Reports show that in these economic "hard times" people are rewarding themselves with little pleasurable treats like exotic chocolate deserts, candy and ice cream. The sweets industry is up by two hundred percent.
In the great depression of the thirties the business that prospered and flourished was entertainment: especially movies and live shows where people could escape the harsh reality of life. Magic shows, humorist like Will Rogers and the circus played to packed houses. Now could just be the exact "right time" for a boom in storytelling. Interest in these events during the past two years has skyrocketed. Storytelling events featuring professional storytellers and sometimes only amateurs are popping up at crossroads across America. It is like vaudeville on the road all over again with some tellers good and some not so good. That is the showcase history of vaudeville. Some acts were great and went on the stars; some were lousy and fell by the wayside. It was the proving ground for entertainers and amateur storytelling events are doing the same for our craft.
Storytelling is a great event for a small town that would otherwise be without live entertainment. So storytellers are traveling great distances to share their stories with audiences. There is a fantastic "down home" feeling created at these events because everyone relates to the "good ole days" and people everywhere are saying "The good ole days are back". I can tell by the handshakes and hugs that these people are genuinely glad I came to their town to tell stories. Therefore, I am almost without fail invited to return to their next event.
The Alabama Storytelling Association is the first step in "getting your feet wet". I am amazed at the number of amateurs showing up at storytelling festivals. Many places offer an open mike - so if you are not scheduled as a teller here is your opportunity. Talent scouts for future events are often in the audiences. But it is for sure, if you do not get out there and try you will never know if you are a good or possible a great storyteller. Storytelling is entertainment that involves the audience in an extremely personal way. It triggers memories of a better, happier time in their lives. People can watch a comedian on television and laugh at their jokes but nothing even compares to the experience of laughing along with a live audience where the entire crowd crescendos into a loud roar together. The atmosphere becomes electric and a magical togetherness fills the room. Everyone leaves with a feeling of being tremendously uplifted and their lives are better by having been there.