Title: Storytelling Series
Location: Studio 34
Description: An evening of good food and good stories from professional and aspiring storytellers.
Start Time: 08:00
Date: 2009-05-21
End Time: 10:30
Storytelling Series
May 27th, 2009Mighty Writers Hit West Philly
May 24th, 2009
Shout-out to Studio 34!
Last night Mighty Writers hosted their first Storytelling event at Studio 34 on Baltimore Avenue in West Philly.
Joined by friends, tutors, writers and readers, it was a kick-off to an exciting summer of tutoring, writing and events at our new South Philadelphia location at 15th and Christian!
The evening featured stories by students, writers and storytelling luminaries. Philadelphia was the theme and the tales of the city inspired the crowd.
CHAD students and their teacher, Melissa Donner, read a piece about a ruined marriage, a child’s place in divorce and the struggles that can make Philadelphia challenging.
Crime novelist Anthony Bruno provided the chilling back story for his book “The Iceman,” taking the audience to maximum-security prisons as he told of his research process.
Leo Koorhan, a 15-year-old magician with a quick tongue and highly developed skills, took the stage at intermission. Leo chose Mighty Writers Program Director Rachel Loeper and the two Esposito brothers to perform his final tricks. Young as he is, Leo has learned the performer’s secret: leave the audience wanting more.
For the second half, Ingrid Wiese took the mic with a candid piece on her comic affairs with local residents. Winner of the 2009 Philadelphia Story Slam, Wiese is a crowd favorite.
Nicolas Esposito closed things with a homage to South Philadelphia. His heartfelt essay ended with a call for Philadelphians to start talking about their experiences in the city. He promised more storytelling events intended to highlight such stories.
Special thanks to Eve Nikolova for our beautiful flyers, Studio 34 for their space, Barefoot Wineries for the libations, Metro Bakery and Joanna Schwartz for the tasty spread and all the volunteers who shaped the evening.
As we plan our fall programming, please stay posted for further news on this site and on our Facebook page.
Tutor And Get A Hug
May 21st, 2009
Mighty Writers' film crew near 15th & Christian.“I’m a tutor for Mighty Writers. I’ve been working with kids at Universal Institute Charter School since January, and I love what I do there.
“I help students with homework and as they progress through computer programs designed to hone their reading skills.
“My favorite part of tutoring is watching students learn to read more easily. They beam with pride when they pass a review test and receive a certificate. One girl gave me a spontaneous hug, she was so pleased.
“It’s important for kids to have adults besides their teachers and relatives who care about what they think. The conversations we have about their weekend, their favorite video game or what they’re doing in school are as important as the work we do on writing.
“Tutoring makes me feel more connected to the community. Universal is six blocks from my apartment, and I run into students I’ve tutored just walking around. It makes me happy to do something—even if it’s a relatively small thing—that helps make the neighborhood a better place.”
Kate Blakinger
University of Michigan
MFA 2007
