Blazin' in Baltimore Phenomenal in Philly On it in Oakland Breakin' it Down in Berea Culture-deep in Cleveland Dynamite in Detroit Kickin' it in Kansas Masterful in Milwaukee Sensational in San Diego Triumphant in Tampa Wordsmithin' in Winston-Salem Over the top in Orlando Rockin' in Rochester Proverbial in Providence Nurturing in New Orleans At it in Atlanta Cipherin' in Cincinnati Rippin' it in Richmond Lightin' it up in Little Rock Magnificent in Minneapolis Happenin' in Hampton Champion in Chicago Dazzling in DC Phat in Philly Word Wingin' in Wichita 'Re-Verberating' in Raleigh Victorious Virtually Monumental in Montgomery
And Now... Adopt-A-Teller will be "Back Home in Baltimore November 2022
We are pleased to announce that members of the National Association of Black Storytellers (NABS) from across the nation are coming to Baltimore, MD, November 9 through November 13, 2022.
We will be celebrating Black Storytelling with our 40th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference. Our four-day event includes workshops, storytelling concerts, a hilarious world-renowned liar’s contest, youth storytellers, and a dynamic scholars’ panel, November 9-13, 2022. A special highlight of our conferenceis our FREE Adopt-A-Teller (AATP),offering Performances to eligible venues beginning November 7, 2022, and a free public concert.
What is the Adopt-A-Teller Program? The Adopt-A-Teller model began in 1991 in Horry Co./Georgetown Co. SC at the Ninth National Festival of Black Storytelling under the leadership of NABS 2nd President, Eleanora E. Tate. Since then, over 165,000 students and adults have enjoyed our programs. Through AATP your venue has an opportunity to host an experienced, dynamic, nationally renowned storyteller at reduced rates and without the added expense of providing travel and lodging expenses.
Our tellers have a wealth of stories that celebrate African-centered traditions from around the world. For students, we offer workshops, performances, residencies, and customized programs. Our stories and workshops help improve listening, critical thinking, and oratory skills. They also enhance self-esteem and stimulate the desire to read. For teachers, parents, librarians and community service providers, we offer courses in storytelling and in the use of storytelling techniques as educational tools.
Who Hosts Adopt-A-Tellers? Schools, libraries, museums, arts councils colleges & universities, cultural organizations, assisted living residences, community groups and more.
What is the criteria for Eligibility? Our programs are FREE due to the generous funding of the National Endowment of the Arts and the Nora Roberts Foundation.
One or more of the following criteria are necessary:
primary audience members Black or African American
Title One school
primary audience members classified as low income
What Programs are Available?
45 minute Performances:
Single Live On-Site
Single Virtual Live Stream
Single Recorded
Back-to-Back Live On-Site
Back-to-Back Virtual Live Stream
Customized programs designed upon request.
Dates and Times are chosen after acceptance of application. Time slots are limited. Selections of dates will be between November 7 and 12 on a first come, first serve basis.
What are the Virtual Platforms?
Venues may choose their own platform or choose The National Association of Black Storytellers' Zoom Platform.
NABS administration will conference with Venue Contact to detail virtual processes and determine platform engagement.
Tellers and an administrative facilitator will meet with Venue designee 20 minutes-prior to start of virtual program for sound and technical check.
Free Criteria-Based Programming Rates
A limited number of criteria-based programs for underserved populations are offered at no program cost due to the generosity of our funders. An application fee of $50.00 per program is required. Upon acceptance of application, NABS AATP administration, will contact you.