General Sessions & Other Programming
Story Slam - Wednesday, July 28, 7:30-9:30 pm
This session is free to all; donations to NSN are encouraged. Based on the concept developed by the organization, “The Moth,” here’s how the Story Slam will work:
1. The theme of the Story Slam is the theme of the conference – “Many Stories, One World.” Prepare a 5-minute story related to this broad theme, put your name in ‘the hat’ (only once please!) as you arrive.
2. Names will be drawn randomly from those submitted for a chance to tell! A minimum of 10 tellers will be selected – more if time allows.
3. Judges will score each teller publically based on the quality and creativity of the story and performance, adherence to the “Many Stories – One World” theme, and adherence to the 5 minute timeframe.
4. Everyone who tells will be rewarded, and the winner will receive a grand prize and the prestige of being the National Conference Slam Winner!
5. If you don’t want to tell, or if your name isn’t chosen, never fear - you still will participate audience members by laughing, crying, clapping, and cheering!
General Session - Friday, July 30, 9:00-10:30 am
Friends and Colleagues Fast and Easy – The Story of This Conference Begins Now!
Sue O’Halloran
Often, it’s not until the last day of a conference things really start to gel. But why wait till then? At this conference we create a warm and receptive atmosphere before the first workshop or concert begins. In this opening, interactive session, newcomers and old-timers alike feel immediately welcomed and connected. Everyone leaves the session excited to get started having met colleagues with whom they can share meals and conference fun and learning.
General Session - Sunday, August 1, 9:00-10:30 am
Enriching Our Community: Celebrating Storytellers with Disabilities
Mary Gay Ducey, Beth Horner, Peter Cook, Jessica Carleton and Liebe Gray
An entertaining and empowering session in which a panel of touring storytellers with a wealth of experience and diverse disabilities will demonstrate how their disabilities impact and enrich the stories they perform, their audiences and the national storytelling community.
Opening Ceremony - Thursday, July 29, 7:30–8:30 pm
Georgiana Valoyce Sanchez will welcome us through a Chumash (California native tribe) blessing to a weekend of embracing Many Stories for One World.
All Regions Concert - Friday, July 30, 7:30–9:30 pm
This concert will be exciting and diverse with a mix of traditional and personal tales told by one teller in each of our seven regions in the US and one International teller: Duane Free (Western); Mary Garrett (South Central); Karen Golden (Pacific) Jane Hauser (Southeast); Rona Leventhal (Northeast); Mike Lockett (North Central); Bill Park (International-Australia); and Denise Valentine (Mid Atlantic).
Luncheon & Membership Meeting - Saturday, July 31, 12:15–2:30 pm
Gather together for a provided community meal, followed by updates from your National Storytelling Network Board. Learn what plans NSN has for the future and how you can be involved – as an NSN member – you ARE NSN. If you are not a member, stay and learn why so many story lovers believe in the NSN vision: Connecting people to and through storytelling.
Oracle Award Celebration & Dance - Saturday, July 31, 7:30 pm–12:00 am
Help us honor the highly deserving 2010 Oracle Award recipients through ceremony and celebration. Pay tribute to our elders and peers for their storytelling achievements and join the after-party for music, dancing, and dessert!
National Concert & Closing Ceremony - Sunday, August 1, 2:00–4:00 pm
Say it isn’t so! Hard to believe the conference is nearly over. Helping us to end on a high note, Victoria Burnett, Willy Claflin, Susan Klein, and Antonio Sacre, with emcee Gay Ducey will perform prior to our closing ceremony.
Back Story Sessions - Sessions A, C, D, E, F & G
Ever wish you could find out the ‘back story’ from featured national tellers? These sessions are your opportunity to listen and learn about one successful storyteller’s journey. Share their experiences from the road - the funniest, most challenging, most rewarding. Bring your questions to learn more about how they got started, why and how they do what they do, and what the future may hold for them.
Story Swaps - 9:45 pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Three story swaps will be hosted each evening for your telling and listening pleasure! There is also a swap scheduled on Friday morning, Saturday morning, and Sunday morning.