Bloomington (Indiana) Storytellers' Guild Request a Storyteller || Storytelling Events || Storytelling Resources on the Web

The Bloomington Storytellers' Guild was formed in 1974 to help keep the ancient tradition of oral storytelling alive. In addition to being a means for sharing classic folk and fairytales of our times (and times past), storytelling encourages use of the imagination, listening skills, and an interest in reading.

Members of the Guild meet about once a month to share new stories and plan storytelling events. Membership is open to anyone with a love for stories, a desire to tell them -- and five bucks for the registration fee. To inquire about becoming a member of the Guild, or to request a storyteller, call (812) 339-7224, or send e-mail to the guild contact person.

For current information about guild events, visit the Bloomington Storytellers Guild Blog!

Need a Storyteller?

Guild members occasionally volunteer their talents, but usually request a fee when asked to tell stories for a special event. Our average rate is $50 for a 45-minute, in-town performance, but the fee may vary from storyteller to storyteller, depending upon experience, and is negotiable with each teller. Out-of-town fees are negotiable depending upon the teller, the number of tellers needed, the size of the event, the length of the event, and distance to the event.

To discuss your event and arrange for a storyteller, call Ginny Richey at (812) 339-7224, or send e-mail to the guild contact. Please be sure to include your name, phone number (or e-mail address), as well as the date and a brief description of your event, and we'll respond as quickly as possible.

Members are regularly invited to tell stories at school functions, retreats, and educational workshops. Some of our most popular storytelling events are listed below.

Storytelling Events

• Wintertelling - Folklore and Folkmusic to warm the heart!
  Join us at the Monroe County Public Library Auditorium
  303 E. Kirkwood, Bloomington, IN
  Date: TBA (usually an evening in February)
  Refreshments provided.

• Festival of Ghost Stories
  Co-sponsored with the Monroe County Public Library and Bloomington Parks and Recreation, this spine-tingling event has been a tradition for more than 30 years. Stories are geared to older children and adults.
  Date: Usually a Friday evening the week or two before Halloween.
  (For most current information, see our Blog at: http://btownstorytellers.blogspot.com/ )
  Friday, October 17, 2008
  7:30-9:30 pm in Lower Cascades Park
  Lower Cascades Park is located at 2851 N. Old State Road 37. An entrance to the park is accessible via the intersection of North Walnut and N. Old State Road 37, north of the 45/46 Bypass. Driving north on North Walnut, turn left at the intersection and proceed west/south on N. Old State Road 37.
  Bring a blanket or chair and sit on the lawn.

Storytelling Resources on the Web

• Storytelling Arts of Indiana
• National Storytelling Membership Association
• Story Arts Online
• The Moonlit Road

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