As part of the Lehigh Valley Story Festival (March 28-April 6, 2008), we will have an afternoon of Story Fringe on Saturday April 5th. Story Fringe is based on the Fringe festival concept in which artists present performances with no restriction on style or content, giving artists the freedom to create and audiences the freedom to experience adventurous works. Story Fringe is, however, story. It can be risky, experimental story; long story (up to 60 minutes); story that includes other arts or elements. It is story that stretches the definition of story.

Definitions of story and storytelling abound, and can fill a book. For our purposes, we consider story to be a narrative account that moves from a beginning to an end. Storytelling is a co-creative art: it is the oral presentation of story to an audience in a way that creates images of the story’s action in the listener’s imagination.

Story Fringe participants will be selected, in keeping with general fringe principles, by un-juried lottery on Feb. 1, 2008.*

● No Application Fee- In fact we offer a $35 honorarium to those chosen. This is a free event, as is most of our other events, although we always take contributions.


● “In” List and “Wait” List-
After names are drawn for all available performance slots (the “In” List), additional names will be drawn and placed on a “Wait” List. If selected performers decline to perform, “Wait’ List performers will move up the list.**




* Lehigh Valley Story Festival reserves the right to make final determinations.
**Please keep in mind that this is the second year Story Fringe is being offered at the Lehigh Valley Story Festival. Our audience size was very modest last year, but with the decision to make this a free event we hope to increase audience size.


Performer’s Responsibilities:

1. Submit your application by Feb. 1, 2008. Please note! Fringe performances are not pre-screened or censored, but we require you to indicate “Adult Language”, “Adult or Difficult Subject Matter” or “Other” potentially offensive material in the content warnings.*
2. Select or create story. Obtain rights or permission as necessary.
3. Rehearse & time show to ensure it fits designated time slot.
4. Promote your show.
5. Arrange and pay for your own travel and accommodations, as needed.
6. Arrive 30 minutes before your performance.
7. Perform your show at the scheduled time. Strike set (if any) quickly to prepare space for next performer.
8. Enjoy the rest of the festival!


Lehigh Valley Storytelling Guild/ Festival Producers Responsibilities:
1. Accept applications, hold Lottery Feb 1, notify all applicants of status.
2. Advertise and promote 2008 Story Festival/ Story Fringe.
3. Organize festival/work with performers to schedule performances in the most fair way possible for all
4. Provide venue. Current venue is Godfrey Daniels, and provides up to 100 seats, lighting, sound, and a small, low stage. Audio and video production may be available at an additional fee. Artists may negotiate with festival producers for alternative venues.
5. Questions: Call 610-799-2742, ask for Jolene or e-mail cjkiernan@toast.net.


* Regarding “Difficult Subject Matter”- Please consider the audience’s “right to know” about difficult material being presented. A story about suicide, for example, while powerful and important, may be emotionally inappropriate for certain individuals.





Story Fringe Application

To enter the 2008 lottery, please submit:

1. Your name, address, phone and e-mail address
2. Title of program plus a 30-50 word description of program
3. Select program length
___ Full Length (30- 60 minutes)
___Short (up to 30 minutes)
4. Select category :
___ Adult
___ Family
5. Select Content warnings, as appropriate:
___ Adult Language
___ Adult or Difficult Subject Matter
___ Other (please explain)
6. Application Fee- None




Submit via:
(e-mail)
cjkiernan@toast.net

or

(snail-mail)
Lehigh Valley Story Festival
Attn: Story Fringe
4458 Coffeetown Road
Schnecksville, PA 18078