Stoop Storytelling

I'm going a little off book for a Friday, because it was a very long week, that was spent mostly working, so there weren't a lot of things to love.  However, the best part of the week was Stoop Storytelling at Columbia Festival for the Arts.  I just love this concept.  It's an evening of regular people telling stories for about 7 minutes each around a central theme.  Tonight's theme was my favorite movie and what it means to me.

The stories were as diverse as the individuals doing the storytelling, which is pretty much the greatest reason to go.  Some even went a bit off script, which is something I've never seen happen before.  But even with the not so movie related, the stories were still captivating.

Watching the 6 or so people get up there and speak - one was 17 years old! - I found myself wishing I could do that.  I haven't a clue what I'd talk about.  I mean, I'm not a movie person, so this evening's theme wouldn't really be for me.  However, I'm sure I could cobble something together on another topic. But then I'd probably melt into an awkward mess in front of everyone.

Aside from the fact that it's terrifying, I'm sure it's also something that's super exhilarating. And since it's a small dose - and a story that's been workshopped to be its best, it might not be too out of my reach.  I can speak in front of people - as long as there's a script to follow. Though, I fear that if I follow my own script, I'd never be as engaging as the people I saw tonight.  So I'm feeling maybe it's something to work toward, in the future.  Though, how does one work towards not being a scaredy cat?