Do It Yourself Stories is a social storytelling forum hosted by David Vanadia. DIY Stories comes in several varieties:
1. A monthly open stage where you can listen and tell real-life stories about anything and everything.
2. Themed shows where people gather to share stories about a particular topic.
3. Curated shows in which a select group of individuals present stories in front of a live audience.
Do It Yourself Stories began in December of 2006. The show was inspired by similar storytelling events that happen across the country but was designed to foster creativity over competition and community instead of cliques.
Do It Yourself Stories is a place to listen to and learn about other people. You will hear things you might not normally hear and share things you might not normally share. It’s a way to turn off the television, curb the computer, and communicate with people in a new, old way.
Do It Yourself Stories is not a workshop. It’s not a place to act out test material, do stand up, hypnosis, or improvisation. It’s not a contest. Do It Yourself Stories isn’t about who can tell the best story. Also, DIY Stories is not for children.
Everyone loves to hear (and tell) a good story. Here are some basic ideas to consider when telling your tale.
Speak Out!
It's no fun to listen to a story when you can’t hear what the speaker is saying. Let your voice be heard!Consider the Time
"Story-time" happens when you get onstage and lose yourself in the telling of your tale. The next thing you know, you’ve been talking for an hour and still haven’t gotten to the good part. One way to avoid slipping into story-time is to cut out unnecessary details and get to the point.Beginning, Middle, End
It’s a simple concept but easy to forget. Before telling your tale, figure out the crux of your story.Beginning - Establish the setting (I was sent to bed without any dinner and hungry.)
Middle - Tell us what happened (I dreamt I was eating a huge marshmallow.)
End - What was the result (When I woke up my pillow was missing!)
Have a Good Time
Telling a tale at Do It Yourself Stories might be the first time you get up in front of an audience, but don’t let it be your last! The point is to have a fun.