Sunday, June 10, 2012

Themed Programs


July 4th will be here soon.  I wonder how many storytellers have a program developed about courage, loyalty, patriotism and the men and women who have made our country free?
What?  You haven't thought of July 4th as an opportunity to get gigs?  I'm not talking that day in particular, but the weeks before and after are a great opportunity for storytelling.  It can be a time not just for stories about the America's Founding Fathers, but also stories of courage, stories of simple folks who stand up for what is right.

Actually, it is probably too late to promote programs for this holiday.  However, with an election cycle coming, this is a great time to promote the same programs for fall!  This is a great time to remind folks why we vote, why we are blessed in the country we live in.  With a nation that divides itself between a two party system, why not remind folks on both sides of the political aisle of those great men and women who symbolize the leadership we all should seek to demonstrate?

Patriotic themes are not really your cup of tea (pardon the Boston Tea Party reference - another great story)?  Take a look at the other seasons and holidays coming up, plan programs around those themes and start marketing those particular programs?
Ideas?  Scary stories for late September and October! Stories of harvest and giving thanks for blessings for November.  Christmas stories for December.  I do the stories and talk about the origin of Santa Claus - for grown up audiences, of course.  It is a popular program!  I have heard some wonderful Hanukkah stories - a great December theme!


Get the idea?  Start planning now to market a program around other seasons and holidays!  Do you have a program for the weeks around Valentine's Day?  Romance, love, the difference between men and women, the humor in weddings and marriage???  Getting any ideas?  Don't forget those same programs can be used for other types of venues - weddings, anniversaries, for example.

Here is the important take away:  A storyteller can gather stories for just about any event on the calendar.  Develop a themed program and market that program seasonally.  It will give venues an idea that they can slip into their calendar.  Take my word for it, those who program are definitely calendar and holiday oriented as they plan their year out.

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