About the National Youth Storytelling Showcase
The National Youth Storytelling Showcase (NYSS) has found a permanent home in Utah, with the Timpanogos Storytelling Institute. Held each February in conjunction with the Timpanogos Storytelling Midwinter Conference, NYSS is the culmination of many hours in storytelling and competitions for youth tellers from across the nation.
Each year, thousands of youth across the country participate in storytelling competitions in schools, libraries, and communities. The top finalists move on to tell their stories at storytelling festivals and other related events. In the fall, each state submits their top five youth storytellers via DVD recording.
From those submissions, eight to ten youth storytellers are selected to be the National Torchbearers and are invited to travel to Utah the first weekend in February to gather, learn, perform, and celebrate their accomplishments at their own expense. Afterward, these talented youth will represent youth storytelling as Storytelling Ambassadors for the next year.
During the Year
- Young tellers, ages 8-18, participate in local storytelling events in classrooms, libraries, and youth festivals.
- Selected tellers submit a DVD audition to NYSS state representatives (or to Timpanogos Storytelling Institute if no state representative is listed) by October 1st. See the complete list of NYSS State Representatives here.
- State Representatives review submissions and nominate five finalists to represent their state for further review by October 22nd. For complete audition information, including preferred format and required forms, please click here.
- Eight to ten finalists are selected from potentially 250 who audition to represent the top youth storytellers of the year at the National Youth Storytelling Showcase. The Showcase is held in February in conjunction with Timpanogos Storytelling Midwinter Conference.
- Finalists will be selected and receive an invitation to participate by the end of November.
- Only those who are planning to travel should submit entries. (If youth are not planning to make the trip, they should not audition.) All who submit audition applications understand it is suggested that a parent or guardian travel with the youth teller, all at their own expense. Others may also attend at their own expense. There is no guarantee of scholarships. Most food and other extracurricular expenses are covered for all Torchbearers.
While at the National Youth Storytelling Showcase
- Participants will meet other youth storytellers. Youth tellers enjoy meeting and networking with one another as they find they have much in common with those who are doing what they do. Many young people have formed lifetime friendships with other youth tellers. Gathering witht he best-of-the-best is eye opening and a way to gain appreciation for the art in new ways.
- Participants will have fun! Extracurricular activities and evening get-togethers will be planned and provided at no charge.
- NYSS youth will perform in area schools.
- All finalists will attend the youth track at the Timpanogos Storytelling Conference where they will receive top instruction in storytelling, writing, presentation and performance art.
- NYSS Torchbearers are invited to tell the story they auditioned with for a conference audience.
- Each performance will be recorded on DVD. The DVD will be available for purchase. (Plan early if you need to gain permission to tell a story under copyright.)
- The NYSS committee will make the recordings available for festival producers to purchase and review.
- Ambassadorship and performance skills of the NYSS youth tellers will be taught and noted.
- The NYSS committee will alert youth’s local festivals and let them know that they have talented youth available in their communities. Invitations could then be extended from festivals, but there is no guarantee.