Conceptually it might sound like a bore: eight people stand on a stage and each tell an unrehearsed story without the use of props.
But add to this that the theme of all the stories will be “Up All Night,” and that this event will be held in the intimate Tin Pan Theater and it all starts to sound a little voyeuristic and, therefore, interesting.
Yes, this sort of live storytelling template where brave souls tell stories of their lives has proven popular around the nation, including in Portland where it’s called Back Fence PDX, and New York City where it’s called The Moth.
The idea went over well here last spring, too, when the first Armchair event rolled out and storytellers spoke about trespassing. The tales were dramatic. Stories of hazing, pranks and social misfits were told in between long stretches of silence, when stories got surreal or raw in the honesty of the telling.
“We had a lot of energy after the first event and we decided to keep it at Tin Pan Theater because of the intimate setting; it’s a perfect venue for it,” said Gretchen Raynak, the originator of Armchair events in Bend.
For this second installment in the Armchair series, Raynak has once again partnered with creative megawatts Matt Ebbing, Cassondra Schindler, Jordan Elliott and Sara Yellich. René Mitchell, who was a storyteller at the first event, has also joined the team.
We were hoping for a sneak peak at what we can only hope are stories of cokeheads and shenanigans related to the “Up All Night” theme. We got a little taste from participant Lindsey Clark.
“My story will be about a time that I was up all night on one of our Pacific Northwest volcanoes – and not by choice,” said Clark.
Before finally committing to the event, Clark grappled with the idea of public speaking, which she hates. But realized that her story needs to be told.
“It (had been) rearranged into a nonlinear narrative,” said Clark. “I was really excited when I relived the whole experience again.”
All the storytellers will, like Clark, be new this time around. They can take solace in the fact that since there are no rehearsals, no one will notice if their stores get off course.
“The most I can hope for the audience is that they are entertained,” said Clark. “And the most I can hope for myself is that I get through yet another evening on a stage and remember why it’s worth putting myself through this torture.”
Photo; Shelby Little
Armchair Live Storytelling Event
$5, 8 p.m., Nov. 8
Tin Pan Theater, 869 NW Tin Pan Alley
This article appears in Nov 8-14, 2012.
MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
And in DC, where’s it’s called the SpeakEasy, which by the way was the first of its kind in the NATION. And which, by the way, we had here in Bend, predating Armchair by over a YEAR. That’s right, the SpeakEasy Open Mic Storytelling debuted in Bend in 2010 and produced a dozen themed storytelling evenings. But does the Source care about that? Even though they actually did an article on it back in 2010? Apparently not.
Hi Brad,
Appreciate the feedback. For those who hadn’t heard about Brad Hills’ SpeakEasy project here’s a link to the article he references http://www.tsweekly.com/culture/features/the-truth-is-out-there-the-speakeasy-lets-bendites-tell-their-stories.html
In the future, Brad, would appreciate a quick call so we could discuss your concerns. In this case, a new writer and a new editor weren’t aware of your program.
Was an oversight on our part that I regret. To suggest we didn’t care about your series was disappointing and surprising to hear, especially since the Source had taken the time to cover your program in the past. Please be in touch with future feedback at 541-383-0800 or editor@tsweekly. Thank you!
Brad, FACT CHECK – you are actually mistaken about your timeline. I am from D.C. originally, and SpeakEasy (formerly known as Washington Storytellers Theater) is celebrating their 13th year. The Moth is actually celebrating their 15th year since it’s launch in 1997. Ease up sour pants.
Off to Armchair! -ek