Five new Storytellers are set to take the stage at Hoyt Sherman Place.
On June 2, Tell It Like It Is: Iowa Storytellers Project returns with the theme, “Search and Rescue.”
The project, which is run by the Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation in partnership with the Des Moines Register, allows local storytellers to work with coaches on workshopping their stories before taking the stage to share their experiences.
This month, the storytellers are coached by Register staffers Courtney Crowder and Lee Rood along with Andy Garman, Bridge Grace Sheaff and former Register editor Kim Norvell.
Garman will also serve as the emcee for the evening.
Here’s a look at the Iowans who will share their stories on stage.
Who are this month’s performers for the Iowa Storytellers Project?
Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Iowa Blues Hall of Fame inductee Health Alan is a Des Moines native who also works as a solo story performer. The award-winning musician has been actively performing over the last 30 years.
Retired actuary Al Burns will also take the Storytellers stage. Burns is married to Sue Burns and they have three children as well as three grandchildren. Burns recently retired from his work on April 1.
Former Iowa gubernatorial candidate Deidre DeJear leads Iowa’s largest affordable housing complex. She serves on the boards of the City of Des Moines Housing Services, The Directors Council, and the Wright Foundation and serves as a member of The Links Incorporated.
Nonprofit professional Chris Huling is joining the cast of Storytellers after recently getting married. He has also performed improvisational comedy at the Des Moines Playhouse with the group “Runaway Train.”
Ames native and Senior Editor for The Iowa Source magazine, Meredith Siesman, rounds out this group of storytellers. Siesman is also the creator of the Thirsty Word reading series for writers. Siesman also has experience performing on stage. Previously, she performed for 17 years in Chicago before becoming active with performing arts in southeast Iowa.
How can I get tickets to Tell It Like It Is: Iowa Storytellers Project?
Reserved tickets for Tell It Like It Is: Iowa Storytellers Project start at $20.
You can purchase your tickets at the Hoyt Sherman box office or via Ticketmaster.
Emery Glover is an audience engagement specialist for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at eglover@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Storytellers return to Hoyt Sherman Place in June. Here’s the lineup.
Reporting by Emery Glover, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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