The Storytelling Arts Center of the Southeast will host the 4th Annual Storytelling Festival of Carolina next weekend from April 23-25. The three-day event features on-going performances by six celebrated professional storytellers.

Jan Schmidt, executive director of the Storytelling Arts Center, explains that authentic storytelling is a performance genre and an artistic medium crafted by speech, imagery, stage presence, and an integral relationship with audience members. “Our featured performers are absolutely the best when it comes to the talent, craft, and skill involved with storytelling. They all have a natural charisma that reaches into the audience with honesty, poignancy, and down-to-earth appreciation for laughter and wit,” states Schmidt.

Schmidt adds that some folks might be surprised to hear that this year’s storytellers have performed all around the world in a variety of settings and venues including Walt Disney World and the Disney Institute, the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian Institution, and on National Public Radio.

We are extremely privileged to have these celebrated performers on our stage, and we expect nothing less than an unforgettable program.”

Headliners at this year’s Storytelling Festival of Carolina are Andy Offutt Irwin, Mitch Capel, Kim Weitkamp, Doug Elliott, and Gwen Rainer, with special guest Carmen Agra Deedy.

The festival will take place on the grounds of the historic John Blue House in Laurinburg NC. Festival admission passes range from $15 to $35.

Weekend, day and family ticket packages are available at the gate and for advance purchase at a discount. For more information contact the Storytelling Arts Center of the Southeast at 131 S. Main Street in Laurinburg, at (910) 291-0929, and online at www.sfoc.info.