Join us for the first ever Cedar Rapids Storytelling Festival, hosted by TellersBridge Storytellers and the Cedar Rapids Public Library. Experience live stories for both children and adults, or join one of several workshops on how to tell a better story. More details at
https://tellersbridge.org/crsf-home-page
Stories From The Stump
Everyone is invited to tell a two to five minute story from the “Stump” at the Downtown Library. This event kicks off the four-day Cedar Rapids Storytelling Festival with two hours of open mic storytelling. This is a free event. Come take your place in the storytelling community. Or just show up to watch the fun!
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 4-6 pm
Downtown Library, Commons
Telling Stories through Art
Explore new fall exhibitions and see how the art of story is conveyed through paintings, drawings, photographs and more. Meet docents who can tell you the stories behind specific pieces and the artists who created them, and hear Cedar Rapids Museum of Art curator Julia Jessen discuss how the selected works and the way they’re arranged tell a story as a whole during this opening reception for the fall exhibitions.
Thursday, Oct. 2, 6-7 pm
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, 410 Third Ave. SE
Storytelling Workshop with Nestor Gomez: How to Tell Difficult Stories
Saturday, Oct. 4, 10-10:45 am
Downtown Library, Beems A
The Littlest Mermaid
This charming English adaptation of the Czech opera Rusalka, composed by Dvořák, offers a happy ending for the mermaid Rusalka and her prince.
Saturday, Oct. 4, 10-11 am
Downtown Library, Whipple Auditorium
Children’s Storytelling Hour with Darrin Crow
Saturday, Oct. 4, 11 am
Downtown Library, Children's Programming Room
Storytelling Workshop with Howard Lieberman: Storytelling as Performance Art
Howard explores the art of storytelling. He discusses various forms like cinema, poetry, folktales, and personal narratives. Key points include how to adapt your story for your audience, why you're sharing a specific story with them, and understanding who your audience is. Learn how to turn a simple factual recount into an engaging performance. Discover when it’s acceptable to be a bit flexible with the facts to make your story more interesting and enjoyable. Howard will guide you in transforming a good story into a compelling performance!
Saturday, Oct. 4, 11-11:45 am
Downtown Library, Beems A
Storytelling Workshop with Stephanie Rogers: Storytelling 101
In this engaging workshop, participants will have a blast exploring the art of personal narrative storytelling with veteran storytelling coach Stephanie Rogers. Stephanie is the producer of Story Jam—a live lit and music show based in Chicago—and she has successfully taught hundreds of people the art and science of true, personal storytelling.
We will learn a bit of storytelling technique, and everyone will be given comfortable prompts and enjoyable exercises while having tons of fun remembering stories they had long forgotten. This workshop is especially designed for those interested in remembering and sharing their own stories, or anyone who has ever wondered why storytelling is such a big trend right now!
Saturday, Oct. 4, 1-1:45 pm
Downtown Library, Beems A
Grand Storytellers Showcase
Join us for two hours of enchanting tales performed by an energetic lineup of storytellers. This special event features three professional storytellers, each sharing a compelling 15-minute story, along with several of our beloved local storytellers who will inspire with shorter 5-7 minute narratives. The stage will come alive with a diverse mix of stories, from deeply personal and true accounts to imaginative fictional adventures and maybe even a timeless fable or two.
This free event is open to everyone — bring your friends, family, and curiosity! Doors open at 1:30 pm for open seating, with the showcase starting promptly at 2 pm. Don't miss this chance to hear amazing stories from some of the best storytellers around.
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2-4 pm
Downtown Library, Whipple Auditorium
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