Untold Stories & Podcast
"Untold Stories”, now entering its 3rd season, stands as a remarkable initiative brought to you by the nonprofit Florida Theatre. Our mission is to honor the timeless tradition of oral storytelling in a contemporary setting.
After two successful seasons, each quarterly story evening unfolds with its own thematic arc. The stage comes alive with personal and transformative tales from a diverse tapestry of voices, including natives and residents alike, all intimately connected to the culture of Northeast Florida. From artists and tech enthusiasts to entrepreneurs, educators, and medical professionals, each storyteller unveils memories intricately interwoven and shaped by our unique environment. Each evening features a curated musical journey by a guest artist, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for our audience.
The Artistic Director and host of “Untold Stories”, Barbara Colaciello of BABS’LAB, curates the evenings not merely as a collection of individual stories but rather as a cohesive whole, akin to a series of mini-plays taking the audience on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from laughter to tears, from introspection to inspiration. Join us as we continue to celebrate the power of narrative and the vibrant cultural mosaic that defines Northeast Florida - its people, its landscapes, and its history - one story at a time.
Apply to tell your story!
We're excited to announce the much-anticipated return of Untold Stories, the oral storytelling series presented by the historic Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville. As we gear up for our third season, we invite you to step onto the stage and share your unique narrative with a live and engaged audience.
Here are the key details you need to know:
What: Untold Stories, Florida Theatre's oral storytelling series, is back for its third season! Where: Historic Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville. How: Share your unique original story (10 to 12 Minutes long) with a live audience. Submission: Send a video (max 2 minutes) detailing your story's essence, connection to Jacksonville, and passion for sharing it. Process: Begin by stating your name (spelled out) and provide your phone number. Email: Send your video to shelissa@floridatheatre.com. Confirmation: You'll receive an acknowledgment receipt upon submission.
Performance Dates and Themes:
- Thursday, May 30, 2024: SPRING
- Thursday, July 11, 2024: SUMMER
Requirements: Stories must be based on your lived experience. We're seeking storytellers who have experience and are comfortable in front of an audience.
Coaching: If selected, you'll engage in 4-6 in-person/Zoom coaching sessions with the Artistic Director.
Workshop: Participate in a story-shaping workshop with fellow cast members before the event.
Rehearsals: Final rehearsal the Sunday before the show, and a technical rehearsal and sound check on show day.
Promotion: Provide a headshot and bio for promotional purposes, and help promote the event on your social media and contacts.
Compensation: Performers will receive a $100 honorarium, two complimentary tickets, and hours of training to elevate their skills.
Note: Currently, we won't be accepting written descriptions, lengthy stories, or scripts. Please keep your video under 2 minutes.
If you're ready to share your story and be a part of this incredible journey, let's create magic together at Untold Stories! Your voice and tale deserve to be heard.
Untold Stories is now a podcast!
The Florida Theatre, in partnership with WJCT Public Media, is proud to present season two of Untold Stories.
Untold Stories is now on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, Pandora, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, Pocketcasts, ListenNotes, PodNews, PodBean, Spreaker, Castbox, PlayerFM, Deezer, and Overcast.
Season Two Episode List
Episode One of Untold Stories: There and Back Again
- (Musical Performer) Jolie is an independent singer, songwriter, and keyboard player based in Saint Augustine.
- Yvette Angelique Hyater-Adams is the Principal and Chief Storytelling Officer of Narratives for Change, where she works with writers, leaders, and teams to build professional strategies.
- Bob Wiltfong from his previous work as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart or in well-known TV shows like “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “30 Rock” and “Modern Family.”
- Yanira Cordana (YaYa) is currently organizing the infamous Art Walk (every first Wednesday of the month) for the Jesse Dupont Center, she’s a Program Coordinator for Moving the Margins, Social Media and Events Manager for the Cultural Council, AND is the NEW Promotions Manager for Norsan Medina.
Episode Two of Untold Stories: There and Back Again
- (Musical Performer) Jolie is an independent singer, songwriter, and keyboard player based in Saint Augustine.
- Yhang Quintero is originally from Venezuela. A Web Designer and a Graphic Designer by trade, he is the founder and owner of Wildcrafters, Jacksonville's first non-alcoholic bar.
- Matt Colaciello grew up in Jacksonville and became an adult in Mali, India, and Indonesia. He’s a communications and media professional whose work focuses on environmental justice and human rights.
- Hope McMath is a cultural leader, educator, artist, curator, and activist whose knowledge of, and passion for, the arts is matched by a strong commitment to social justice and effecting positive change in organizations and communities.
Episode Three of Untold Stories: There and Back Again
- (Musical Performer) Michael Jordon was born and raised on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia and has been living and playing music in St. Augustine, Florida, since 2011. Living around, working on, and writing music about the water has been a constant thread throughout his life.
- Antoinette Johnson is the owner-operator of True Joy Helping, L.L.C., a company that creates bridges and opportunities for people to receive support when they need it.
- Ana Ng, polyglot, finance professional, and future start-up founder, is fluent in four languages and defies the stereotype of an average immigrant. She served as a member of the Advisory Board of Directors of the Brooks YMCA, Committee Chair of a Women's Network, and instructor for Junior Achievement.
- Grant Nielson is the creative director of Nuera Marketing in San Marco. He is an award-winning designer, an acclaimed musician, and a producer.
Episode Four of Untold Stories: There and Back Again
- (Musical Performer) Michael Jordon was born and raised on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia and has been living and playing music in St. Augustine, Florida, since 2011. Living around, working on, and writing music about the water has been a constant thread throughout his life.
- Arsun F!st was born in Panama City, Panama, but spent his formative years (from age eight on) in various places around the U.S., where he developed a love for hip-hop. After receiving degrees in both psychology and recording engineering, the rapper set out to pursue his musical career.
- Tricia Booker is an award-winning writer and journalist. She currently teaches writing at the University of North Florida and writes a blog about topics ranging from politics and literature to manners and personal problems.
- Philip Pan served as Concertmaster of the Jacksonville Symphony from 1984 to 2017. He earned a Bachelor of Music and a Master in Music from the Juilliard School, where he studied with Dorothy DeLay, Jens Ellerman, and Felix Galimir. He was one of the last proteges of William Kroll.