Turn Your Life Into Stories Worth Sharing!

Kick off your Frolic weekend with this special storytelling workshop at the Loyal Jones Appalachian Center on the beautiful Berea College campus!

What you'll experience:

Award-winning storyteller and National Storytelling Festival performer Mitch Barrett will guide you through fun, hands-on exercises that help you discover the stories already living inside you. Whether you're an experienced tale-spinner or have never told a story in your life, Mitch's warm and engaging teaching style will have you laughing, learning, and ready to share.

In this workshop, you'll learn:

  • How to recognize the stories in your everyday life and family history
  • Techniques for shaping your experiences into compelling tales
  • The art of timing, pacing, and bringing stories to life
  • Ways to connect with your audience and hold their attention
  • Tips for remembering and refining your stories

Why storytelling matters in Appalachian culture:

Storytelling has always been at the heart of mountain life—it's how we've preserved our history, shared our values, and kept our communities strong. Learning to tell your own stories connects you to this beautiful tradition and gives you a skill you'll use for the rest of your life.

About Mitch Barrett:

Mitch is a Berea native who's won numerous awards for both his songwriting and storytelling. He's performed at prestigious venues including the National Storytelling Festival, and his gift for weaving music and tales together creates unforgettable experiences. (You'll get to see more of his magic at Friday evening's concert!)

This optional workshop is perfect for:

  • Anyone who wants to preserve family stories
  • Teachers looking to engage students through storytelling
  • Musicians who want to connect songs with narrative
  • Folks who love a good tale and want to learn the craft
  • Anyone ready to add an extra layer of richness to their Frolic weekend

Storytelling Workshop Add-On: $25

Workshop takes place 4:30-5:45 PM on Friday, December 5 at the Loyal Jones Appalachian Center, Berea College. Immediately followed by the opening supper at 6:00 PM.


Come ready to participate, share, and discover the storyteller within you!

Questions? Email us atĀ [email protected]