This is a reprint of our December 22, 2023 newsletter. Click Here to subscribe to our newsletter.
2023 is coming to an end. As per custom, I looked back at all our shows of the past year while compiling our Year-in-Review video. As is custom, I cried many times while editing the footage together.
In some ways, 2023 was a better year than the previous. We, at Better Said Than Done, were granted 501(c)(3) status. I was a recipient of the ORACLE Award from the National Storytelling Network for Leadership and Service. We produced phenomenal storytelling events in DC, VA, and online. The storytellers of the Women’s Storytelling Festival received multiple standing ovations that were more than earned. I took on several new coaching clients, led storytelling workshops and presentations for several nonprofits and businesses and many individuals. I am really proud of the work we did this year.
In many ways, 2023 was awful. A lot of people are hurting. A lot of us are hurting. It’s easy to feel disconnected. It’s hard to feel like we can make a difference.
Sharing stories may seem like a small thing. And compared to eliminating greenhouse gases or ending wars, it is. But no one would care about climate change or war if we didn’t understand what was at stake, if we were never made to feel how people have been impacted. That understanding, that emotional connection, comes from stories.
In 2024, we will continue to provide a platform for storytelling. We will continue to teach people how to better communicate their stories. Most of all, we will continue to provide an inclusive community built around stories.
Here’s to making a better 2024.
– Jessica Robinson, Executive Director
Click on the image above to watch our 2023 Year-in-Review video, or CLICK HERE.
I included at least one still from every public show we produced this year, and included a short video clip from most. If you were one of the over 70 performers we worked with this year, you will see yourself at some point.
Storytellers with speaking roles in the video include: Nick Baskerville, Lyn Ford, Chetter Galloway, Bonnie Gardner, Claire Hennessy, Jenn Kamara, Nina Lesiga, Carol Moore, Kristin Pedemonti, Dylan Pritchett, Jessica Robinson, Jack Scheer, Linda Schuyler Ford, Laura Simms, Ed Stivender, Roshanda Womack, and Andrea Young!
Thank you for staying connected in 2023 and making it a year filled with wonderful stories and a strong community. Life is Better with You in It!
We’ll see you in 2024!
A Look Ahead at 2024
We still have space for 3 more in our January 7th storytelling workshop online – and plenty of space in our February workshop.
Spotlight On You – a 3 to 4 hour workshop which includes lessons about storytelling structure, character development and other techniques for creating dramatic, engaging and true, personal stories.
Next Online Workshops:
January 7, 2024 at 1:30pm, led by Jessica Robinson
February 17, 2024 at 2:00pm, led by Jack Scheer
Read More and Register for a Workshop Here.
On January 11, 2024, join emcee Calvin S. Cato and storytellers Jeff Doyle, Lyn Ford, Bil Lepp, Jessica Robinson, and Regina Stoops for a night of laughs. Just Kidding!
Online at 8:00pm Eastern. And that’s no joke.
Details and Tickets Here
On February 3, 2024, join emcee Carol Moore and storytellers J.R. Denson, Hettie Farley, Joe Morice, Miriam Nadel, Vijai Nathan, Liza Newell, and Jessica Robinson for Whoops.
In-Person at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N. Washington St, Falls Church, VA, at 6:00pm. Doors open at 5:30pm.We sold out our last show at Clare and Don’s, and tickets are already going fast for this one, so get your tickets soon!
Details and Tickets Here
The Women’s Storytelling Festival will take place, both online and in-person, March 14 – 17, 2024. In-person performances will take place at The Old Town Hall, 3999 University Dr., Fairfax City, VA, from Friday March 15 – Sunday March 17, with a special virtual only showcase premiering on March 14, 2024.
The festival features 21 storytellers performing spoken word stories in a variety of styles, intended for a mature audience.
We will have Day Of and Weekend Pass tickets available at the door, if we do not sell out. However, we suggest you purchase your tickets in advance.
EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS FEBRUARY 15, 2024.
Details HERE
| Better Said Than Done is a 501(c)(3) public charity – which means that donations, gifts, grants, sponsorships, etc., are now tax deductible! |
| At Better Said Than Done, we provide a platform for people to share their stories, to listen to stories, and to learn how to tell their own stories. We remain committed to making storytelling accessible through providing online and in-person content, with sliding scale pricing. Now, your donation of any amount can help. $10 covers monthly domain hosting fees. $40 pays an emcee for a virtual show. $75 covers the cost of one story at the Women’s Storytelling Festival. $200 pays for a year of Zoom. We are thankful for whatever you can give here: www.bettersaidthandone.com/donate If you are interested in sponsoring or directly supporting the 2024 Women’s Storytelling Festival, find out more and donate here: www.bettersaidthandone.com/womens-festival/sponsorship |
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