Is your story about nature a slam dunk?

Posted by ChaddsFordLive on March 13, 2016

For those whose natural storytelling abilities are likely to constitute a slam-dunk when compared with others, Natural Lands Trust and the West Chester Story Slam want to hear from you.

The two groups are searching for participants in “Center Stage: Stories of Adventures in Nature,” which will be held on Saturday, May 21, at the ChesLen Preserve in Newlin Township.

Organizers are looking for storytellers with a range of sagas — thrilling, humorous, sad — that provoke feelings and spark a “wow” moment about nature. Stories can be five to eight minutes and should highlight man’s connection to the natural world, according to a Natural Lands Trust press release. For example, did you hike the Appalachian Trail, scale a major peak or master the challenges of farming in the modern age?

"We are looking for those stories where Nature expresses her personality in unique ways,” Jim Breslin, founder of the West Chester Story Slam, explained in the release. “We all know nature can be serene at times, and yet raging at other times. Nature is inspiring yet dangerous, beautiful yet potentially deadly. The best stories are ones where you connect with the storyteller and you suddenly see the world in a different light."

If you have a story you’d like to tell, write it down and send it to Jim Breslin at jimbreslinwc@gmail.com by Tuesday, March 15. Include your full name and contact information. Breslin will review all submissions and advise entrants if they are a pre-approved storyteller for this event.

Pre-approved storytellers will perform live on the outdoor stage at the Lenfest Center at ChesLen Preserve. Storytellers will also receive free admission to this event so they can enjoy other storytellers’ tales. Audience members must purchase event tickets directly from Natural Lands Trust’s website, or call 610-353-5587, ext. 243.Tickets are $20 per person for Natural Lands Trust members, $25 for non-members.