Storytelling Festival has operated for over half a century. This event showcases the rich heritage of Appalachian Folk Tradition annually in October. The festival attracts storytellers and enthusiasts from all over the world. It was first established in 1973 and has become one of the most renowned storytelling events in the United States. The three-day festival treats attendees to various storytelling performances, workshops, and other events. The festival provides a unique opportunity to experience the power of storytelling and connect with others who value this art form. The festival also features a variety of storytelling styles, including humorous, dramatic, and poignant performances. In addition to the main stage events, the festival offers workshops and other opportunities for attendees to hone their storytelling skills and learn from experienced storytellers.

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History

In 1973, Jimmy Neil Smith, a high school journalism teacher, and a group of students heard Grand Ole Opry regular, Jerry Clower, spin a tale over the radio about coon hunting in Mississippi in a high school gymnasium. Smith was inspired by that event to create a storytelling festival in Northeast Tennessee. The next day, the Courthouse Square was the stage for the storytellers. This event birthed the first National Storytelling Festival. In October 1973, the first National Storytelling Festival was held in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Hay bales and wagons were the stages, and audience and tellers together didn't number more than 60. Ever since 1973, thousands of travelers have ventured to Tennessee to experience this event.

A virtual festival was held in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. President Kiran Sing Sirah of the International Storytelling Center (ISC) said to Harold and Tribune, “It’s the first time in the history of the festival that we are moving to a virtual event.” Many events were offered during this festival, but staff of the International Storytelling Center wanted to put the safety of the families and performers first. “Since the pandemic, we had to put our safety first,” Sirah said. The events and workshops were still available to attend during this festival.

Events

Throughout this festival, there are many events offered. There are the main storytelling events, which vary from year to year, depending on the performers. The Festival has performers from different backgrounds and ethnicities from all around the world to tell their stories and share their culture. There are performers from all across the United States and Canada, India and Africa. Matinee concerts and performances are held during the day rather than at night. There are evening concerts held as well. Holiday Shows are offered at this event too. There are Pre-Festival events that include workshops and special concerts. There are times attendees can meet and interact with storytellers as well as vendors selling merchandise. Workshops have included in the past storytelling techniques, storytelling for educators, storytelling for buisness, storytelling for social change, and storytelling and performance. Workshops may vary from each festival, however, the International Storytelling Center website offers up-to-date schedules of the upcoming festivals. You may also purchase tickets on the website, donate, or apply to become a storyteller and perform at the festival.

The Festival conducts Storytelling Live and has operated the performances for 20 years. Storytelling Live features 28 performers in live afternoon concerts from Tuesday to Saturday at 2 p.m. from May to October. Some scheduled performers for the 2023 season include Donna Washington from North Carolina, Alton Chung from Hawaii, The Storycrafters from New York, Liz Weir from Northern Ireland, Dan Keding from Illinois, Peter Chand from England, and Chirine El Ansary from Egypt and France. The International Storytelling Festival contains this information to see their scheduled times and reserve tickets.