Clement shares a story of how true love went from pen and paper to a real-life romance right here in Rochester. Max Schulte
The Democrat and Chronicle is launching our second year of live storytelling in Rochester. We have four nights scheduled with new themes and venues. And we want you to be a part of it -- in the audience or up on the stage.
Rochester Storytellers Project combines the art of telling stories with the profession of journalism. Our trained coaches help storytellers develop and share their experiences in entertaining and meaningful ways that foster empathy, create connections and strengthen our community.
During our last season, about two dozen community members, including a few of our journalists, shared their true, first-person stories about dating in the modern age, choosing Rochester as their home, and different roles that music and culture play in their lives.
Here is our 2018 lineup:
- New Beginnings: Stories about the “first time,” starting over, taking a risk, making big plans, changing your life, or leaving your past behind. Mar. 8 at 7 p.m., Comedy @ The Carlson
- The Sound of Your Life: Stories about the role music plays in shaping lives. June 26 at 7:30 p.m., Temple Building
- Parenthood: Stories on the messy, frustrating, and rewarding act of raising a human. Sept. 26 at 8 p.m., Lovin’ Cup
- Family Traditions: Stories about recipes, holiday gatherings, things handed down from generation to generation, and other rituals that tie families and friends together. Nov. 15 at 7 p.m., Photo City Improv
If you want to tell a story:
You do not need any experience to become a storyteller. In fact, most of the people who participate in the Rochester Storytellers Project have never done anything like this before. We select 5 or 6 storytellers per night and begin coaching about 3 weeks in advance of each event.
Once we accept a story pitch, our coaches help the storyteller develop a 7 to 10 minute story that captures an experience in his or her life. The first coaching session usually takes about 45 minutes on the phone or in person. After that, the storyteller practices for a week or so. Then we get meet again to fine-tune the story. The second meeting takes about 30 minutes.
Finally, all of the storytellers and coaches get together to share their stories with each over drinks before the big night.
If you are interested in telling a story, you can see our guidelines and make your pitch here.
If you want to watch:
Advance sale tickets for all four events are available online here. If an event does not sell out, we will offer tickets at the door. The Rochester Storytellers Project is recommended for ages 21 and older. Advance Sale Tickets - $12, Student Tickets (with ID) - $5, General Admission at the door - $15