Storytelling for Businesses and Community Organizations

Bring First Person Arts’ storytelling expertise to your business or community organization! We offer customizable programs, all rooted in the power of storytelling, to empower individuals, build community, and open up dialogue around meaningful issues.

A First Person Arts StorySlam adds a personal touch to your conference, fundraiser, staff retreat, reunion, or orientation. StorySlams are fun and spontaneous events where participants tell true 5-minute stories on stage inspired by a selected theme. First Person Arts offers a range of options to bring StorySlams to your group, from providing coaching to your staff or constituents, to providing expert storytellers on a theme of your choosing.

• Length 1.5 hour event
• Audience Size Varies: Up to 10 storytellers perform their stories
• Previous Themes After Hours, Daily Grind, Firsts
• Previous Clients The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Longwood Gardens, the Free Library of Philadelphia, Temple Institute on Disabilities, and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

Develop first person stories with First Person Arts’ professionals and present those tales for an invited audience. This process is designed to share personal stories in an accessible and empowering way. Story Circles create connections within your neighborhood association, cultural organization, class, board, or staff.

• Size 8-10 participants
• Story Coaches Stories are developed with FPA professional story coaches
• Previous Topics Immigration, cultural identity, religion, neighborhood development, and family.
• Previous Clients The Philadelphia Museum of Art and Philadelphia Academies

First Person Arts and its teaching artists have decades of experience in creating theatrical performances from personal experience. Public performances can range from a simple evening of first-person stories, to devised theater pieces with fully-developed lighting and sound design. Whatever your vision, First Person Arts can transform your community’s stories into a professional performance developed by experienced artists and presented for a public audience.

• Length 45-60 minute performance
• Preparation Time 9-12 months
• Previous Clients The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, Curtis Institute for the Performing Arts, City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual DisAbilities, and National Museum of American Jewish History