Welcome to all Tellabration! Producers Worldwide!
You've joined a group that started in 1987 when a Connecticut yarn spinner, J. G. Pinkerton, launched his vision of a night of storytelling for adults.
In 1988 Tellabration! took place in six towns across Connecticut. The hard work of a volunteer network - 14 producers, 35 storytellers, and 102 production staffers made the events happen! More than 1,000 story listeners enjoyed that evening's performances.
The following year Texas and Missouri joined Connecticut in a dedicated evening of story-celebration: 19 communities entertained a total of 3,000 audience members.
In 1990, participation and audiences continued to grow as J. G. collaborated with the National Storytelling Association (NSA) to make the evening a nationwide event.
From his experience as a former corporate executive and arts producer, J. G. provided the necessary vision, and timing. And NSA furnished its networking and administrative skills. Working together, they succeeded in firmly establishing Tellabration! as coast-to-coast celebration.
Since then Tellabration! sites have joined hands around the world. In 1999, 333 sites, 400 producers, and 6700 production staffers spun stories to a combined audience of over 34,000.
And Tellabration! has expanded to include a weekend of storytelling that builds appreciation and advocacy for the art form at storytelling centers, colleges and universities, schools, museums, libraries, performing arts centers, elder hostels, and even on trains and planes!
Also, the program has evolved at many sites from a showcase for storytelling to a community-support project. Funds from Tellabration! events now go to support schools, libraries, shelters for the homeless, Habitats for Humanity, Food Banks, and Crisis Centers.
The National Storytelling Network (NSA's successor) is proud to welcome you into the circle of caring, pro-active, service-oriented organizations using storytelling to serve both audiences and community needs, simultaneously.
Congratulations! We're proud to have you aboard!