Stories From The Stage

On Election Day, things seldom go as planned. Voters and candidates face challenges that require creative thinking, integrity and courage. Donna discovers herself a foreigner in her own country; M.J. jumps into action when trouble strikes at her polling station; and Eric becomes a viable candidate when another drops out. Three stories, three interpretations of CAST YOUR VOTE, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Favorite stories about Thanksgiving, the holiday that has us giving thanks. Lani's cooking mistake becomes a family secret; Melanée tests her adulthood through the ultimate challenge: the Thanksgiving turkey; and Matthew gathers his courage to stand up to his girlfriend’s tough as nails dad. Three stories, three interpretations of GIVING THANKS.

What does it mean to grow up Black in America, a country too often divided by race? Bullied by a group of kids, Ben finds out he is not alone; Sue shares the realities of raising kids of a different race; and Angie learns about how far we have come, and how far we have to go in a chance encounter she will never forget. Three stories, three interpretations of GROWING UP BLACK, hosted by Wes Hazard.

There are all sorts of things people can be proud of: a decision, an accomplishment, or standing up and being true to who they are. Palestinian Muslim Eman finds the best tool to defy cultural stereotypes; April shares the relief & redemption of living an authentic self; and Jay comes out and receives surprising reactions. Three stories, three interpretations of PRIDE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

When you take a stand with your resolve unwavering, that rapidly beating heart signals courage. In the wake of a broken romance, Vanessa embraces adventure in Paris; when her writing is criticized, Anna steps up to become a dyslexia advocate; and Adam faces down a tiger - and his mother. Three stories, three interpretations of COURAGE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Top storytellers share stories that conjure the holiday spirit. David Dean Bottrell discovers his passion after stealing the school play's spotlight; Andrea Kamens’s bright menorah cuts through the darkness of anti-semitism; and Joe Charnitski tries to break a nightmare-before-Christmas bad luck streak.

Families are made of unique individuals with different takes on life. What binds them together is love. El, a non-binary comedian, comes out to their conservative father; Sarah confronts the notion of being “illegal” when she meets her boyfriend’s family; and Nestor is reminded of a family separation deep in his past. Three stories, three interpretations of MI FAMILIA, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Why isn't it easy to find the right person to love? No one knows the right answer, but with every misstep, we learn to keep searching. Nimisha breaks her parents’ rules and dates outside her Indian culture; Max García learns to interpret the secret language of love; and Lauren's broken heart is held together by one hundred women in rural Colorado.

Growing up Black in America means cultural bonds, the struggle for visibility, and all too often, unearned judgement. Valerie teaches her students about Africa's greatest explorer; U-Meleni brings her son to a protest of George Floyd’s death; and Harold shows how fear of the police affects his everyday life. Three stories, three interpretations of GROWING UP BLACK PART 2, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

The late John Lewis took pride in creating “good trouble” and standing up against unfairness. Maulian fights to ban "Indian" mascots in Maine schools; Ronald stands up for his integrated marriage; and Dr. Wanda’s boss pushes back against patients who don’t want to see her because of her name. Three stories, three interpretations of GOOD KIND OF TROUBLE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Through the whispers of doubt, nevertheless, they persisted. In Afghanistan, Mahboba journeys to her classroom against all odds; Crystal climbs the ladder of higher education, aided by some secret admirers; and Joan learns that it’s never too late to radically change her life. Three stories, three interpretations of SHE PERSISTED.

When you live between two cultures, searching for your place in the world can be a journey. Harleen watches perceptions change based on the race of the man she’s dating; Mayowa asserts her Black identity, despite her light skin; and Samantha's mixed race friend shows her what life is like when assumptions are made. Three storytellers, three interpretations of ALL MIXED UP, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Sharing space with others can test our limits. And sometimes, bring us joy too. Chuck and his girlfriend learn that small spaces can make problems bigger; Mariela feels trapped in the safe space she created; and Áine battles her claustrophobia in a tiny recording booth. Three storytellers, three interpretations of CLOSE QUARTERS, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Everyone has their own personal space...but sometimes, we have to share it. Kurt finds space at a premium, even on the Appalachian Trail; Matthew’s blindness creates a unique hands-on museum tour; and Meghann connects with a friend despite her solitary confinement. Three storytellers, three interpretations of UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

At times, it can be hard to relate. But a missed connection could be a chance for redemption. James tries to connect with his brother killed in the Vietnam War; Mustapha’s journey from Ghana to the US is full of long-distance connections; and after her mastectomy, Musu-kulla reconnects to the dating world. Three storytellers, three interpretations of MISSED CONNECTIONS, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Some times we feel grounded. And other times, things up in the air can get scary until we touch down. COVID-19 delays Cris's path to citizenship and his civic duty; Rilda loses her beloved stuffed animal on an international trip; and Casandra, who is Black and deaf/blind, searches for the support she needs the most. Three storytellers, three interpretations of UP IN THE AIR, hosted by Wes Hazard.

When we miss out on the one thing we want most, the universe conspires to give us something extraordinary. Ronna pursues a Hollywood dream but discovers another possibility; Luis faces depression and struggles to find the light; and Jackie misses out on the lead for the school play but the curtain hasn’t fallen yet. Three stories, three interpretations of SILVER LININGS, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Dark times in life are inevitable. What can we do? Look at the brighter side! After becoming pregnant at 17, Liz experiences the lowest and highest points; Neil reassesses what compromise in relationships means; and Valerie takes an intermission from performing yet finds the strength to rediscover herself. Three storytellers, three interpretations of The Bright Side, hosted by Theresa Okokon.