Come to the Ozark Folk Center State Park to enjoy some incredible tales during the November 14 -16 Ozark Storytellers Gathering. The Gathering includes workshops with well-known storytellers Dakota Russell and Molly Postlewait; a live broadcast of stories by Tales From the South; a Storytelling Competition and daytime performances in the Craft Village by a variety of storytellers.
Dakota Russell is known for his Ozark Witchmaster character and other bits of obscure hill history that he brings to life. His research follows the writings of Vance Randolph and other folklorists to bring the history of the Ozarks forward and make it real to today’s audiences. Dakota will be teaching workshops on how to develop characters; acting for storytellers; and how to tell scary stories.
Molly Postlewait has brought many strong women of history to life. Her portrayal of Carry A. Nation, firey advocate of women’s rights and the temperance movement is inspiring. Likewise, her stories of her own childhood on the Gasaconde River in southern Missouri will keep you spellbound. Molly will be teaching workshops on finding and refining the stories in your own life; gaining confidence telling your own stories; and how to make stories out of your life – without offending your relatives.
Register for the workshops by calling 870-269-3851. The cost for the whole gathering is $60 or individual classes are $20 each.
Everyone is invited to the Ozark Storytellers first ever Storytelling Competition from 7 to 9 p.m. on November 14, 2014 at the White Oak Theater in the Ozark Folk Center State Park Administration Building. Admission to the competition is free. There is a $100 prize for the winning story, to be voted on by the audience. Audience members will receive a ballot when they enter the theater. Register to compete by calling 870-269-3851. There is no cost to compete, but you must be registered before 5 p.m. on November 14. The winning storyteller also gets to perform in the broadcast production of Tales from the South in the White Oak Theater on Saturday, November 15 from 4-8 p.m.
Tales From the South is a radio show created and produced by Paula Martin Morell, who is also the show’s host, in conjuction with UALR’s Dept. of Rhetoric and Writing. The evening performance on November 15 is a cross between a house concert and a reading/show, with food and great company. Tales from the South is a showcase of writers reading their own true stories. While the show itself is unrehearsed, the literary memoirs have been worked on for weeks leading up to the readings. Stories range from funny to touching, from everyday occurrences to life-altering tragedies. Contributors are from all walks of life and include professional writers as well as those who have never been published. Tales from the South airs on Thursdays at 7pm on KUAR (FM 89.1) in Central Arkansas, and you can hear the show worldwide via streaming audio.
There are many outstanding classes, performances and open mike opportunities at the Ozark Storytellers Gathering at the Ozark Folk Center State Park November 14-16, 2014. Visit the web site at www.ozarkfolkcenter.com or call the park at 870-269-3851 for more information or to register for the workshop.
The mission of Ozark Folk Center State Park is to perpetuate, present and promote the Ozark way of life in an educational and enjoyable manner; through craft demonstrations, musical programs, the Heritage Herb Garden, workshops and other special events. Visit the web site at www.ozarkfolkcenter.com for more information on classes, concerts and the Ozark way of life.
