Spring Break
Stoop storytelling continues with holiday show
Issue date: 12/6/07
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Since February of 2006, the Stoop Storytelling Series has been entertaining audiences with true, autobiographical stories told by members of the Baltimore community.
The storytellers come from all walks - the organizers encourage anyone with a tale to tell to come forward and share - their motto being, "Everyone has a story. What's yours?" The only stipulation is that the chosen story fits somehow into that month's theme.
Those familiar with "This American Life" might find the Stoop's tone familiar. Seven storytellers get seven minutes to tell their piece - and it always turns out interesting.
Recently, I spoke with Laura Wexler, part of the duo of Stoop producers (the other being Jessica Henkin). Wexler also teaches creative writing at Hopkins and is an editor at Style magazine. She was able to give me some insight into the origins and workings of the storytelling series.
According to Wexler, the idea for the Stoop originated after she saw a similar production in San Francisco, Porchlight. Immediately afterward, Wexler began to research and organize in order to bring such a show to Baltimore.
Modeled after both San Francisco's Porchlight and New York's Moth, the realization of the project became tantalizingly easy: They needed no set, no fancy equipment, just a stool and a microphone.
In February of 2006, the Stoop had its first show at the Creative Alliance in Patterson Park. That first show sold out completely, as did the rest of the season. Realizing that the Stoop was too big for the 250-seat Creative Alliance, it was moved to Centerstage in September of 2006, which allows a more breathable 540-person occupancy. These shows, too, sold out, with the exception of those shortsightedly scheduled to overlap with Ravens games.
On Dec. 10, the Stoop will be having its second holiday special show. Last year, the show was considered one of the best the Stoop had ever put on, and this year is expected to be no different.
The storytellers come from all walks - the organizers encourage anyone with a tale to tell to come forward and share - their motto being, "Everyone has a story. What's yours?" The only stipulation is that the chosen story fits somehow into that month's theme.
Those familiar with "This American Life" might find the Stoop's tone familiar. Seven storytellers get seven minutes to tell their piece - and it always turns out interesting.
Recently, I spoke with Laura Wexler, part of the duo of Stoop producers (the other being Jessica Henkin). Wexler also teaches creative writing at Hopkins and is an editor at Style magazine. She was able to give me some insight into the origins and workings of the storytelling series.
According to Wexler, the idea for the Stoop originated after she saw a similar production in San Francisco, Porchlight. Immediately afterward, Wexler began to research and organize in order to bring such a show to Baltimore.
Modeled after both San Francisco's Porchlight and New York's Moth, the realization of the project became tantalizingly easy: They needed no set, no fancy equipment, just a stool and a microphone.
In February of 2006, the Stoop had its first show at the Creative Alliance in Patterson Park. That first show sold out completely, as did the rest of the season. Realizing that the Stoop was too big for the 250-seat Creative Alliance, it was moved to Centerstage in September of 2006, which allows a more breathable 540-person occupancy. These shows, too, sold out, with the exception of those shortsightedly scheduled to overlap with Ravens games.
On Dec. 10, the Stoop will be having its second holiday special show. Last year, the show was considered one of the best the Stoop had ever put on, and this year is expected to be no different.
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