Featured Tellers

About the Artists

Michele Belluomini has been telling stories to children and adults for the last 15 years; performed in schools, libraries, and museums, as well as universities in the Philadelphia area.Michele has performed on various "Fringe" stages, including the 2006 National Storytelling Conference in Pittsburgh and the 2012 National Storytelling Conference in Cincinnati, a host of Patchwork events, Tellabration festivals, the New Jersey Storytelling festival, and the Lehigh Valley's Story Fusion.

Joe Dudis has been a storyteller for 30+ years and tells ghost stories and literary, tall, and folk tales. He has told to adults and children at various venues and events throughout NJ, including the NJ Heritage Trail Festival and the NJ storytelling festivals at Waterloo Village and Grounds for Sculpture. He is a member of the Princeton Storytelling Circle and Toastmasters International.

Denise McCormack loves the idea of stories and is deeply committed to sharing the history, benefits, and practices of storytelling in a broad spectrum of applications — from performance for select purposes to education, business, community, and health and well-being. Among her many roles, McCormack is president of the Patchwork Storytelling Guild, recent past state liaison for the National Storytelling Network, coordinator and creative director of the Lehigh Valley Family Storytelling Series, and an active member of various other local and national organizations wherein storytelling and the arts play an integral role.

Ed Stivender is a force to be reckoned with. An international storyteller, known for his witty , original renditions of traditional and classic stories, Mr. Stivender has entertained audiences of all ages and around the country since 1980. The author of Raise Catholic (Can You Tell?), and seven spoken word albums, he is the winner of the Circle of Excellence Storytelling Award and several prizes in the Philadelphia Mummers’ Parade. 

Creative Team

• Denise McCormack  Coordinator/Host/Storyteller

• Michele Belluomini  Storyteller

• Ed Stivender   Storyteller

• Joe Dudis   Storyteller

Accessibility & Content Considerations

Contact the Fringe Festival Box Office for up to date accessibility information.

This event is appropriate for ages 18+

DaVinci Art Gallery is an historic two-story row home with 4 steep steps at the entrance of the building, and a flight of stairs to the 2nd floor. This building is not wheelchair accessible, however, we will attempt to accommodate to the fullest extent possible.

For information, or to notify our team members of any needs prior to your visit, please contact info@davinciartalliance.org.

Covid-19 Safety policy

This event does not require proof of vaccination to attend or masks to be worn

Agenda

5:00 PM -6:15 PM

Performance

6:15 PM - 6:30 PM

Q & A

Light Refreshments

Frequently asked questions

Who is this performance for?

This show is intended for general audiences. The content is meaningful and entertaining and we hope that it will prompt reflection and discussion. 

It is not recommended for young children.

Winsome. Worthy. Wise.  Stories About Women —& Open Mic!

Winsome, Worthy, Wise: Stories About Women—& Open Mic! takes place on Sunday, March 19 @3PM, The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street, Philadelphia. Donations accepted in collaboration with Penn Reproductive Justice Workers Group. The event, featuring an information session, performance/speaker presentation, and open mic, hosted by Denise McCormack, is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

About this Event

Winsome, Worthy, Wise: Stories About Women — & Open Mic! celebrates Women's History month, World Storytelling Day, and the Spring Equinox, on Sunday, March 19 @ 3 PM at The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street, Philadelphia. Light refreshments. Donations accepted, including menstrual products for local distribution by Penn Reproductive Justice Workers Group. Approx. running time: 120 minutes. Recommended for adult audiences.

This eclectic and energy-packed program features an array of stories re-imagined by professional speaker and storyteller Denise McCormack to illuminate aspects of the "Maiden, Mother, Crone" trilogy while recognizing that all women embody vivacious and elegant qualities regardless of mother status or age—made all the more potent by a new and fierce sense of self and an unmitigated fearlessness to pursue their own hearts' desires in their later years when fully equipped with a lifetime of wisdom.

Plus, folks of all identities are encouraged to take the stage and share a 3 to 5 minute story of their own. Sign up with registration or at the door.

But that's not all. Penn Reproductive Justice Working Group will be on hand with information related to reproductive health and will spearhead the collection of menstrual products (pads, tampons) for distribution in the local area.

According to McCormack, producer and host of the event, 

"Being able to tout and share tales about the strength and fortitude of women in all phases of life is incredible and a perfect fit for celebrating Women's History Month, World Storytelling Day, and the coming of Spring is a perfect.

"But the real bonus is having the opportunity to support the efforts of Penn Reproductive Justice Workers Group which is working hard to fulfil a need in the community that is tantamount to the need for food—the need for readily available menstrual products. That need can seriously impact the day to day lives of anyone for whom the cost can be insurmountable. Truly, the idea of being in such a circumstance is one that can only invoke empathy and a desire to rectify the situation. Fortunately, this event will help with that dilemma, and we're proud to support efforts to do so with an outstanding program and a call for the community to come together for an enjoyable and purposeful afternoon."

In lieu of tickets, donations of menstrual products are encouraged.

About the Speaker/Storyteller

Denise McCormack

McCormack has been a featured teller at local and regional venues, including the National Storytellers Network conferences (KS, CA), Philadelphia Fringe and NJ Storytelling Festivals, museums, and libraries, NYC's Artists Without Borders, Godfrey Daniels (Bethlehem, Pa),and many others.

Among her affiliated roles are: NJ state liaison for the National Storytelling Network, recent past chair and board member of the NJ Jersey Storytelling Festival, president of Patchwork: A Storytelling Guild in the Philadelphia Metropolitan area, member of the board of the Lehigh Valley Storytelling Guild, and recent past editor of National Storytelling League's publication "Story Art." She is also a member of other various and related cultural, educational, and artists organizations.

McCormack holds a B.A. in English and an M.Ed. in TESOL: Language, Learning, and Literacy, besides several certifications and related awards. She is a dedicated lifelong learner with interests in neuroscience, linguistics, history, communications, and marketing, besides mindfulness and general health and well-being.

McCormack earned a 2014 Women's Achievement award by the National Association of Professional Women, was editor of NSL's Story Art magazine and chairman and facilitator of the AMK Short Story contest for many years, author of "Don't Let the Best Man Ruin Your Wedding: A Bride's Best Guide for the Best Man's Speech" and several articles related to the art of storytelling, for which Bride magazine noted her as an expert in the field, and has presented various workshops on the importance and application of storytelling for communication, healing, and connection.

McCormack’s mantra: There is a story for every time and purpose under heaven.

Her passion is further invested in her work related to Mother Earth culture, The Story Algorithm, MYOB: Mind Your Own Body, and bridging language gaps. Language is culture.

About Penn Reproductive Justice Workers Group

Penn Reproductive Justice Working Group is a movement of Penn students committed to expanding abortion and contraceptive access, creating inclusive sex and menstrual health education, and improving reproductive health policy in Philly. We strive to be community-conscious advocates for sustainable change in repro justice, and we emphasize inclusion and openness to individuals of all backgrounds.

About The Rotunda

The Rotunda, located in Philadelphia, PA, is a community-gathering place that is fueled by the belief that art is a catalyst for social change and that the arts can lead to the formation of meaningful partnerships between our parent organization the University of Pennsylvania, and surrounding neighborhoods. Over 300 events are offered every year, including live music, film, spoken word, theater, art, dance, education, youth programs, arts incubation, and various experimental genres. As an alcohol-free venue, The Rotunda provides a critical social alternative for all ages. At its core, The Rotunda is a shared space fostering learning, enrichment, and community support while empowering the public to present, produce, and promote their work.

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United States EventsPennsylvania EventsThings to do in Philadelphia, PAPhiladelphia PerformancesPhiladelphia Arts Performances#community#fundraiser#performance#storytelling#openmic#womenshistory#open_mic#health_and_wellness#reproductive_health#worldstorytellingday

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Our Storied Past

Arts Guild New Jersey presents Our Storied Past, a Burlington Community History Event, on Saturday, February 25, at the Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts, 432 High Street, Burlington City, NJ. The event, featuring an information session and performance presentation, is free and open to the public. Light refreshments, commensurate with the program, will be served.

About this Event

Arts Guild New Jersey, in collaboration with the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, hosts Our Storied Past, a community history event, led by project team Denise McCormack and Michael Skelly, to explore public history—what it is; its value; and how to take part in it—as well as to enjoy a sampling of the foods and cultures of the past, including a speaker presentation by storyteller Denise McCormack: Our Storied Past, and the Value of Myth & Folktales which will focus on the folklife, relationships, and shared values of the Lenape, Old Settlers (Dutch, Swedes, Finns) and Quaker British cultures, prior and up to the end of the 17th century, who modeled collaborative ideals and lived their integrity.

The National Council on Public History defines public (community) history as “the many and diverse ways in which history is put to work in the world.

Community History involves asking questions, researching answers, and sharing that information in ways that are meaningful and beneficial to the public.

Clearly, this is a creative process that culminates into the realm of arts and culture and that can be expressed in those terms. Everyone has a stake in it, and this event introduces and embodies that concept—to give voice to everyone in shaping future events.

According to McCormack, who will also share tales from the cultures being discussed, “The folklore and stories that emanate from each are instrumental in helping us to understand their lives and what they value, to see the similarities between those unique groups—and, just as importantly, to see how much they are like us, even now.”

About The Project Team

DENISE MCCORMACK

The Storyteller

Denise McCormack

Denise McCormack is a storyteller in the oral tradition, as well as various other mediums, and believes that stories, even and especially the simple folk and fable, shine a light on little things that have far reaching implications, including personal transformation and the power to draw us together in community. Among her affiliated roles are: President of Patchwork: A Storytelling Guild in the Philadelphia Metropolitan area, member of the board, Creative Producer, and Host of the Lehigh Valley Storytelling Guild Family Storytelling Series, NJ state liaison for the National Storytelling Network, recent past chair and board member of the NJ Jersey Storytelling Festival, and recent past editor of National Storytelling League's publication "Story Art." She is also a member of other various and related cultural, educational, and artists organizations, and a video specialist, writer, and coach.

McCormack’s mantra: There is a story for every time and purpose under heaven. For more information, visit www.denisemccormack.live

Michael Skelly

The Historian

Michael Skelly

About New Jersey Council for the Humanities

Michael Skelly Sr., is an historian, preservationist, advocate, and artist. He currently serves as Director of Bordentown Historical Society; Isaac Pearson Mansion; Vice-President of Friends for Abbott Marshlands which includes the Abbott Archaeological District on the National Register of Historic Places; serve as an Advocate for Faith Action Environmental Justice Task Force; and is President and Founder of Artful Explorers, an international arts and education charity. He served as Director and a leader in preservation and restoration of colonial era National Register Historic Places including 1740 Friends Meetinghouse in Bordentown, NJ; the 1773 Isaac Pearson Mansion, in Hamilton, NJ, and has served as a Director and Treasurer of the Crossroads of the American Revolution Association National Heritage Area.

New Jersey Council for Humanities launched Community History in 2021. Since its inception, 20 participating organizations have created a wide range of public history projects and connected in new ways with their communities. The Community History program consists of learning sessions attended by all participants, individual meetings with program staff, and community-based project work. During the program, participating organizations will build a new history project with support from colleagues and NJCH.

Arts Guild New Jersey

Established in 1998, Arts Guild New Jersey is a non-profit center for the arts located in the Downtown Arts District of the City of Burlington, New Jersey. It is the mission of Arts Guild New Jersey to present a variety of arts programs (visual, performing, literary, culinary, media) for the benefit of New Jersey residents, along with arts education and arts service resources. In addition to all that, we support the arts, artists and art lovers.

Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts enriches and educates the community through distinctive and engaging creative arts programming.

History

Constructed in 1839 and located in the historic City of Burlington, New Jersey, just two blocks from the Delaware River’s beautiful greenspace promenade, Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts welcomes visual and performing arts patrons to its space, continuing the history of the building as it was originally intended – a space for orators, singers, theatrical productions, and more.

Burlington, one of the oldest settlements and the earliest capital of West Jersey, had access to travelers and therefore became abreast of current trends contributing to the success of Lyceum Hall for many years until its use as the City Hall, after which Lyceum Hall reverted to its original use as an arts center complete with art exhibits, concerts, classes, and camps.

Agenda

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Overview of the Community History Project

Denise McCormack & Michael Skelly

What is Community History? Why this project; why now? How can you get involved? What can we do for you?

4:15 PM - 5:00 PM

Our Storied Past: The Value of Myth and Folktales

Denise McCormack

Speaker/Storyteller program highlighting how stories shed a light on the folklife, relationships, and shared values of the Lenape, Old Settlers (Dutch, Swedes, Finns) and Quaker British cultures, pri...

Q & A

5:15 PM - 5:30 PM

Light Refreshments related to the presentation topics.

On Sunday, January 15, Denise McCormack takes the stage of Godfrey Daniels, 7 E. 4th Street, Bethlehem,  with Let It Snow Stories!, a lively and interactive sharing of tales from the oral tradition that are just the right size for young families and anyone who yearns for the enchantment of the storyteller.  McCormack promises to weave a spell to make even the most cynical listener believe in the wonder of truly believing.  Tickets (at the door): $5.50 for people ages 6-and-up.  (Children 5 and under have free admittance.) Reservations recommended. Light refreshments are available.  Books (to take home) will be provided to children by Cops N' Kids.  

“I tell stories that mean something to me and that actually want to be shared.  The stories and I love each other. Sometimes, I can feel them trying to get out, and what else can I do but tell them?  Each story has its own personality—and a little bit of magic!  And, oh my goodness, I'm very excited—and honored—that they chose me to bring them to moms and dads and boys and girls and everyone else, too.  We're going to have a great time!”  ~ Denise McCormack

JOE DUDIS

Joe Dudis has been a storyteller for 30+ years and tells ghost stories and literary, tall and folk tales. He has told at the NJ Heritage Trail Festival and at the NJ storytelling festivals at Waterloo Village in and at the Grounds for Sculpture in 2006. He has told to adults and children at various venues throughout NJ. He is a member of 

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DENISE MCCORMACK

Denise McCormack loves the very idea of story and is deeply committed to sharing the history, benefits, and practices of storytelling in a broad spectrum of applications — from education and community to business, health, and well-being.

Among her many roles, McCormack is president of the Patchwork Storytelling Guild, coordinator and creative director of the Lehigh Valley Family Storytelling Series, and an active member of various other local and national organizations wherein storytelling and the arts play an integral role. 

For more information, go to: https://www.denisemccormack.live/

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ED STIVENDER

Internationally-known Storyteller Ed Stivender iis a force to be reckoned with.  Known for his witty , original renditions of traditional and classic stories, Mr. Stivender has entertained audiences of all ages around the country since 1980.  

The author of Raise Catholic (Can You Tell?), and seven spoken word albums, he is the winner of the Circle of Excellence Storytelling Award and several prizes in the Philadelphia Mummers’ Parade. 

For more information, go to: http://edstivender.com/

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