Our members explore many avenues to support storytelling, locally, regionally, and nationwide. Each of us not only has stories to tell, but the way we tell and the approach we take to our craft is unique to each of us. Here is a sampling of some of the ways the Ann Arbor Storytellers’ Guild helps to support the art and craft of storytelling.

EXPLORE: Guild members pursue various storytelling interests. Some delve into the rich legacy of traditional folktales, legends and myths. Some mine their own lives for drama and insight. Some search historical sources to highlight notable characters and events. Some enrich their storytelling with puppets, music, and even martial arts.

CREATE: Meetings and Guild-sponsored workshops provide a nurturing environment for members to try out new stories and new ways of telling their favorite stories.

LEARN: In addition to workshops, many Guild members attend conferences and form study groups to enhance their understanding of the art of storytelling.

SHARE: Each Fall, the Guild produces StoryFest : An Evening of Storytelling for Grown-ups, and a Family Fun StoryFest. We also hold many virtual concerts for the public. Please check our Events Calendar for more information.

COLLABORATE: The Guild works hand-in-hand with other storytelling groups and venues to bring the wonder of storytelling to audiences in the Ann Arbor area and beyond. Collaborative partners include the Ark, Dexter District Library, the Ann Arbor District Library, Serendipity Books in Chelsea, and a number of local area churches. Take a look at some of the events listed on this website, and check back for news of events.

EVENTS:

AASG Monthly Meetings – The meeting starts with stories, and then more stories – public invited.

Location: Ann Arbor District Library – 343 South Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 – 3^rd floor free-space room. Meetings always start with stories, and then, more stories! Listeners and tellers welcome. Meetings are free. Masks are appreciated. More information: Beverly Black

StoryFest – Every year in October AASG celebrates the Art of Storytelling with StoryFest.  It is our biggest concert of the year featuring vetted stories by AASG members.  StoryFest consists of two storytelling concerts—a concert for adults and one for children and their families.

Monday Lunch Bunch – An outdoor event held in local parks around Ann Arbor the first Monday of every month as weather allows – Informal stories and sharing in a beautiful setting.

Story Swaps – Meets monthly. Members-only meetings where Guild members get together to share and work on stories in any stage of development. Swaps are a forum for storytellers of all levels to provide input and assistance to each other.

House Concerts – In-person concerts for Guild members and their invited guests.  It is an opportunity for Guild members to try out a story in a performance setting with a small friendly audience.  Held every fifth Sunday from 2-4.  

Storytelling Workshops – Periodic events conducted by local tellers and tellers from around the world.

Scary Story Festival – Scary story concerts held in the spooky Howell Opera House, before Halloween. Headed by Jeff Doyle it is the centerpiece of the legend of Sleepy Howell activities.

Storytelling Festival at the Ark – Every year in February, the Ark holds a special storytelling festival featuring national, regional and local storytellers, in collaboration with AASG member Steve Daut. Many members have participated in this event   http://theark.org/