Storytellers

“Visual storytelling utilizes both language and art to pass on the essence of who we are.” — Debbie Millman

It will come as no surprise to anyone when I say humans are, by their nature, storytellers. You could spend an entire series of courses at a university studying why that’s true. It all boils down to the telling of stories being as old as mankind itself, and as being an essential way to share information with each other. Normally I don’t quote AI-generated internet search results, but this one is so descriptive and so accurate that I couldn’t help myself. Does this sound like the theater people you know (or the theater person you are):

“Some people are natural storytellers because storytelling is a deeply ingrained human survival skill, linked to our ability to form social bonds and share information, and they often possess traits like openness to new experiences, strong imagination, a talent for empathy, and confident communication styles that make them effective at conveying narratives. These individuals are adept at engaging an audience by creating vivid details, building suspense, and evoking emotions, which helps create connection and trust.”

At BDACT we’ve had the pleasure of sharing a diverse array of stories with you already this season. We’ve shared them through music, visual arts, comedy and of course, plays. While the form the story takes varies from one production to another, the underlying plot line is always human and relatable.

In January we asked you, “Where do fairy tale creatures go when they need healthcare? Why, to the Gingerbread Clinic!” Ostensibly a silly romp about leprechauns, princes, princesses and fairies, it was actually the story of someone who felt overlooked by love and harshly judged by others. While it may be a stretch to ask an audience member to relate to a tortoise, they could certainly empathize with someone who was acting out because they were emotionally hurt. That particular story ended up being about the difficult but necessary pathways of forgiveness and hope. Our audience of real life humans understood that.

I could go into great detail on every story we’ve shared with you this season, but I’ll just give you the abbreviated details to make my point. Without naming the shows by title, I’ll bet you will know which shows these were:

• A musical comedy about people winning at the game of love, losing at the game of love, winning again and eventually realizing that despite the frustration that naturally arises from our differences, we need each other.

• A cast of children showing us through laughs and colorful characters the truth to the saying, “there is strength in numbers.”

• A group of teenagers, who (ironically) taught us that the solution to many of the things that ail us just might be found in a good night’s sleep.

• Fairy tale characters from two different worlds who don’t understand or necessarily trust one another, remind us that when we are in need, a good friend may come in the form you least expect.

• High schoolers retelling a classic piece of Broadway history to remind us that no matter who you are, love changes everything.

• Fantastical characters and absurd situations challenge us to embrace imagination and curiosity, question rules, find your own identity and accept personal change by letting go of the past to become a better version of yourself. 

• A modern tale that uses a comic situation as the means to teach us about self-acceptance, teamwork and the unifying power of music.

• The juxtaposition of two people from two very different worlds whose love builds the bridge leading to kindness and acceptance.

I’m sure you figured out which plays from our season this year are being described. While the characters, the situations, the costumes and the music are easy to remember, the underlying message is what really unites us as a community. We connect with one another through the magic of storytelling, because regardless of our diversity, we can all relate to the very same human emotions, desires, concerns and joys. 

I’m proud of the storytelling we bring to this community. If this had been all we’d accomplished in 2025 I’d be delighted. (And now, to quote the old 1970s TV advertising announcers) “But wait, there’s more!” We still have a few stories to share with you this year.

• Four Glasses, a comical story about serious adult subjects, introduces us to a character named France, whose life dances on the line between depression and hope. Is it possible to have a path to redemption that isn’t straight or direct?

• The Play That Goes Wrong reminds audience members that despite having the worst day ever, there is something noble in soldiering on and expecting things to improve. After watching this show, you won’t feel so bad the next time you stumble through the day.

• Radium Girls, which is based on the real life experiences of women who thought they had a dream job, only to realize the horrible truth of what happens when corporations put profits ahead of people. This is one history lesson you need to learn.

Each story we share with our audiences has many layers. Come to relax and enjoy. Sing along. Laugh. Think. Even cry a bit. (I tend to cry when people succeed despite obstacles. Perhaps it hits close to home.) Something in the story is surely going to hit home with you as well.

In "The Science Behind Storytelling," author Carl Alviani says, “We identify with human characters. A journey’s not interesting unless there are obstacles.”

Please join us at BDACT. We’re storytellers, and we can’t wait to share the next one with you.

You can visit our new website at www.bdact.org for info on auditions and volunteer opportunities, or give me a call at 920-885-6891.