The Orpheum Theatre Group is excited to announce the return of Storyfest — a free storytelling event showcasing the voices of Memphians — for one day only on Wed., February 28, 7 p.m., at the Halloran Centre in downtown Memphis.
In collaboration with Middle College High, Storyfest features live performances, engagement activities, and community reflections from students — in their own words and voices, from their own points of view. Students will showcase their creations of original theatrical performances.
Courtesy of Orpheum Theatre Group
Haji, 2024 Storyfest Participant
These stories came from our hearts," says Haji, 2024 Storyfest participant. "These stories are meant to show people that we’re not afraid (to show anything).”
"We are thrilled to be partnering with Middle College High School for our third year,” says Taylor St. John, director of education and engagement, Orpheum Theatre Group. “These students come from all over Memphis making Storyfest a meeting place to hear from youth across our city. These students are telling real stories with bravery and vulnerability and we're proud to be collaborating with young people to share their stories with our community."
Courtesy of Orpheum Theatre Group
Faith, 2024 Storyfest Participant
Me and a few teenagers of my age want to take you back to your high school days through stories of emotion, vulnerability, and experiences of others," says Faith, 2024 Storyfest participant.
The Orpheum Theatre Group believes in the power of the arts to transform the world on a local and global level, and strives to provide access to quality arts programming for all people and to educate and build community through collaboration, story-sharing, and creative expression. Through education and community engagement, The Orpheum is committed to engaging and collaborating with people of the Mid-South through the transformative power of the arts.
Created in partnership with Middle College High, this year's performances include:
Faith It ‘Til You Make It
Seven high school students share stories of how to balance family, friendship, and faith in a world of fantasy, fun, and familiarity. Meet Aliyah, Christian, David, Janiya, Jeremiah, Kendall, and Zion, as they share what happens when their faith gets tested, family bonds start feeling more like burdens than blessings, and friendships leave them feeling more shocked than electric. Will their faith be marked absent or present?
To Make a Love Story Short
To love and be loved can be one of the most exhilarating rides of a lifetime. Love can encompass a spectrum of feelings and emotions — including struggle. How can a person push past their struggle to love? Does the love fade away or do you allow your love to grow and deepen in the roots of struggle? Open your hearts to Corinthian, Faith, Haji, Kaylee, Khalil, Kimora, Libertie, and Malek – eight students from Middle College who share their strength and vulnerability as they share the struggles they have encountered by trying to love.
Orpheum Theatre Group Disclaimer: Some material contains mature themes.
Tickets are free and registration is encouraged to receive a free parking pass and event reminders. For more information or to RSVP for the showcase, visit Orpheum Theatre Group.