Stories from the Stage

Pride often begins with a moment of truth, and a choice to stand by it. Deb navigates parenting and legal invisibility as a non-biological lesbian mom; JJ journeys from prodigy to queer writer, learning that pride comes from within; and Rev. Irene shares how the AIDS epidemic sparked change in her Black church. Three storytellers, three interpretations of TAKING PRIDE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Some journeys take us across the world; others take us deeper into who we really are. Kim is embraced by the homeland she once tried to forget; John has avoided dancing his entire life...until a family cruise; and Robin travels to China, hoping to find a slip of paper left with her adopted daughter as a baby. Three storytellers, three interpretations of ON THE ROAD AGAIN, hosted by Wes Hazard.

In the name of love, we risk our hearts, our pride, and at times, everything. Martha surprises her boyfriend at a French puppetry festival; Aida grapples with the weight of protecting her ailing father from the heartbreak of loss; and Jezrie shares her quest for belonging through a college sorority. Three storytellers, three interpretations of WHAT I DID FOR LOVE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Meaningful action can change everything. Suna reimagines life for her neurodivergent daughter, growing a world of flowers and belonging; Ann Marie uncovers the truth behind her family’s past and transforms it into a life of purpose; and Holly opens her home to three young sisters - and discovers unexpected joy. Three storytellers, three interpretations of WOMEN IN ACTION, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Some moments reveal the quiet power of showing up. John’s life shifts when a teacher sees what no one else does, giving him a reason to stay in school; first-time mom Rachel learns to fight for her blind, neurodivergent son; and Harold finds his way to healing while guided by voices along the road to sobriety. Three storytellers, three interpretations of EVERYDAY HEROES, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Fighting for the planet often starts with finding your voice. A student’s question leads Eben to find purpose in helping young people fight for climate justice; Dyan joins the largest animal rescue to save 20,000 oil-soaked penguins; and climate organizer Sara chases bold advocacy goals, realizing change begins at the kitchen table. Three storytellers, three interpretations of SAVING THE PLANET.

For some runners, the finish line is a milestone in a much bigger journey. Norah joins an all-women crew to conquer the Boston Marathon despite winds, hills and doubters; Jenny attempts a cross-country run, finding strength in failure and donuts; and Mel refuses to let a terminal leukemia diagnosis stop him from running a marathon. Three storytellers, three interpretations of VICTORY LAP.

Life doesn’t always follow a straight path. At tennis camp, William's teenage crush takes him on an unexpected journey of self-discovery; a college romance leads Erin to an academic awakening she never saw coming; and Ian’s hesitation to take the next step in life is shaken by a fire that changes everything. Three storytellers, three interpretations of TWISTS & TURNS, hosted by Wes Hazard.

The best way to handle unexpected moments is to find the humor. Ajay’s mistake at airport security spirals into an interrogation; Anoush navigates the traditions of Armenian school until a surprising occasion changes everything; and Sean pursues his NBA dreams - until a slip-up leads him to a different calling. Three storytellers, three interpretations of LAUGHING MATTERS, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Unexpected twists prove that the best plans often go off track. Carly strives for the perfect first impression, but a mishap forces her to rethink what it means to fit in; Adam’s job takes a wild turn, leading to a high-speed misadventure; and Rory jumps at stardom, only to realize that fame isn’t that glamorous. Three storytellers, three interpretations of FUNNY BUSINESS, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Some moments bring us to the edge, changing everything. Marylee’s kindness comes with a lesson in empathy, leaving her with regret; Alexander’s quick thinking, and a box of candy, turn a dangerous encounter into an escape; and Kat holds onto a family story she’s always believed...until the truth reshapes her world. Three storytellers, three interpretations of CLOSE CALLS, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Navigating the depths of human emotion can be a journey of discovering peace and purpose. After coming face-to-face with the chaos of death, Minda assists her mother in embracing a transformative death vigil; Libby learns a new definition of wellness; and Laconia helps a troubled young girl find her self-worth. Three storytellers, three interpretations of LIVING SOUL, hosted by Wes Hazard.