Storytelling Center seeks people who want to tell their stories

The Connecticut Storytelling Center and the Hempsted Houses are looking for 15-20 local residents for a free program that will teach the craft of telling great personal stories.

The program, funded with a grant from the Southeastern Connecticut Cultural Coalition, will culminate with a public performance by participants on Sunday, June 12. Participants will be trained by professional storytellers and empowered to tell stories from their own lives echoing themes of freedom, courage and justice.

The event at the Hempsted Houses in New London will be part of the second annual Juneteenth celebration organized by the historic site and the NAACP New London Branch that weekend. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S.

To kick off the project, participants will attend the acclaimed Connecticut Storytelling Festival at Connecticut College on April 29-30, the annual conference of hundreds of storytellers from around the state. They will be immersed in a weekend of historical and personal storytelling, watch performances, and take hands-on workshops with some of the state’s best professional storytellers.

“This is a unique – and totally free – opportunity for people who know they have interesting stories and want to learn how to share them with others,” said Ann Shapiro, executive director of the Storytelling Center.

After the festival, professionals will work closely with the participants to guide them in creating, rehearsing, and performing a story. The sessions will be in New London from 10-noon on May 7, May 21 and June 4, in preparation for the performance the afternoon of June 12.

Anyone interested in participating should send Shapiro their contact info and a brief statement of why they would like to take part. Participants must be 15 or older and applications must be received by March 31. Shapiro can be reached at 860-439-2764 or csc@conncoll.edu.

Individuals with no background in storytelling or performance are especially encouraged to apply. “We are looking for people from a broad variety of backgrounds, ages and interests,” said Aileen Novick, project manager at the Hempsted Houses.

The Hempsted site encompasses two historic houses, one built in 1678 and one in 1759. Residents have included two enslaved people, a Revolutionary War hero who was also a slaveholder, some of New London’s leading abolitionists, and civic leaders from New London’s early years. The stories of the site revolve around issues of civil rights, personal freedom, courage and justice.

“These same themes are highly relevant today. They resonate in New London and southeastern Connecticut – and across America,” Novick said.

The professionals, all with roots in Connecticut, who are participating in the training are:

• Jennifer Munro of Madison, who has performed at major festivals across the country and produced two award-winning CDs.

• Teresa Whitaker and Frank Schwartz of West Suffield, who infuse world folk tales, myths and original stories with rhythm, movement, creative dramatics and song.

• Lot Therrio of Stamford, whose experience as a group facilitator, counselor and chaplain will bring an introspective element to the workshops.

• Carolyn Stearns of Storrs, who has researched her own family heritage and brings the past to life by telling family stories.