Mission & Programs

MISSION

Through the art of autobiographical story performance, SpeakeasyDC gives voice to the authentic experience of ordinary people, builds community, and promotes understanding. We have a three-part mission: to produce high quality storytelling performances; provide ongoing training and performance opportunities to the public; and preserve the oral tradition, while experimenting with new definitions and expressions that speak to and enrich contemporary life.

PROGRAMS

Performances

Our monthly open mic storytelling series--entering it’s 13th year on the 2nd Tuesday of every month– serves an audience of over 250 people a month and trains 120 storytellers each year.  Each night features 8-10 true stories on a given theme. All are welcome to sign up for the open mic through our website. Free (and mandatory) coaching is provided.

SpeakeasyDC also produces several original ensemble shows, with unique casts, each year. Past shows include: top-selling and critically acclaimed Capital Fringe Festival shows The Sin Show, Chocolate Jesus and Revenge of the Cat-Headed Baby and Other True Tales of Life & Death; plus holiday specials like Sucker for Love Valentine’s Day Special; Mommie Dearest Mother’s Day Special, and an annual performance for DC’s Big Read.

Classes & Training

Each year, we  offer over a dozen educational opportunities, including a one-day Storytelling Boot Camp,  two four-week comprehensive courses–Storytelling 101 for beginners and  and Storytelling 102 for intermediate level students,  master classes on specific skills and topics, outreach programs, and on-site professional trainings. Our clients have included The American Heart Association, The Microcredit Summit Campaign, Amnesty International, the Congressional Hunger Center, and Brailsford & Dunlavey.

Podcast and Video

We publish a free bi-weekly podcast called The Speakeasy Storycast and host video channels on Vimeo and YouTube. On these, you will find recordings of our live performances, promotional videos, and a handful of produced “radio-style” stories (not performed live).

Partnerships

SpeakeasyDC has collaborated with many other organizations including:  the NEA’s Big Read, DC Independent Film Fest, Literacy Volunteers & Advocates, Capital Fringe Festival, Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, and  SilverDocs.  Partnerships with the Sol y Soul, the Institute of Caribbean Studies, and Ward 7 Arts Collective are in the works for 2010.