Locals share comical, adventurous and inspirational stories at Vail Valley Voices event
Vail Valley Theatre Company presents unique monologues modeled after the Moth Radio Hour on Friday at Route 6 Café
Vail Valley Theatre Company/Courtesy photo
What’s your story? Everyone has one. At least that is what the Vail Valley Theatre Company believes and it’s giving the public an opportunity to tell stories at its annual Vail Valley Voices event on Friday.
Vail Valley Voices is modeled after “The Moth Radio Hour,” a Peabody Award-winning radio program from National Public Radio that features true, unscripted stories told live on stage around the nation and the world. It airs on over 500 radio stations and is also available as a podcast.
“Many of us have been inspired by “The Moth Radio Hour” from National Public Radio for years,” said John Tedstrom, of the Vail Valley Theatre Company. “Since part of our mission is to connect with the local community and inspire creativity, a fellow Vail Valley Theatre Company member, Beth Swearingen, suggested we do our own version of it.”
That was three years ago and at each event they have about a dozen or so locals on stage sharing their stories, which span topics that are funny, intense, emotional, inspirational and heartwarming. An open call is put out each January asking for story idea submissions and Tedstrom keeps track of those who are interested.
“I’ll also stop people in coffee shops or elsewhere and ask them if they’d like to tell a story. Then I do a lot of encouraging, cajoling and coaching,” Tedstrom said.
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Valley Voices encourages people to tell stories about big moments in their lives, or the inspirational people and experiences that have changed them in some way. Stories are supposed to be 5 to 7 minutes in length, live on stage with no notes. Some stories are put into song or a song may be a part of a story.
“We live in an amazing valley that draws all kinds of interesting people with wide and diverse backgrounds,” Tedstrom said. “Valley Voices brings people together, creates empathy and pure human connection. This platform is also a great tool for communication, education and building relationships. Maybe we’ll see some inspiration coming out of it, too.”
Valley Voices will take place at the Route 6 Café and Lounge on Friday with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the event starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 plus a service fee and can be purchased at VailTheatre.org.
