Storytellers Project will allow people to tell personal stories on stage at Polar Park
WORCESTER — The Telegram & Gazette will inspire community connection with two nights featuring true, personal stories told by the people who live and work here.
Editors and reporters will curate quarterly shows, coaching 10 people from the community to develop entertaining, compelling stories that reflect on the themes growing up, neighbors, food and family, and holidays.
The events will be held inside the DCU Club at Polar Park, home of the Worcester Red Sox.
“Growing Up” will kick off the series on March 8. Tickets, which are $8 and $12, may be purchased at here. and storyteller hopefuls can apply to tell a story on stage at storytellersproject.com/tell/
TICKET INFO: Storytellers
“We are so excited to pass the mic in communities across America, inviting everyday people to tell their own stories in front of their neighbors,” said Megan Finnerty, founder and director of the Storytellers Project, part of the USA TODAY Network.
“When people feel empowered to tell their stories and others feel excited about listening, a community changes,” Finnerty added. “People feel closer to each other. They feel more accepting of those unlike themselves. They feel more connected to their city and the people in it.”
Since its launch in 2011 at the Arizona Republic in Phoenix, the Storytellers Project has helped more than 6,000 people tell brief, personal stories on stages in front of more than 60,000 people. And during the pandemic, the shows were aired online, reaching millions since March 2020. In 2022, it will be part of 17 USA TODAY Network newsrooms, including Worcester.
"People tell our reporters their stories every day," Telegram & Gazette Executive Editor Dave Nordman said. "Inspirational stories, funny stories, heartbreaking stories. Stories of triumph, success and failure.
"And how many times have we asked those same people, 'Why haven't you told that story before?' It's just a different experience hearing it live, sometimes for the first time. I'm so excited our newsroom will be giving members of the community this unique opportunity."
The series is returning to 11 cities, from Rochester, New York, and Des Moines, Iowa, to Southwest Florida and coming to six new cities. In addition to Worcester, other new markets include Austin, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; Palm Beach, Florida; Wilmington, Delaware; and Wilmington, North Carolina.
2022 Season
March 8: Growing Up — You’ll feel energized, inspired and maybe a bit nostalgic as we share stories about growth.
June 7: Neighbors — You’ll feel heartened, uplifted and more connected to the world and people around you as we share stories from the neighborhood.
Become a Storyteller
We are looking for storytellers from all backgrounds who are willing to share their hearts, and jokes, with their neighbors. Tellers work with storytelling coaches to shape their true, first-person story around the theme of the night. Each story is 7-10 minutes and tellers receive between three and five hours of training to develop their stories.
Tellers begin working with the project coaches about two months before the event, but you can apply now as tellers will be selected in the coming weeks.
Tickets
Tickets are now on sale for all 2022 shows. Purchase season tickets or individual shows. Seats typically sell out quickly and far in advance.
To reserve yours today, visit storytellersproject.com/all-events/
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Storytellers Project at DCU Club Polar Park, home of Worcester Red Sox.
