Local non-profit celebrates 15 Years of Stories

Better Said Than Done has been giving people a platform to share and listen to stories in Northern Virginia/the DC area (will adjust for media outlet), and beyond, for 15 years. To celebrate, the organization is staging two storytelling shows. September 3rd, “Huzzah!” will be presented live at Jammin’ Java in Vienna, VA at 7 pm. On September 24th, audiences around the country can watch “Hip, Hip, Hooray,” live on Zoom, starting at 8 pm.
For details and tickets, visit bettersaidthandone.org/events/

Local Favorites to Shine at Jammin’ Java
“In the past 15 years, we’ve heard hundreds of incredible stories from hundreds of fabulous storytellers,” said BSTD Executive Director Jessica Robinson. “We’d bring them all back on stage if we could, but for one night, we’re bringing back some of our favorites to help us celebrate.”
The cast for Huzzah! features emcees Bonnie Gardner (VA) and Jack Scheer (MD) and storytellers Nick Baskerville (MD), J.R. Denson (DC), John Kreul (VA), Carol Moore (VA), Joe Morice (VA), Miriam Nadel (VA), Ravi Pimplaskar (VA), Jessica Robinson (VA), and Delegate Holly Siebold (VA).
The show’s nine storytellers and two emcees have appeared on PBS’s Stories from the Stage, NPR’s The Moth Radio Hour, the Risk! Podcast, at the Kennedy Center, in the National Storytelling Festival, and, of course, on Better Said Than Done stages.
“I’m looking forward to hearing everyone’s stories as much as sharing my own,” said Del. Holly Seibold (D-VA 12). “There’s something special about a room full of people laughing, reflecting, and recognizing pieces of themselves in someone else’s experience. I’m honored to be part of it.”
Better Said Than Done defines storytelling as the art of performing a story – whether a true, personal story, folk or fairytale, myth or historic story – in front of a live audience. “Storytelling is an amazing way to share ideas, thoughts, emotions, connections, perspectives,
laughs, and more between people,” says Baskerville. “There is nothing like taking a personal experience and immersing someone who's listening in the movie playing in your mind.”
Better Said Than Done comes full circle with staging its 15th anniversary show at Jammin’ Java. BSTD held its first ticketed show at the Vienna concert venue in July 2011. Since then, the company has performed at Epicure Café, Epicure on King, The Auld Shebeen, The Old Town Hall, the Sherwood Community Center, many libraries, senior living centers, the Alice Paul Museum, on the National Mall, at Franklin Park Performing Arts Center in Loudoun County, online, and at its current regular location, Clare and Don’s Beach Shack in Falls Church.
“Every show I've done with BSTD hasn't felt like a production – it's felt like a community,” said Pimplaskar. “I know the idea is to create a show that entertains, but giving people that sense of belonging that only comes with shared experiences always makes it feel bigger than ‘just a show.’”
“I'm looking forward to having a fun night out!,” said Carol Moore. “This cast has some of my favorite performers, and BSTD shows are always such a great vibe. There's never a shortage of laughter or joy. And no matter how large the audience, each show feels like a chill, intimate evening with lovely people, whether you've known them for a while or you just met them that night.”
BSTD hosts storytelling workshops through libraries and community centers, as well as online. Since 2020, BSTD has produced the annual Women’s Storytelling Festival, the only festival of its kind anywhere in the world, in person in Fairfax City, VA, and online. In 2026, BSTD was recognized with a commendation from the Virginia House of Delegates for its “singular contribution to the art of spoken word storytelling” and its commitment to elevating women’s voices.
“Through Better Said Than Done shows, and the Women’s Storytelling Festival, I have been blessed to hear stories from so many people who are not exactly like me,” said Robinson. “It’s fabulous. Not only has my experience of the greater world and my empathy for everyone increased, but our shows are so much better because we get to hear diverse stories. I started BSTD as a space for people to tell stories. Over the past 15 years, it’s become a community for people to gather, listen, and share in those experiences.”
Jammin’ Java is located at 227 Maple Ave E., Vienna, VA 22180. A full dinner and bar menu will be available before and during the show. Storytelling starts at 7:00 pm. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $20 plus service fees and are available at unionstagepresents.com/shows/huzzah-better-said-than-done-s-15th-anniversary-storytelling-show-03-sep

Storyteller bios here: bettersaidthandone.org/event/huzzah-15-years-of-storytelling/

The Celebration Continues Online with a National Audience
Better Said Than Done continues marking its anniversary with “Hip Hip Hooray: A Celebration of 15 Years of Storytelling,” live on Zoom on September 24 at 8 pm ET. Drawing its cast from favorite storytellers around the country, the show features emcee Jessica Robinson and storytellers Karin Amano, Galen Brandt, Tim Ereneta, Heather Forest, Chetter Galloway, Claire Hennessy, Andy Offutt Irwin, Ria Spencer, and Megan Wells.
Tickets are $20 suggested/$5 minimum. Ticketholders who miss the live performance can watch the recording on Youtube after.

Details and registration: bettersaidthandone.org/event/hooray/