The start of a new year is a wonderful time to aim for lofty goals and set our sights on new horizons. But let’s be honest… all that grandiosity can get a bit much, you know what I mean? Maybe this year, we do it a little different. Maybe this year, we start things off with a few laughs!
This Thursday, January 11th, at 8 P.M. Eastern, Better Said Than Done presents the online showcase “Just Kidding: Storytelling for Laughs.” Hilarious NYC-based stand-up and storyteller Calvin S. Cato is your emcee for the evening, so you already know you’re in great comedic hands. And he’ll be bringing some of the funniest folks to ever grace BSTD’s real-world and Zoom stages: Jeff Doyle, Lynette Ford, Bil Lepp, Jessica Robinson, and Regina Stoops!
I asked our host and cast to tell us about one of their favorite comedians, and what they like about that person. Here’s what they had to say…
Calvin S. Cato
Calvin S. Cato: One of my favorite comedians is Wanda Sykes. I like her not just because she’s an amazing storyteller and writer, but also because she is one of the best performers who understands that the culture moves forward and writes in a way that is progressive and respectful without pandering.
Jeff Doyle: Favorite comedian. George Carlin. He gave us the 7 words you can’t say on TV.
Lynette Ford
Lynette Ford: My mother was one of the funniest people I ever knew, and, most of the time, she didn’t even know it.
Bil Lepp
Bil Lepp: Oh boy. I’d like to name someone cutting edge and modern, but I’m so lame…. I’m going to go with Jeff Foxworthy. He’s hilarious, he’s clean, he’s a family man, and he doesn’t seem pretentious. He was an influence way back when.
Jessica Robinson
Jessica Robinson: In addition to all the very funny storytellers in this show, I also love Maria Bamford, because she is crazy, (self-described), and has found a way to share stories about her mental health challenges in a way which is brutal and honest and hilarious.
Regina Stoops
Regina Stoops: One of my favorite comedians is Mitch Hedberg. His view of the world and deadpan delivery are brilliantly warped. You either think he’s a genius or you don’t get him. I’m the former.
Such a wide range of tastes in comedians from our tellers bodes well for a variety of belly-busting tales! Do your funny bone a favor and join us! The Zoom show opens at 8:00pm, and the hilarity ensues shortly thereafter! Tickets start at $15 (with a $5 minimum option).
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
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.
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!
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.
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
Stay connected in 2024. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
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: Stories About Mistakes, Accidents, and Embarrassing Moments.
In-Person at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N. Washington St, Falls Church, VA, at 6:00pm. Doors open at 5:30pm.
A full dinner and bar menu is available.
February 3, 2024
6:00pm Show Starts/5:30pm Doors Open
$15 Per Person
When you purchase a ticket, your name will be entered on the list at the door. You do not get a physical ticket.
We recommend you get tickets in advance. If we do not sell out in advance, we’ll have tickets available at the door for $15 per person.
Online ticket sales for this event are closed.
In the “Buy Tickets” box, click on the amount you’d like to pay and then “add to cart.” At the top of the “Buy Tickets” box, a little box that says “Go to Cart” will appear. Click on that. Confirm everything in your cart is correct. Click “Review Cart and Make Payment.” Then click on “Make Payment through Paypal.” That will take you to Paypal where you are given the choice to login to pay OR to pay with credit card.
You can purchase the recording of “Just Kidding: Storytelling for Laughs,” with emcee Calvin S. Cato and storytellers Jeff Doyle, Lyn Ford, Bil Lepp, Jessica Robinson, and Regina Stoops! Ticket sales close on Sunday, January 14, and you can watch the recording through January 31st. And that’s no joke.
$15 Suggested/$5 Minimum All Proceeds Split Between Producer and Storytellers
You will receive a link to watch the show moments after registering. If you do NOT see that email, first check your junk mail folder. If you still cannot find it, contact stories@bettersaidthandone.com BEFORE the show starts.
As people can watch the recording for up to one month after, ticket sales close on January 14th. Your receipt reflects the date ticket sales close. The link to watch the show has the date and time of the show on it.
Online ticket sales for this event are closed.
In the “Buy Tickets” box, click on the amount you’d like to pay and then “add to cart.” At the top of the “Buy Tickets” box, a little box that says “Go to Cart” will appear. Click on that. Confirm everything in your cart is correct. Click “Review Cart and Make Payment.” Then click on “Make Payment through Paypal.” That will take you to Paypal where you are given the choice to login to pay OR to pay with credit card.
As the Waitresses once put it, “now the calendar is just one page.” December is here, the time of year to take stock, reflect, celebrate, and then look to the future. Loved ones gather together to catch up and share treasured traditions. And that holds true for the Better Said Than Done community as well!
On Saturday, December 14th, at 7:00 P.M. Eastern, join Better Said Than Done for “That’s a Wrap!” It’s our annual end of year celebration and storytelling show, held online via Zoom. Yours truly, Jack Scheer, has the honor of emceeing this event, and I’ll be bringing to our virtual stage a merry band of storytellers: Lona Bartlett, Alton Chung, Lynette Ford, Dolores Hydock, Laura Packer, Denise Page, Jessica Robinson and Ed Stivender!
Whenever I pull double duty as blogger and host, I like to ask our tellers two interrelated questions – one for the post you’re reading now and one to use as their introductions at the show. The first question I asked?
What’s a happy thing that happened to you in 2023?
Here’s the good stuff our tellers shared…
Lona Bartlett
Lona Bartlett: I’ve been longing to go to Ireland for about 35 years. This year I put it on the top of my “life list,” and the Universe stepped in and gave to me the opportunity to be a featured teller in the Glens Storytelling Festival in Northern Ireland. I had an amazing time! I met friends I never knew I had, shared stories, ate stew cooked in Guinness, had a soda in an Irish pub, went to the botanical gardens all by myself, figured out the bus system in Dublin, and so much more! I LOVED every minute of it.
Alton Chung: I spent months creating multiple grade-appropriate versions of a historic story for a school district and performed them in several schools for various grades in May. I also created a video of the K-2 version of the story for them. After months of radio silence, at the end of November, they finally let me know that they loved the video and my performances. Oh, joy, rapture unforeseen! The skies above are now serene! The things we do for acknowledgment, gratification, albeit delayed, and a check.
Lynette Ford
Lynette Ford: I received some wonderful gifts! First, and most wonderful, my husband Bruce was finally healthy enough to have surgery setting five stents in his arteries, and, although there’s still more care, he’s now walking with no pain. Second, I received two awards from the National Association of Black Storytellers. Third, I developed an online storytelling/story-creating class for John C. Campbell Folk School, and storytelling friends and acquaintances participated, which made the class great fun!
Chetter Galloway
Chetter Galloway: Being chosen as one of six tellers from a hundred to perform at the National Storytelling Festival Story Slam was thrilling! I had not attended the festival since 2003 and it was like going to a family reunion with high stakes! Although I placed second, I enjoyed the experience of being live on the stage in front of a standing room crowd! The tent atmosphere was amazing, filled with energy and excitement from the audience. I felt appreciated knowing that a story I created years ago still has mileage in a 5-minute version.
Dolores Hydock
Dolores Hydock: I helped my sister celebrate her 75th birthday in June in Montreal. Because our flights home left very early, we didn’t go out to dinner the night before, but made a picnic in our hotel room. As we shared a baguette, cheese, apples, and a bottle of wine, we told old and new stories about people and events from our past, continuing to talk even after we turned out the lights. Montreal was beautiful, but that lovely “sister” time was the best part of the trip.
Laura Packer
Laura Packer: I became a grandmother for the first time. It’s a little stunning, I don’t *feel* like a grandma, but when I hold my granddaughter or watch her walk on her unsteady legs, my heart fills. She is so much like her parents – smart, curious, appropriately demanding, full of love. While I have no biological children, I love knowing I will know this person from her birth and that maybe someday she will tell stories about her step-grandmother, who loved her so much.
Denise Page
Denise Page: My existing friendships deepened, new ones are blossoming, and I have just been basking in the goodness of people. Also, despite three major surgeries every one of my professional goals was met. Now quite sure how that happened. And one of those surgeries kept me out of the earthquake in Marrakesh! Silver linings indeed!
Jessica Robinson
Jessica Robinson: Two happy and related events happened in 2023. I was presented the ORACLE Award for Leadership and Service from the National Storytelling Network, and Better Said Than Done was granted 501(c)(3) status as a Public Charity, meaning that we can now accept tax deductible donations and sponsorships.
Ed Stivender
Ed Stivender: I pitched an idea for a Storytelling Festival at my Alma Mater, St. Joseph’s University, to be held on the grounds of the Barnes Arboretum, the first Weekend of May 2023. Thanks to Dr. Clint Springer, Director of the Institute for Environmental Stewardship, this dream became a reality. I was joined by Charlotte Blake Alston and Denise Dunkley, a Lenni Lenape Teller. And people showed up!
What’s something that you’re looking forward to in 2024?
To find out their answers to that question, join us online on December 14th for the best online party of the year! Tickets go for a contribution of $15, a minimum $6 contribution, or you can pick an option to contribute more if the spirit of the season so moves you.
The recording of That’s a Wrap is now available for purchase. Ticket sales close on December 17th and ticket holder have access to watch the recording through January 9, 2024. Watch emcee Jack Scheer and storytellers Lona Bartlett, Alton Chung, Lynette Ford, Dolores Hydock, Laura Packer, Denise Page, Jessica Robinson and Ed Stivender in our year end celebration and storytelling show, with recipes!
As is tradition with our end of the year storytelling show, all ticket holders will also receive the BSTD 2023 Recipe Collection, featuring recipes from all of the night’s storytellers, as well as from our community of storytellers.
During the show, we will premiere our year end recap video, and at the end of the show we will invite all who attend to join us in a toast to bid 2023 a fond farewell.
December 14, 2023
7:00pm Eastern/5:00pm Pacific
$15 Suggested/$5 Minimum All Proceeds Split Between Producer and Storytellers
You will receive a link to watch the show moments after registering. If you do NOT see that email, first check your junk mail folder. If you still cannot find it, contact stories@bettersaidthandone.com BEFORE the show starts.
As people can watch the recording for up to one month after, ticket sales close on December 16th. Your receipt reflects the date ticket sales close. The link to watch the show has the date and time of the show on it.
Online ticket sales for this event are closed.
In the “Buy Tickets” box, click on the amount you’d like to pay and then “add to cart.” At the top of the “Buy Tickets” box, a little box that says “Go to Cart” will appear. Click on that. Confirm everything in your cart is correct. Click “Review Cart and Make Payment.” Then click on “Make Payment through Paypal.” That will take you to Paypal where you are given the choice to login to pay OR to pay with credit card.
You can register for yourself or get one as a gift for that person in your life that you just know has great stories! At this time, all workshops are virtual. If you are local to Northern Virginia and would like to join in-person, we may be able to work that out.
Spotlight on You – February 17, 2024 at 2:00pm, led by Jessica Robinson
PLEASE NOTE: Workshops are on Zoom. We are in the EASTERN TIME ZONE and times listed about reflect that.
Class sizes are limited to no more than 8 registrants so that each attendee will have time to share a story and receive critical feedback. Because the workshops will be over Zoom, participants can also record their own stories and feedback and save the recording for future reference.
Register for a virtual storytelling workshop below.
Online ticket sales for this event are closed.
After registering, you will receive a receipt. Login information and details for the class will be sent approximately 3 days prior. If you have questions in the meantime, or don’t see the email, please contact stories@bettersaidthandone.com
Spotlight on You
A 3-4 hour workshop which includes lessons about storytelling structure, character development and other techniques for creating dramatic, engaging and true, personal stories. Class size is limited so all students will be given the opportunity to share a story and receive critical feedback.
Your Story, Your Life
5 two hour classes, over five weeks, to help you develop secondary characters, dialogue, non-linear structure, enhanced performance skills, and stories of varying lengths to be performed on stage. Students will be able to workshop and hone at least one, and possibly several, stories over the course of 5 weeks.
We will host another of our popular 5 week course starting in 2024. As it runs multiple weeks, it’s harder to schedule. We will likely start it after the Women’s Storytelling Festival weekend concludes – so late March/early April. If you are interested in the 5 week course, please contact stories@bettersaidthandone.com with your preference for night of the week and time range and we will keep that in mind when scheduling.
Read about our storytelling teachers, as well as about what you can expect in our workshops here.
In-person performances of the 5th Annual Women’s Storytelling Festival are over. However, you can watch all 15 plus hours of recordings through April 21st!
The videos of the festival will be available to watch through April 21, 2024.
The Women’s Storytelling Festival is intended for a mature audience.
Virtual Festival Pass
The Virtual Only Pass is for watching all festival events online. The virtual pass gives you access to watch the live-stream of all the Festival events as well as to watch after through April 21st.
You will receive a second email, shortly after purchase, with a message about your festival pass. If you do NOT see the second email, check your junk folder. If you still do not see it, contact festival@bettersaidthandone.com to let us know.
The virtual pass is limited to one per email address. You cannot forward or share your virtual pass.
As people can watch the festival videos through April 21st, ticket sales close on April 1st. Your receipt will have that date on it.
We’ve also included options below for giving generously, if you’d like to add extra support for this festival and do not wish to be recognized as a sponsor. If you’d like to sponsor the 2024 festival, read more here.
Online ticket sales for this event are closed.
In the “Buy Tickets” box, click on the amount you’d like to pay and then “add to cart.” At the top of the “Buy Tickets” box, a little box that says “Go to Cart” will appear. Click on that. Confirm everything in your cart is correct. Click “Review Cart and Make Payment.” Then click on “Make Payment through Paypal.” That will take you to Paypal where you are given the choice to login to pay OR to pay with credit card.
REFUND POLICY
The following policy applies to all events unless a specific event explicitly modifies it. No refund is given for tickets purchased. Registration can be transferred to another person if requested in writing by e-mail to festival (at) bettersaidthandone (dot) com at least one week before the event.
DISCLAIMER
By attending the Women’s Storytelling Festival, you are entering an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By agreeing to these terms, you consent to photography, audio recording, video recording and its release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for promotional purposes, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by Better Said Than Done and its representatives. You release Better Said Than Done, its employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication and use of interviews, photographs, computer images, video and/or or audio recordings, and you waive all rights to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any use of these materials. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by Better Said Than Done or the person or entity designated to do so by Better Said Than Done.
The recording of Looking Glass: Stories About Identity, with storytellers Willa Brigham, Linda Gorham, Teri Lott, Kristin Pedemonti, Dylan Pritchett, and Jessica Robinson, and Emcee Bonnie Gardner is available for purchase. Ticket sales close on November 5 and ticket holders can watch the recording for up to one month.
November 2, 2023
8:00pm Eastern/5:00pm Pacific
$15 Suggested/$5 Minimum All Proceeds Split Between Producer and Storytellers
You will receive a link to watch the show moments after registering. If you do NOT see that email, first check your junk mail folder. If you still cannot find it, contact stories@bettersaidthandone.com BEFORE the show starts.
As people can watch the recording for up to one month after, ticket sales close on November 5th. Your receipt reflects the date ticket sales close. The link to watch the show has the date and time of the show on it.
Online ticket sales for this event are closed.
In the “Buy Tickets” box, click on the amount you’d like to pay and then “add to cart.” At the top of the “Buy Tickets” box, a little box that says “Go to Cart” will appear. Click on that. Confirm everything in your cart is correct. Click “Review Cart and Make Payment.” Then click on “Make Payment through Paypal.” That will take you to Paypal where you are given the choice to login to pay OR to pay with credit card.
On October 14, 2023 join us for Surf’s Up, IN-PERSON at Clare and Don’s, in Falls Church, VA. With storytellers Nick Baskerville, Bonnie Gardner, John Kreul, Giselle Ruzany, Jack Scheer, Allison Stevens, and Andrea Young, and emcee Jessica Robinson.
In-person at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N. Washington St., Falls Church, VA 22046. A full dinner and bar menu are available.
October 14, 2023
6:30pm Start/Doors open 6:00pm
$15 Per Person
When you purchase a ticket, you will receive an email that will include a link to watch the live-stream, whether or not you are coming to the live show. If you purchase an “in-person” ticket, your name will be entered on the list at the door. You do not get a physical ticket.
We recommend you get tickets in advance. If we do not sell out in advance, we’ll have tickets available at the door for $15 per person.
Online ticket sales for this event are closed.
In the “Buy Tickets” box, click on the amount you’d like to pay and then “add to cart.” At the top of the “Buy Tickets” box, a little box that says “Go to Cart” will appear. Click on that. Confirm everything in your cart is correct. Click “Review Cart and Make Payment.” Then click on “Make Payment through Paypal.” That will take you to Paypal where you are given the choice to login to pay OR to pay with credit card.
