1. What is the Ojai Storytelling Festival? The Ojai Storytelling Festival, produced by Performances to Grow On, is a four-day event celebrating the art of storytelling. Now approaching its 24th year, the festival features a variety of performances, workshops, and activities designed for both children and adults. Storytellers from across the country gather to share stories that entertain, educate, and inspire.
2. When and where does the festival take place? The festival is held annually in Ojai, California, with performances at various locations, including the iconic Libbey Bowl, The Ojai Art Center, and Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.
3. Who can attend the festival? Everyone is welcome! The festival includes programming for families, children, and adults of all ages. The main stage performances and workshops cater to a broad audience, while special events like the open mic sessions allow attendees to share their own stories.
4. How much do tickets cost? Ticket prices vary depending on the event. You can get an Everything Pass ($275), a Weekend Pass ($125), or a Saturday Pass ($65). You can add $10 to any pass to send a local child to the festival for free. Details of the passes and add-ons can be viewed here.
5. How is the festival making storytelling accessible? Accessibility is a key focus for the festival.
Sign language interpreters will be provided for select performances.
Workshop materials will be available in both English and Spanish.
Designated seating areas will be accessible for attendees with mobility challenges.
Both the Libbey Bowl and The Ojai Art Center are ADA-compliant, and volunteers will be available to assist attendees.
Assisted listening technology is being acquired for those who are hearing impaired but do not speak ASL.
Large print programs will be provided.
6. How is the festival reaching underserved communities, particularly the Hispanic/Latino population? The Ojai Storytelling Festival actively works to include Ventura County's Hispanic/Latino community through:
Bilingual outreach and marketing in Spanish-language media and community organizations.
Showcasing Hispanic/Latino storytellers on the main stage, offering workshops in Spanish, and curating exhibits that highlight storytelling traditions within these cultures.
Collaborating with local schools and Spanish-language bookstores to engage students and Latino authors in storytelling sessions and workshops.
7. What is the festival’s educational outreach program? The festival engages thousands of students from Ventura, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara Counties through its outreach program. Special performances and workshops are designed for school children to inspire creativity and improve social-emotional well-being.
8. How can I participate as a storyteller? The festival offers an open mic platform where aspiring storytellers can share their stories with the community. Additionally, workshops are available to hone your storytelling skills, and local schools are invited to participate through collaborations with Performances to Grow On.
9. Why is storytelling important to the community? Storytelling is a time-honored tradition that fosters community bonds, emotional healing, and cultural understanding. The festival aims to restore storytelling to its rightful place in our daily lives, offering a unique opportunity for people to gather, listen, and share in the communal power of stories.
10. How can I support the festival? Support can be offered by attending the festival, volunteering, or donating. Contributions help ensure that the festival remains accessible to all, particularly underserved communities, and that it can continue to offer free and reduced-cost events.
11. What safety protocols are in place post-COVID? The festival follows all local health guidelines to ensure the safety of attendees, including any necessary social distancing measures, mask requirements, and sanitation practices.
12. What kind of workshops are offered during the festival? The Ojai Storytelling Festival offers a variety of workshops designed for both beginner and experienced storytellers. Topics include traditional storytelling techniques, contemporary writing practices, and performance skills. There are also workshops tailored to specific audiences, such as educators looking to integrate storytelling into their curriculum or individuals interested in personal storytelling.
13. Are there activities for children at the festival? Yes, the festival includes several events and activities designed specifically for children. Storytelling sessions aimed at early childhood development and school performances are a core part of the festival's mission. These sessions provide an interactive way for kids to engage with stories, fostering creativity and emotional intelligence.
14. Can I volunteer at the festival? Yes, volunteers are a crucial part of the festival’s success. Opportunities include assisting with event setup, helping guests, managing workshops, and supporting accessibility needs. Volunteers help make the festival more inclusive and welcoming for all. Reach out at info@ojaistoryfest.org for more information.
15. Is there a virtual option to attend the festival? While the Ojai Storytelling Festival is primarily an in-person event, select performances and workshops may be offered online for those unable to attend in person. Check the official website closer to the event for updates on virtual programming.
16. How does the festival support local artists? The festival partners with local cultural organizations and artists to showcase Ventura County’s rich storytelling traditions. This includes featuring local storytellers, collaborating with schools and libraries, and offering workshops and open mic opportunities for community members to participate and share their stories.
17. How is the festival environmentally friendly? The Ojai Storytelling Festival strives to minimize its environmental impact by encouraging sustainable practices. These include using digital programs to reduce paper waste, encouraging attendees to carpool or use public transportation, and working with local vendors to provide eco-friendly food and beverage options at the festival.
18. How can schools get involved in the festival? Schools in Ventura, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara Counties are invited to participate through the festival's educational outreach program. This includes free or discounted tickets to performances, storytelling workshops held at schools, and opportunities for students to perform their own stories. Teachers can contact the festival to learn more about integrating these opportunities into their curriculum.
19. What kind of stories can I expect to hear at the festival? The festival celebrates a diverse range of stories, from personal and autobiographical tales to folklore and historical narratives. Storytellers come from a variety of cultural backgrounds, ensuring that the performances offer something for everyone. Some stories are light-hearted and humorous, while others may tackle deeper social issues, including themes of diversity, community, and resilience.
20. How does the festival contribute to community building? Storytelling has a long history of bringing people together, and the Ojai Storytelling Festival is committed to fostering that sense of community. By gathering people from different backgrounds to share in live storytelling, the festival encourages empathy, understanding, and shared cultural experiences. Special community events, such as the free Community Night, are designed to make the festival accessible to all, especially those from underserved populations.
For more information, please visit the official Ojai Storytelling Festival website at ojaistoryfest.org.
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