Story Crossroads: The Newsletter Volume 11, Issue 22
Welcome to a short, more direct weekly newsletter * Week 1: Story of the Month - links with membership * Week 2: Upcoming
Events * Week 3: Cap's Off to You! - people/organization profiles * Week 4: Past & Future News
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Youth Teller Selection at the
Salt Lake City School District
On November 20, 2025, the second annual Teller of Tales featured a judging panel including Tiffany Hall from SLCSD, long-time storyteller and Weber State University collaborator Karl Behling, and Rachel Hedman, Executive Director of Story Crossroads. Judging was a challenging task, so close were the stories that a tie for third place was even possible—and it happened! Congratulations to Isha, Sparrow and Robin (tandem), Rowan, Clementine, and
all the youth participants who shared their voices and creativity. Ten elementary schools were represented this year—Edison, Meadowlark, Highland Park, Bonneville, Ensign, Indian Hills, Whittier, Newman, Mountain View, and Nibley Park—with hopes to expand to secondary schools in 2026. Much gratitude goes to Kristina Richards, competition coordinator and founder of the event, for organizing this inspiring day of storytelling. The district featured Story Crossroads in the event playbill and highlighted opportunities for student storytellers to perform at future Story Crossroads events, continuing to nurture storytelling talent and community
connections right here in Salt Lake City.
Curriculum Development
with Weber State University
In November, Story Crossroads joined a diverse group of educators and storytellers at Weber State University for a curriculum
study group in support of the Weber Storytelling Festival. The group—including festival organizers, university faculty, and Story Crossroads Executive Director Rachel Hedman—worked together to design an introductory storytelling course for secondary students (grades 7–12, with a focus on grades 7–9). The goal is to create a flexible, engaging curriculum of 88 detailed 90-minute lessons that develop skills in live storytelling, including drama and improv games, writing, reading, presenting,
rehearsal, and performance. The curriculum emphasizes building community, confidence, and audience connection while fostering a growth mindset and safe
learning environment. Activities are designed to guide students from informal storytelling and feedback to formal performances, integrating reading, writing, and multimedia resources.
Photo Credits: Brother Valdez Photography & Bob Davis
Photography Every Gift Tells a
Story |
As we launch our Year-End Campaign, we’re reminded that every gift tells a story—one of access, creativity, and community. Your support ensures
that Story Crossroads’ programs remain vibrant, inclusive, and free or low-cost, giving storytellers of all ages the tools and opportunities to share their voices. Whether you give once or become a monthly donor, your contribution becomes part of the Story Crossroads narrative, opening doors for storytellers in 2026 and beyond.
It’s your turn to shine! Submissions are open until February 15, 2026 for Boisterous Blooms. We will also be releasing the latest issue December 15, 2025 for The Story Beast. Do you have a tale about
navigating your art through mishaps or unexpected encounters? A story sparked by Boisterous Blooms itself? Perhaps a wild adventure that grew out of nowhere? Whether it’s tied to the theme or delightfully offbeat, we can’t wait to see your creativity in full bloom. Though separate from Story Crossroads, The Story Beast is a free, worldwide e-publication—an amazing way to share your work with a global audience. Submit by February 15 and let your story sparkle! Learn more at storybeast.org.
On November 1, 2025, Csenge Zalka led a presentation on 26
Women’s Epics from around the world. A frequent presenter with Story Crossroads—nearly every year—Csenge is admired for the depth of her research and the joy she brings to her presentations. One of her goals is to see more of these epics translated into other languages, including English, Hungarian, and Spanish, to broaden access, foster research, and spark richer discussions within the storytelling community. Enjoy past workshops by ordering at http://storycrossroads.org/AllThingsStory. On November 21, 2025, we welcomed story artists Dan and Annie Eastmond, alongside Scotty Larsson, for our 96th House Concert, featuring Cowboy Story Poetry and Music. Every chair was filled, and many more joined via live stream. Attendees
enjoyed lively sing-alongs as well as Scotty’s original cowboy poetry. While not his first performance, this concert provided Scotty a much-needed stage to share his talents and deepen his presence in the storytelling community. Explore streams and future concerts at http://storycrossroads.org/HouseConcerts.
As for future events, we have several coming up. We have virtual workshops with Daniel Morden (December 6) and then Rachel Hedman, MA (January 10). Our 97th house concert
will feature Ted Erekson (December 3).
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Enjoy this hint of the next virtual workshop taught by Daniel Morden called "Adapting Traditional Tales: Page to Stage." See more videos at our YouTube Channel.
If you or someone you know has a story video that you want us to see, then let us know by emailing info@storycrossroads.org.
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Story Crossroads - 501(c)(3) - To foster creative and compassionate communities through the art of storytelling.
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