Stories From The Stage

Change is never easy. But if we try hard enough, we can make the world a better place. Luciana strives for a new definition of beauty after experiencing sudden hair loss; Su extends a helping hand, even though it means breaking the rules; and Robin shows her fellow EMTs that women can excel. Three storytellers, three interpretations of CHANGEMAKERS, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Being a young Latina means living within a vibrant and varied global culture. It also means navigating identity and intersectionality. Rosanna discovers that friendship can cross all borders; Ana describes her last night at home before leaving Cuba forever; and Michele turns lemons into lemonade when she gets busted moonlighting. Three storytellers, three interpretations of GROWING UP LATINA.

Standing up for justice means encountering opposition. When we have the courage to do what is right, we can help justice prevail. After a gas explosion, Gladys helps her neighborhood fight back; Eben switches careers to advocate for climate equity; and Antonio's protest sparks a media frenzy in Brazil. Three storytellers, three interpretations of IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Raising the bar calls for a promise to improve and keep that word. When setting a higher standard for yourself, the effect ripples to others. Samantha helps her dance students feel less pressure; Vernon discovers the reason why men want to do better by women; and Haley finds compassion for those who spoil her day. Three storytellers, three interpretations of RAISING THE BAR, hosted by Wes Hazard.

It is often said that it is better to give than to receive. But no matter which side we’re on, gifts have the power to simply bring a smile or even save a life. Christine donates a kidney to a stranger; Stacey dreams of one gift but gets another; and on the night of her first high school dance, Mary gets an amazing gift from her dad. Three storytellers, three interpretations of THE PERFECT GIFT.

How do you start a new chapter in life? Experiencing that first time means confronting changes and everything that comes with it. In response to racism, Salil takes a different path; after COVID isolation, Estella reaches out to her neighbors; and Katie attempts a new approach after a disastrous first day on the job. Three storytellers, three interpretations of NEW CHAPTER, hosted by Wes Hazard.

“Family” has countless definitions. We are born into one, or find one by choice or creation. No matter how family comes together, they have influence on our lives. After divorcing, Laura forges a new relationship; Saket finds kinship after immigrating; and Mackenzie breaks new ground by taking on a "man's job." Three storytellers, three interpretations of MODERN FAMILY, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

When experiencing a new and unfamiliar culture, we often feel like outsiders. But crossing cultures help us become more human. Micaela, the grandchild of Holocaust survivors, explores German culture; Anita lives in poverty in a wealthy community; and after being mistaken for a homeless person, Biar expands his view. Three storytellers, three interpretations of CULTURE SHOCK, hosted by Wes Hazard.

When faced with adversity, it's easy to believe that the universe is conspiring against us. However, the lessons we learn last a lifetime. Linda learns the difference between curses and kindness; ToRena works to recover economically after the 2008 crash; and Marlon uses comedy to lessen the pain of war. Three storytellers, three interpretations of THROUGH THICK AND THIN, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

We often believe that our circumstances are permanent, when in fact, this is not the case. If only we dare, change can happen. Jason discovers his voice and sees himself in a new light; Jackie embarks on a daring career change that leads to joy; and Judah changes his name and learns to trust his inner voice. Three storytellers, three interpretations of TRANSFORMATION, hosted by Wes Hazard.

A given name is just that - one we have no choice over. But our names can provide us with such unexpected strength. Szifra discovers the hidden meaning of her Jewish name; U-Meleni celebrates her name as she sows seeds of renewal in the US; and Sofia finds that her name carries both power and identity. Three storytellers, three interpretations of THE POWER OF NAME.

With every step forward, we carry history with us as we are shaping our future. Raúl moves from El Paso to Boston and finds his artistic voice; Hannah buys a beloved community bookstore on the eve of the pandemic; and Rita makes a bold decision about her lifelong search for a mother. Three storytellers, three interpretations of TURN THE PAGE, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Defining moments can be brief, but what they teach are lessons that last a lifetime. Michelle’s outlook transforms when she becomes the subject of a community art project; at 18, Annie assumes the burdens of her Chinese immigrant family; and Elena takes a chance on love & life when she moves to the US from Moscow. Three storytellers, three interpretations of DEFINING MOMENTS, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Sometimes the odds are against us. But with effort and a little luck, they can sway in our favor. Vojislav finds a way to connect with his son with a disability; Alexis finally confronts the power of addiction and denial; and Irene discovers that in the face of racism, a great teacher can make a difference. Three storytellers, three interpretations of AGAINST THE ODDS, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Siblings share many things; from the obvious to the seldom said of histories and hopes. Rebecca and her sons experience the many trials of military deployment; Joseph’s siblings rally when one of them is diagnosed with cancer; and after their father abandons the family, Anna and her sibs navigate the fallout. Three storytellers, three interpretations of SIBLINGS, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Siblings may be friends or rivals. No matter how much time has elapsed, their connection is like the pieces of a puzzle. Drew’s brother helps him overcome his fear of water; Mary Liz fosters a boy, realizing his brother also needs them; and when MaryAnn develops an eating disorder, her sister steps in. Three storytellers, three interpretations of BROTHERS AND SISTERS, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

We are defined by turning points, choosing a path where nothing is ever the same again. Natasha and her team fights to bring Sesame Street to a newly democratic Russia; Johanne reconnects with her late father’s friend to navigate the end of life; and Dave decides to become a pro basketball player, despite talent. Three storytellers, three interpretations of NEVER THE SAME, hosted by Wes Hazard.

When we believe love has abandoned us, we think it'll never touch our lives again. If we persist, amazing things can happen. Esmond gets a second chance for a disastrous first date; Randy’s boyfriend’s mom learns the truth about her son’s "roommate;" and Betsy helps her teenage son make contact with his birth mother. Three storytellers, three interpretations of THE ONE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Pets can turn our lives completely upside down, but we wouldn’t trade them for anything. "Music for Cats" helps Kendra live though the pandemic with a feline in heat; Suzanne’s hen Emily (Dickinson) takes a ride that ends up saving two roosters’ lives; and Tracey’s shih-tzu accidentally escapes and becomes a 12-pound hero. Three storytellers, three interpretations of PETS, hosted by Wes Hazard.

As we share life with our loyal companions, they in turn teach us about love, compassion, and mortality. Bill goes above and beyond to try and save the life of his son’s hamster; farming teaches Ray lessons about life and death; and Alta finds inner peace by swimming with a loon. Three storytellers, three interpretations of ANIMAL COMPANIONS, hosted by Wes Hazard.