EVERYONE HAS A STORY
The tradition of oral storytelling has existed long before written works. Something deep and significant is conveyed through the relating of a well-crafted, well-told first person story. Many times these stories have served as a way to preserve history and explore and impact our emotions as individuals and communities. Storytelling is a powerful means of entertainment, education and cultural preservation. Coyote Tales hopes to perpetuate the art of storytelling while entertaining the listener with a unique and intimate experience.
Coyote Tales are live, open-mic style storytelling events with amateur and experienced storytellers. Each event has a theme, on which stories are to be based. Potential storytellers may address that theme in any way they choose. Prior to the event, storytellers craft their true, on-theme story, practice the telling (5 minutes or less), and work on eliminating excess detail to nail the perfect ending. When the doors open, potential storytellers put their name in the hat in hopes of being chosen to share their story. If chosen, the storyteller takes the stage to delight the audience. Stories must be true, told live, within the given time frame (5 minutes). They must be told without notes, props, or accompaniment.
Coyote Tales is our take on “The Moth” live storytelling events. The original Moth events were inspired by porch storytelling parties attended by author, George Dawes Green. The concept has spawned worldwide live oral storytelling performances, a PRX radio program and a book. This is our take on these ideas. For more information on The Moth, please check out their website @ https://www.themoth.org
LIVE EVENT INFORMATION
If you are interested in getting on stage, we recommend that you contact us in advance. It helps us plan the show to know how many tellers want to get on stage. Storytelling coaches are available to help you craft your tale if you would like to work with one. If you would like would to get on stage the evening of the show, please arrive by 6:30 and find Victoria . Out of respect for our storytellers, late comers for indoor events will not be admitted until intermission.
For ticketed events, tickets will be available through this website and the host venue’s website. Tickets may also be available at the door the evening of the event. We encourage you to purchase your tickets early. Previous events have sold out. If you have a story to tell, but cannot purchase a ticket, please contact Victoria and we will make certain that you are admitted. Please do not let the cost of tickets prevent you from attending. Volunteer opportunities are available in exchange for admission.
Due to the ‘live’ unscripted nature of our events, some listeners may find subject matter challenging.
PLEASE REMEMBER, YOUR STORY MUST BE YOUR STORY
Were you there? Are you the main character? Your participation in the story as it happened is essential. We are after true, first person narrative stories told within the given time frame.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2024
TRUE STORIES TOLD LIVE THE COYOTE TALES WAY UNDER THE STARS AT IVINS CITY HERITAGE PARK
Pre-show BYOP picnic: 7:00pm
Stories begin at sundown
THIS EVENT IS FREE AND EVERYONE IS WELCOME
The evening begins with a BYOP (bring your own picnic) pre-party with great Stillhouse Road Bluegrass music where potential storytellers put their name in the hat with the hope of being chosen to share their tale on stage. Kayenta Homes and Properties will be hosting the upscale water trough providing FREE beverages and cookies for story lovers.
THE THEME FOR THE EVENING’S STORIES IS:
FIRST
Prepare a 5-minute story about your maiden voyage into uncharted territory. Tell us about your first standing ovation, miserable failure, kiss, crisis of conscience, job, pet, trip overseas, grandchild or fistfight. Do you have a story about a grand openings, birth order, wild initiations or a milestone reached? Do tell.
PLEASE REMEMBER, YOUR STORY MUST BE YOUR STORY
Were you there? Are you the main character? Your participation in the story as it happened is essential. We are after true, first-person narrative stories told within the given time frame.
100% of proceeds from ticketed events have been donated to local nonprofits. All outdoor events are FREE.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2024
MEET THE AUTHOR LUNCHEON WITH COYOTE TALES STORYTELLER NAN SEYMOUR
100% OF PROCEEDS BENEFIT 
Please join Petite Feast for an afternoon with Nan Seymour, Coyote Tales special guest storyteller, poet, and author of Irreplaceable. During the luncheon, Nan will speak about her community building on behalf of the imperiled Great Salt Lake. She will also share some brief excerpts from her lake-facing literary works.
As poet-in-residence on Antelope Island, Nan led day-and-night vigils on behalf of the Great Salt Lake throughout the 2022 and 2023 Utah State legislative sessions. During her weeks on the receding lake shore, she assembled the praise poem called irreplaceable, a collective love letter containing over 400 individual voices from citizens.
The 2024 winter vigil featured twice daily demonstrations of love for the lake at the Utah State Capitol. Advocates of all ages walked with giant blue and white fabric waves in silence every morning and celebrated the lake’s many species with jubilant singing and dancing each evening. Over 1200 people participated in the 68 demonstrations during the session.
MEET THE AUTHOR LUNCHEON WITH COYOTE TALES STORYTELLER NAN SEYMOUR
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2024
ENTIRE LUNCHEON TICKET PRICE OF $65.00 BENEFITS SAVE OUR GREAT SALT LAKE
HORS D’OEUVRE
VEGETABLE TART WITH WHITE BEAN HUMMUS AND OLIVE CAPONATA
HIBISCUS HONEY ICED TEA
FIRST COURSE
HEIRLOOM TOMATO SOUP WITH PESTO AND MOZZARELLA CROSTINI
ENTREE
HOUSEMADE RICOTTA & SPINACH CANNELLONI WITH PARMESAN BECHAMEL, RED PEPPER MARINARA AND FRIED BASIL TUILE
DESSERT
CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT TART WITH CLEMENTINE SORBET AND WHITE CHOCOLATE CREME
purchase tickets
Tips for Storytelling Greatness
Follow these Simple Guidelines
Get started telling your tale!
A Strong Start
Have a clear, engaging and attention grabbing opening. You want to snare the audience’s attention. You want to bring them along with you when you share your tale.
A Clear Path
The best stories have a natural arc. A clear beginning, - the action or conflict, - a resolution or closure - and finally, describe how the experience affected or changed you, the teller.
Own It
Use your own voice and language. This is your story.
Focus
Too much detail can cloud the narrative. You want enough detail to make it real, but not so much that it is overwhelming.
Know It
Practice your story but don’t memorize it! Practice enough so that you are comfortable. Know your major points but have fun with the details.
Need Some Help?
For help developing your story, we’ve lined up a few storytelling pros to assist you.
Douglas Caputo
Actor, Teacher, Director
John Harrison
Utah Storytellers Guild; President, Dixie Tellers
Phone: 970-778-5281