Wisconsin Storytellers’ Get-Together

THE WISCONSIN STORYTELLERS’ GET-TOGETHER! 

April 29, 2023 at MacKenzie Educational Center, Poynette WI

An annual gathering of Wisconsin tellers actively engaged in the art and practice of storytelling. The Wisconsin Storytellers’ Get-Together is an informal gathering for sharing stories, ideas & resources. It’s a chance for networking, mutual support and being re-energized for storytelling in whatever form we practice it. Join in and swap some tales! Join us for a day of connecting, telling and listening to stories.

WELCOME TO WISTGET 2023!!!
On Saturday, April 29, 2023  we will gather together at MacKenzie Educational Center with most parts available on Zoom to swap stories, share ideas, connect as peers and friends. This year there is the opportunity to stay overnight in the dorms from Friday evening 6pm to Sunday morning 11:00am! Please indicate on the registration form if you plan to stay overnight. You must register in order to attend either in person or on Zoom.

SCHEDULE & NOTES FOR PARTICIPANTS

ACTIVITIES

  • Welcome and guided chat/discussion
  • Choose a SWAP* and share your story
  • 5-5-5 Tru-ish Stories
  • Lucy Beck Award Presentation – awarded in recognition of noteworthy contributions and service in the nurturing of storytelling in Wisconsin
  • Storytelling Concert
  • Exchange Table & Sales Table
  • Light Lunch & Dinner. Feel welcome if you wish to bring a dish to share
  • Option to Zoom into the event on Saturday – see schedule above
  • Option to stay in the dorms overnight

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT

SCHEDULE: CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SCHEDULE

*WHAT IS A STORY SWAP? A Story Swap is a gathering of tellers to share stories and hear the unique voices of other Wisconsin tellers. WISTGET organizers choose themes ahead of time to organize small groups that breakout from the main room. There will be a swap facilitator who will start the session and will keep things moving and on time. Each teller comes prepared with either a finished short story or something on which they are working, which is 8 to 10 minutes in length. Tellers are welcome to request feedback after the session during chat times. Depending on how many people choose to put their name in the hat, everyone may not get the chance to share.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT WISTGET

Thanks to you and the WISTGET team once again for being, like Mary Poppins, “Practically perfect in every way.” Hopefully next year, we can give your computer a rest, and I can see what an “in person” WISTGET is like. TW 2021
Just a quick note of thanks … for all of your hard work in making WISTGET a success.  Over these past months, I’ve seen a lot of teachers and programs get off to pretty rocky virtual starts before finally being able to iron out most of the rough patches to the point where Zoom, while never as good as reality, was at least a viable alternative. But WISTGET seemed to run very smoothly from start to finish – so a big thanks to you and all of the organizers for making that happen. – Tom Williams 2020
My heart is still humming with all the joys of WISTGET.  …Thanks again for all you did to make it happen. There was something very special about it being Wisconsin tellers connecting with old friends and meeting new folks that are a part of this unique gathering. Jean-Andrew 2020

This year’s WISTGET is probably the best I have ever attended in recent years.  The songs, the poetry, and stories were probably best of the best.  I really enjoy every minute of the event.  Thank you to those people who help to make this year’s WISTGET event. Franklin Chen 2019

The Get-Together was a huge success and great FUN! Held at Mosquito Hill Nature Center, we are looking forward to gathering…[virtually] this year on September [26th]! Come play/tell with us! Deborah Morningstar 2017

The 33rd Annual WISTGET was held on October 15, 2022 in person at Mosquito Hill Nature Center and was on Zoom videoconference. 2022 EVALUATION: CLICK HERE 

HISTORY OF THE WISCONSIN STORYTELLERS’ GET-TOGETHER
The history and development of an annual gathering of Wisconsin tellers actively engaged in the art and practice of storytelling.

A short history and development of an annual gathering of Wisconsin storytellers and how to get involved. The Wisconsin Storytellers’ Get-together (WISTGET) is an annual gathering of Wisconsin tellers actively engaged in the art and practice of storytelling.

This event was founded in 1987 with the collaboration of the three storytelling guilds active at the time: T.A.L.E.S. (Tri-Area Liars, Elaborators, & Storytellers) of Kenosha, The Madison Storytelling Guild, and M.A.S.T. (Milwaukee Area Story Tellers).

A planning committee formed from the three guilds and organized the annual Get-together each year.  With the slogan “Hear It in Wisconsin” the emphasis was on connecting with storytellers throughout the state and encouraging new tellers.  The day included Story Swaps, shared meals, a juried Storytelling Concert, and a peer award for service to the storytelling community. The locations have varied over the years but most have been in camp or nature settings.

About 1997 storyteller Hardy Garrison of Marshfield created the Wisconsin Storytelling website which offered a place to list Wisconsin tellers, events, guilds and WISTGET news.  Karen Wollscheid took over about 2007 and Karen Wendt is the current webmaster as of 2018.

During the 2020/2021 Covid Pandemic, the WISTGET committee used the Zoom platform to host an online version of the event. In 2022 we went back to Mosquito Hill in person but included a Zoom option. In 2023, a weekend event at MacKenzie Educational Center with a Zoom option for Saturday.

It is hoped that this website will become the go-to place for all things Storytelling in Wisconsin. Tellers are encouraged to post a listing in the site Directory. Event organizers can send in information with links to their websites.  Anyone who discovers storytelling in a new corner of the state can pass on the information via Contact. Let the tales begin!