The Beginning of the Story
Every great story has a beginning, and for Nancy Reeder, President of the North Carolina Storytelling Guild, it started in a Pennsylvania classroom. “My world into storytelling began as an elementary teacher… I didn’t even realize I was a storyteller,” she recalls. “I just knew how important it was for me to teach concepts through learning the ‘story’ behind them and sharing that story with the children.” That innate power of a well-told tale to connect and teach is at the heart of the upcoming Old North State Storytelling Festival.
On November 7th and 8th, 2025, The Cary Theater will come alive with the voices of acclaimed storytellers for a two-day celebration of this ancient art. With four unique showcases, including a sensory-friendly performance, the festival promises hours of entertainment that will captivate listeners of all ages, proving that everyone has a story worth sharing. Learn more on their website and buy tickets here!
We had an opportunity to talk with Guild President Nancy Reeder about the upcoming festival and to learn all about it through her own words!
The festival sold out all shows last year. What does that demand tell you about the place of live storytelling and the arts in a community like Cary, and how does it fuel your planning for this 7th annual event?
We sold out the last two years! Audiences crave the experience of one storyteller standing on a stage speaking directly to them—sharing from one heart to another. Our promise is, “You will laugh, you will cry, and be inspired!” We deliver on that promise, and people love it. They tell their friends who come with them the following year. It is a remedy to the loneliness of our digital lives.
We have made friends in the Cary community, and so it gives our Guild great pleasure to continue to bring North Carolina storytellers as well as storytellers from afar to share this magic that comes with listening to another share a story.
This year’s lineup features a fantastic mix of voices: Tim Lowry, Peg Helminski, Motoko, musical storyteller Rev. Robert B. Jones, Paul Strickland, and emcee Milbre Burch. Without giving away their secrets, what can audiences expect from this particular group of tellers? Is there a common thread or an exciting contrast in their styles?
I would say there is a fascinating contrast and diversity among these five tellers. Unique personality, genres, culture, and style, including southern folk tales—Asian ghost stories, intertwined blues songs and history, personal narratives of family transformation, hilarious tall tales, and more. The audiences will be thrilled with their stories that will enhance all aspects of storytelling.
A unique feature is that each of the four showcases is completely different. For someone considering the Festival Package (all three public shows), what kind of journey will they experience from Friday night through Saturday evening?
Hearing all five of our tellers share different stories in each showcase allows you to experience a range of diverse stories from each. The experience builds as you get to know the teller and their unique perspective and style. Not only will you enjoy all their distinctive attributes, but by Saturday evening you may find yourself feeling you’ve traveled with each teller on a wonderful journey, following their world of story.
Some stories may have you laughing, or saying Ahhh or Ah-Ha, or even Amen. If you are fortunate to attend the three main showcases, you may find yourself reflecting on what you’ve heard, pondering the stories, maybe still visualizing a scene the teller shared, staying with you, maybe forever. I’ve had people recognize me from past storytelling events. And they say, “You told a story about a ….they name something from the story—didn’t you?” It’s interesting that as the teller, I may not recall telling that story at that event, but this listener remembered. That, too, is the power of storytelling.
Last year, you launched the sensory-friendly showcase. Now with a year of experience, what was the most rewarding feedback you received, and how has that shaped this year’s event for guests with sensory sensitivities?
Last year was our first sensory-friendly showcase. I not only listened to the tellers, but I watched the group, seeing so many smiles as they connected to the stories. Some even responded to the teller when asked a question.
One teller, Sam Pearsall, who is a member of our guild and a past President, used a staff as he moved about the stage, while sharing the story. That prop was a significant tool for the audience to follow. Afterward, the tellers gathered in the lobby where the guests could talk with them. Some were fascinated with Sam’s use of the staff when telling his story and they gathered around him as he showed it to them and answered their questions, the most common of which seems to always be, “Was that story true?” We understand living with sensory challenges can sometimes limit opportunities to explore new activities.
We heard from families who shared how meaningful this showcase was to have an inviting environment where they could fully enjoy a storytelling event without worry. That feedback reinforced our commitment to reducing barriers and adjusting expectations so everyone feels welcome. Building on that, this year we’ve added a visual schedule, giving the audience clear visual cues about what to expect. This simple addition can make a big difference, especially for those who may feel anxious in new environments or when they are unsure of what will happen next. Also, we have expanded our outreach to invite more sensory-friendly groups to this event. In this way, we look forward to having more guests enjoy the art of storytelling.
In a world of digital and short-form content, why does the ancient, simple act of a person sharing a story live on stage remain so powerful and captivating?
There are three “partners” in a live storytelling event: the storyteller, the story, and delighted listeners. As the three connect and interact, they shape an experience of that time and place. Each telling of the story is unique due to this unique mix. Our master storytellers know how to respond to each audience’s unique energy. And our wonderful audiences bring out the best in the story and the teller. It is a magical moment impossible to experience from a screen. In this digital age, when information and communication are delivered online via computers, cell phones, iPads, and other devices, we risk losing the face-to-face contact and the personal connection that comes with it. People have found that they miss that interpersonal relationship and storytelling helps them rediscover that connection.
Between listener and teller, a bond forms. If the story captivates the listener, who visualizes the words into form within their mind, then nothing will take that away from the listener.
I’ll share a short story about this. I had the opportunity to teach ESL (English as a Second Language) in South Korea. I taught various grades from 6-year-olds to middle school kids. Right after lunch I had the 6-year-olds. I was supposed to have a Korean-speaking assistant with me, but no one came. The 20 or so children were having ‘recess’ in the classroom. It was the first day, and time to start, so I said, “Okay, let’s find your seats.” Nobody stopped playing. “Come on children, time to start.” two or three looked at me, but kept playing with the rest. I wondered if they had enough English to understand? So I said, “Once upon a time, there were three bears.” A few children sat down at their seats. “There was Papa Bear,” saying it in my Papa Bear voice, more sat down. By the time Baby Bear entered the room, they all were sitting down, listening.”
The Power of Storytelling.
For someone who has never been to a storytelling festival and is hesitant, what is the one thing you would tell them to convince them to give it a try?
We sell out every year. You should come and find out what all the excitement is about. We promise: you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and be inspired! Be prepared for your mind to go places you never knew it could.
One consistent comment we receive from folks who have never attended a storytelling festival is their surprise and delight and that the festival was not what they expected at all when thinking of the word “storytelling”. This is much more than the telling of stories; it is sharing life experiences, personal passions, inspiration, hilarious events and, of course, great entertainment.
The festival also includes a “How to Tell a Story” workshop, led by Milbre Burch. For those interested in attending, can you share how this skill can be applied to their personal or professional life?
Everyone has a story to tell. In this workshop, you will learn how to make a good story more compelling and how to recognize your storytelling “voice”. Many people think this involves just personal stories—things that happened to you, but the world of story includes tales from all cultures, historical stories, tall tales, humorous ones, scary and ghost stories, and more.
Whether sharing a story from your childhood with a grandchild or speaking to a room of 400 business people, knowing how to connect and capture someone’s attention through a good story is invaluable. Whatever your perspective and ideas, you will gain the skills to tell that story with the most powerful impact and have fun doing it!
The workshop will take place on November 7th, from 12 to 3 PM at the Cary Arts Center. Click here to learn more and register!
Join the Tradition!
The stage is set, the tellers are ready, and the stories are waiting to be shared. The Old North State Storytelling Festival is the perfect opportunity to unplug and immerse yourself in the timeless tradition of live narrative.
Nancy Reeder extends a personal invitation to the community: “As president and a member for over 15 years, I’m excited to be part of the North Carolina Storytelling Guild. And it’s now your turn. Come to the Cary Theater for a delightful time with stories.”
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a cherished local tradition. Gather your friends and family, mark your calendars for November 7th and 8th, and prepare to be entertained, moved, and inspired. As mentioned earlier, tickets sell out quickly! Stop by the Old North State Storytelling Festival’s website for information and to claim your spot in the audience! – Click here!
Additionally, be sure to follow the Festival’s Facebook page for updates as well as content hinting on what to expect for when the festival arrives! We’ll see you there!
