Arts and Music

Stories from the Stage

Stories have the power to astonish us, make us laugh and cry, and open our hearts to the world. Hosted by Wes Hazard and Theresa Okokon, STORIES FROM THE STAGE invites storytellers from around the world to share extraordinary tales of what it means to be human. Each episode features both on-stage performances and interviews about their inspirations and craft, and the meaning behind their stories.

Nine-to-Five

26m 14s

Work can be simply a way to survive. But sometimes it is a nightmare, and other times a dream come true. A parent's urgent call cuts through the noise of Mary’s ordinary workday; Alexis transforms from struggling student into a guiding mentor; and after a trip to the Caribbean, Anne sails into a life of adventure. Three storytellers, three interpretations of NINE-TO-FIVE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Episodes

  • Holiday Spirit: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Holiday Spirit

    S4 E6 - 26m 29s

    Top storytellers share stories that conjure the holiday spirit. David Dean Bottrell discovers his passion after stealing the school play's spotlight; Andrea Kamens’s bright menorah cuts through the darkness of anti-semitism; and Joe Charnitski tries to break a nightmare-before-Christmas bad luck streak.

  • Courage: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Courage

    S4 E5 - 26m 29s

    When you take a stand with your resolve unwavering, that rapidly beating heart signals courage. In the wake of a broken romance, Vanessa embraces adventure in Paris; when her writing is criticized, Anna steps up to become a dyslexia advocate; and Adam faces down a tiger - and his mother. Three stories, three interpretations of COURAGE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

  • PRIDE: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    PRIDE

    S4 E4 - 26m 29s

    There are all sorts of things people can be proud of: a decision, an accomplishment, or standing up and being true to who they are. Palestinian Muslim Eman finds the best tool to defy cultural stereotypes; April shares the relief & redemption of living an authentic self; and Jay comes out and receives surprising reactions. Three stories, three interpretations of PRIDE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

  • Growing Up Black: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Growing Up Black

    S4 E3 - 26m 29s

    What does it mean to grow up Black in America, a country too often divided by race? Bullied by a group of kids, Ben finds out he is not alone; Sue shares the realities of raising kids of a different race; and Angie learns about how far we have come, and how far we have to go in a chance encounter she will never forget. Three stories, three interpretations of GROWING UP BLACK, hosted by Wes Hazard.

  • Giving Thanks: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Giving Thanks

    S4 E2 - 26m 29s

    Favorite stories about Thanksgiving, the holiday that has us giving thanks. Lani's cooking mistake becomes a family secret; Melanée tests her adulthood through the ultimate challenge: the Thanksgiving turkey; and Matthew gathers his courage to stand up to his girlfriend’s tough as nails dad. Three stories, three interpretations of GIVING THANKS.

  • Cast Your Vote: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Cast Your Vote

    S4 E1 - 26m 29s

    On Election Day, things seldom go as planned. Voters and candidates face challenges that require creative thinking, integrity and courage. Donna discovers herself a foreigner in her own country; M.J. jumps into action when trouble strikes at her polling station; and Eric becomes a viable candidate when another drops out. Three stories, three interpretations of CAST YOUR VOTE, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Extras + Features

  • The Bright Side | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Bright Side | Promo

    S4 E18 - 29s

    Dark times in life are inevitable. What can we do? Look at the brighter side! After becoming pregnant at 17, Liz experiences the lowest and highest points; Neil reassesses what compromise in relationships means; and Valerie takes an intermission from performing yet finds the strength to rediscover herself. Three storytellers, three interpretations of The Bright Side, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

  • Silver Linings | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Silver Linings | Promo

    S4 E17 - 30s

    When we miss out on the one thing we want most, the universe conspires to give us something extraordinary. Ronna pursues a Hollywood dream but discovers another possibility; Luis faces depression and struggles to find the light; and Jackie misses out on the lead for the school play but the curtain hasn’t fallen yet. Three stories, three interpretations of SILVER LININGS, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

  • Up in the Air | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Up in the Air | Promo

    S4 E16 - 30s

    Some times we feel grounded. And other times, things up in the air can get scary until we touch down. COVID-19 delays Cris's path to citizenship and his civic duty; Rilda loses her beloved stuffed animal on an international trip; and Casandra, who is Black and deaf/blind, searches for the support she needs the most. Three storytellers, three interpretations of UP IN THE AIR, hosted by Wes Hazard.

  • Missed Connections | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Missed Connections | Promo

    S4 E15 - 30s

    At times, it can be hard to relate. But a missed connection could be a chance for redemption. James tries to connect with his brother killed in the Vietnam War; Mustapha’s journey from Ghana to the US is full of long-distance connections; and after her mastectomy, Musu-kulla reconnects to the dating world. Three storytellers, three interpretations of MISSED CONNECTIONS, hosted by Wes Hazard.

  • Up Close and Personal | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Up Close and Personal | Promo

    S4 E14 - 30s

    Everyone has their own personal space...but sometimes, we have to share it. Kurt finds space at a premium, even on the Appalachian Trail; Matthew’s blindness creates a unique hands-on museum tour; and Meghann connects with a friend despite her solitary confinement. Three storytellers, three interpretations of UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

  • Close Quarters | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Close Quarters | Promo

    S4 E13 - 30s

    Sharing space with others can test our limits. And sometimes, bring us joy too. Chuck and his girlfriend learn that small spaces can make problems bigger; Mariela feels trapped in the safe space she created; and Áine battles her claustrophobia in a tiny recording booth. Three storytellers, three interpretations of CLOSE QUARTERS, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

  • All Mixed Up | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    All Mixed Up | Promo

    S4 E12 - 30s

    When you live between two cultures, searching for your place in the world can be a journey. Harleen watches perceptions change based on the race of the man she’s dating; Mayowa asserts her Black identity, despite her light skin; and Samantha's mixed race friend shows her what life is like when assumptions are made. Three storytellers, three interpretations of ALL MIXED UP, hosted by Wes Hazard.

  • She Persisted | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    She Persisted | Promo

    S4 E11 - 30s

    Through the whispers of doubt, nevertheless, they persisted. In Afghanistan, Mahboba journeys to her classroom against all odds; Crystal climbs the ladder of higher education, aided by some secret admirers; and Joan learns that it’s never too late to radically change her life. Three stories, three interpretations of SHE PERSISTED.

  • Good Kind of Trouble | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Good Kind of Trouble | Promo

    S4 E10 - 30s

    The late John Lewis took pride in creating “good trouble” and standing up against unfairness. Maulian fights to ban "Indian" mascots in Maine schools; Ronald stands up for his integrated marriage; and Dr. Wanda’s boss pushes back against patients who don’t want to see her because of her name. Three stories, three interpretations of GOOD KIND OF TROUBLE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

  • Growing Up Black Part 2 |Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Growing Up Black Part 2 |Promo

    S4 E9 - 30s

    Growing up Black in America means cultural bonds, the struggle for visibility, and all too often, unearned judgement. Valerie teaches her students about Africa's greatest explorer; U-Meleni brings her son to a protest of George Floyd’s death; and Harold shows how fear of the police affects his everyday life. Three stories, three interpretations of GROWING UP BLACK PART 2, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

  • Love Hurts | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Love Hurts | Promo

    S4 E8 - 30s

    Why isn't it easy to find the right person to love? No one knows the right answer, but with every misstep, we learn to keep searching. Nimisha breaks her parents’ rules and dates outside her Indian culture; Max García learns to interpret the secret language of love; and Lauren's broken heart is held together by one hundred women in rural Colorado.

  • Mi Familia | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Mi Familia | Promo

    S4 E7 - 30s

    Families are made of unique individuals with different takes on life. What binds them together is love. El, a non-binary comedian, comes out to their conservative father; Sarah confronts the notion of being “illegal” when she meets her boyfriend’s family; and Nestor is reminded of a family separation deep in his past. Three stories, three interpretations of MI FAMILIA, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Schedule

  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Nine-to-Five

    Friday
    Apr 19

    30 Minutes

    A parent's urgent call cuts through the noise of Mary's workday; Alexis transforms from struggling student to guiding mentor; Anne sails into a life of adventure.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Nine-to-Five

    Friday
    Apr 19

    30 Minutes

    A parent's urgent call cuts through the noise of Mary's workday; Alexis transforms from struggling student to guiding mentor; Anne sails into a life of adventure.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Nine-to-Five

    Friday
    Apr 19

    30 Minutes

    A parent's urgent call cuts through the noise of Mary's workday; Alexis transforms from struggling student to guiding mentor; Anne sails into a life of adventure.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    In the Name of Justice

    Monday
    Apr 22

    30 Minutes

    Gladys helps her neighborhood after a gas explosion; Eben advocates for climate equity; Antonio's protest sparks a media frenzy.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    In the Name of Justice

    Tuesday
    Apr 23

    30 Minutes

    Gladys helps her neighborhood after a gas explosion; Eben advocates for climate equity; Antonio's protest sparks a media frenzy.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    In the Name of Justice

    Tuesday
    Apr 23

    30 Minutes

    Gladys helps her neighborhood after a gas explosion; Eben advocates for climate equity; Antonio's protest sparks a media frenzy.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    In the Name of Justice

    Friday
    Apr 26

    30 Minutes

    Gladys helps her neighborhood after a gas explosion; Eben advocates for climate equity; Antonio's protest sparks a media frenzy.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    In the Name of Justice

    Friday
    Apr 26

    30 Minutes

    Gladys helps her neighborhood after a gas explosion; Eben advocates for climate equity; Antonio's protest sparks a media frenzy.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    In the Name of Justice

    Friday
    Apr 26

    30 Minutes

    Gladys helps her neighborhood after a gas explosion; Eben advocates for climate equity; Antonio's protest sparks a media frenzy.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Life Is a Laugh

    Monday
    Apr 29

    30 Minutes

    Tone shares the funny side of his hospital stay; Nina searches for a volunteer driver; Geraldine's first hitchhiking adventure comes with close calls and gratitude.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Life Is a Laugh

    Tuesday
    Apr 30

    30 Minutes

    Tone shares the funny side of his hospital stay; Nina searches for a volunteer driver; Geraldine's first hitchhiking adventure comes with close calls and gratitude.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Life Is a Laugh

    Tuesday
    Apr 30

    30 Minutes

    Tone shares the funny side of his hospital stay; Nina searches for a volunteer driver; Geraldine's first hitchhiking adventure comes with close calls and gratitude.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Life Is a Laugh

    Friday
    May 3

    30 Minutes

    Tone shares the funny side of his hospital stay; Nina searches for a volunteer driver; Geraldine's first hitchhiking adventure comes with close calls and gratitude.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Life Is a Laugh

    Friday
    May 3

    30 Minutes

    Tone shares the funny side of his hospital stay; Nina searches for a volunteer driver; Geraldine's first hitchhiking adventure comes with close calls and gratitude.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Life Is a Laugh

    Friday
    May 3

    30 Minutes

    Tone shares the funny side of his hospital stay; Nina searches for a volunteer driver; Geraldine's first hitchhiking adventure comes with close calls and gratitude.

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